Link:http://www.treehugger.com/files/2011/05/sustainable-decadence-wind-powered-hot-tub.php?campaign=th_rss&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_cgn=Feed%3A+treehuggersite+%28Treehugger%29
Summary: Ross Stevens showed that he can do many things with junk when he completed what he called a "Sustainable Decadence" which is a wind-powered spa and hot-tub made of pure trash. Stevens believes that many of the joys in life can and should be connected to sustainable energy sources. His overall approach began by trying to locate objects that have already served their purpose in life. The hardest part for him was how to connect these different pieces into an overall structure. He used parts such as a walk-in fridge, many beer bottles for the turbine blades, and a reused tractor gearbox. In the end, Ross Stevens proves that there are ways to enjoy life while being environmentally friendly.
Reflection:
I think this is an amazing accomplishment for Ross Stevens. Not only did he make a wind power hot tub, but he made it using only trash. He saved fossil fuels and landfill space, and he did it in a way that he can enjoy it and have a true feeling of accomplishment. The only thing that confuses me is why he decided to use wind power to heat his hot tub, than some other source that directly creates heat, such as geothermal or solar. I though this idea was also very creative because most people try to find one contraption to prevent the use of fossil fuels, but he found a way and successfully built it single-handedly, using only trash. Hopefully, more people will be inspired by this and invent new ways to help the environment in multiple ways.
This reminds me of an article on geothermal hot tubs and how easily they can be made at home. They both use alternative energy to enjoy a hot tub, which can help the environment as well as help the stress on bones.
Questions:
1. What may be some possible disadvantages of his creation?
2. What are some other possible creations that can be made that help the environment in multiple ways?
3. In what ways can we use trash to replace the items we use daily?
4. How is wind power used to heat a hot tub?
5. How long will it be until we are completely independent of fossil fuels?
It’s really neat that Ross Stevens is did this; it’s really remarkable that he make a wind powered hot made of pure trash. If everyone did this, we would have a lot less trashed piled up in our landfills; I not taking about only making wind powered hot tubs but finding new uses for the things we call “trash.” With his invention he has saved a ton of materials and energy. I like how Stevens is being inventive and uses the materials that lost its purpose and made them have a new one. In class when we watched that video on how much we waste and where it goes, he is saving so many materials from being put in bad places. Most of our trash is either put in a landfill, recycled and sold, incinerated, or decomposed on; as a society we need to be more aware of what we throw away.
ReplyDeleteQuestion #5
There is no knowing when and if we become completely independent of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels play a huge role in our day to day routines that we probably don’t even realize it. It’s going to take an extremely long time for us to become independent, unless some new technology is developed that everyone buys into.
I think this is a great idea. The fact that you can make a spa is cool and that it is made from garbage makes it even cooler. Soon, we might be able to use this idea and start to make cars from garbage. This will create a lot more room in the landfills. It is also energy efficient which makes it even better. He is using wind power instead of regular electric. I can relate to this because we I find a junk in my basement that I haven't used in ten years, I wonder if I can make it into something else.
ReplyDeleteAnswer to question 3
We can use trash to replace a few daily things that we use. We can use it to replace cars. If we can create energy, build an engine and a frame, then it will definately be possible to build cars from trash.
This is increable interasting. I wonder how well it actually works though, but his idea should help everyone think about the swithc over to alterative energy. Though I personally don't know if they have to go to this extreme, however it does help the enviorment a great deal.
ReplyDeleteQuestions...
1)How sterdy and well put together is his hot tube?
2) Will it last as long as the ones not made from trash?
3) How well does his hot tube work if it is not windy is cold?
I am really glad everytime I hear about one of the cool inventions. It makes me feel good that somebody out there is taking care of our environment. Things like this invention will help alternative energies become more and more popular. I hope more people like this will have more sco-friendly ideas.
ReplyDeleteQuestion 1: If there is no wind in the area the hot tub cannot be used. this means that areas with low amounts of wind can't use this. Also, it may be expensive, so this isn't for people who don't have alot of extra money.