From carbon-food-calculators to digital roller-skates, here are some things that made us say “That’s Interesting” in the studio this week.
So, we see platforms informing consumers and businesses about their CO2 footprints, pandemic-enabled hospitality trends bringing people closer to nature, culturally driven software collaborations, and a student concept aiming to reduce period poverty.
The CO2 connoisseur.
The past few years has seen a sustainability spotlight placed on the food industry, with more-and-more consumers becoming privy to the fact that filling their bellies – to a greater or lesser extent – means taxing the planet. Swedish start-up, Kilmato, is looking to remedy this through a web app that allows restaurants to score the ‘climate-friendliness’ of their meals – and, in doing so, encouraging both businesses and their consumers to be greener. With a lack of transparency and common measures across sustainability initiatives, perhaps there’s a need for third parties who set the standards?
Calculate your CO2 emissions here
Under the stars.
The pandemic brought nature to the fore, and with a reduction in pollution, many of us (in cities, at least) could finally see the stars! Players in the hospitality seem to have taken note, with stargazing and astrology packages on the rise. The Hyatt Regency is one such brand that’s welcomed the trend – partnering with Nasa ambassador, Edward Mahone, to offer their guests a tour of the eighty constellations visible from their Hawaii resort. The pandemic led to the uptake in new interests and hobbies. Question is, which ones are here to stay?
Start stargazing here
Skate stories.
If you’ve been on TikTok or Instagram lately (or walked through Hyde Park), chances are you’ve noticed the roller-skating renaissance. Adobe, always on top of things, have collaborated with English actress, singer and songwriter, Cynthia Erivo and 3D artist, CHRLX, to demonstrate their Substance 3D software – designing a series of six one-of-kind digital roller skates that illustrate the link between Black history and roller-skating culture. Making software relevant through an appraisal of culture and the arts – top marks from us!
Join the roller-skate madness here
Lifesaving concept.
Looop Can, designed by product design student, Cheuk Laam Wong, is a portable menstruation-pad cleaning kit that aims to reduce period poverty amongst refugees. Featuring a cleaning container, seventy-grams of baking soda, and a reusable sanitary pad made from bamboo terry fabric, the Looop Can is not only an ethical solution for people, but – by reducing waste from pads – it’s also planet-focused. Another example of innovative design helping change the world for the better.
Show your support to the cause here