The Fresh Food Connection

Fresh Connect uses new technologies with the aim of saving resources while trying to keep food fresh. The concept employs an entirely new approach to food conservation through a series of specialized accessories connected by a central cooling system with an online delivery service. The setup consists of a Central Cooling System teamed with accessories like Fruit Basket, Bread Basket, Wine Cooler, Herbarium, Cool Boxes along with Ordering system + Delivery Bags.

Central Cooling System

A central cooling system brings the right atmosphere (temperature and humidity level) to each connected accessory. The system can be shared by several apartments in the same building which brings benefits for all through energy saving.

Accessories

The design of the accessories is defined by the food that inhabits them. They are optimized in size to avoid food wastage and the home delivery service guarantees a fresh supply of products according to personal needs. The atmosphere (temperature and humidity level) is automatically adjusted to the type and amount of food inside. If the container is empty, the system automatically turns it off to save energy.

Fruit Basket

The Fruit Basket is divided in two levels. The top tray is meant for fruit and vegetables that benefit from light (inside the handle). The light is designed to facilitate the ripening of fruits as well as maintaining their original freshness. Two different types of light are used: visible light for enhancing nutritional values and UV light for killing bacteria. The bottom tray is used for vegetables like potatoes and onions that prefer darkness when conserved.

Bread Basket

The Bread Basket keeps the bread fresh as if it had just been bought from the baker’s. The inside tray can be used as a serving dish at the table.

Wine Cooler

The wine coolers preserve wine at the desired temperature according to the different types of wine. They keep the temperature stable even when brought to the table (autonomy of two hours off the docking station).

Herbarium

The Herbarium provides the ideal environment for growing herbs and spices all year round. The integrated lighting guarantees the right amount of light even on cloudy days and the system reminds the user to add water when needed.

Cool Boxes

Separate compartments have been designed for products that prefer to be concealed, like dairy, fish, meat and frozen foods. Each compartment provides the ideal atmosphere for the conservation of the selected items.

Ordering system + Delivery Bags

This online service is a selected network of local fresh food suppliers that provides a fresh food delivery service directly from the supplier to the customer. Placing an order is easy, since the service can be accessed from anywhere through all smart devices (computers, tablets and phones).

The online system keeps track of the food supply at home and helps the user to build a shopping list. It creates a community network that rewards group orders. The users get benefit in lowered prices when ordering together; they also collect community points that benefit the whole neighborhood.

The freshness of the products is guaranteed from the source to the end user by the use of specialized insulated delivery bags that can keep the desired atmosphere inside throughout the delivery. The bags are delivered and locked onto a docking station that utilizes the same centralized cooling system as the one inside the home. The system will continue to feed the bag with the right temperature and humidity level to the moment it is picked up by the customer and brought home.

All orders are processed centrally to optimize the food transportation in the most eco-efficient manner. Group deliveries reduce pollution caused by individual shopping and eco-transportation is used, when possible to make the delivery.

Designer: Whirlpool Global Consumer Design


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(The Fresh Food Connection was originally posted on Yanko Design)

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  2. The Rainbow Connection
  3. The Stool Connection

The Water Tank Project

Artists transform NYC’s rooftop water towers to raise awareness about conservation

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With less than 1% of all fresh water on Earth safe for human consumption—a number that works out to around 200,000 km3 of water—the truth about the world’s available supply is frightening. To draw attention to the urgency of water conservation, the not-for-profit Word Above The Street is working with an array of artists who will wrap 300 of NYC’s beloved water towers in a museum-in-the-sky mission aptly dubbed The Water Tank Project. Curated by Lisa Dennison, Neville Wakefield and a host of other industry buffs, artists already signed on for the 2013 endeavor include Ed Ruscha, Tim Maguire, Tony Oursler and Mark Sheinkman.

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After the three-month stint in NYC, Word Above The Street plans to take the project around the world to cities like Mumbai, Rio de Janeiro, Sydney, Mexico City and beyond. Those living outside of NYC or the project’s future locations can still experience the art through the nonprofit’s forthcoming app and other online media.

Supporters can back the project by shopping at Whole Foods in Manhattan on 1 March 2012, when 5% of sales will benefit The Water Tank Project, or by donating online through Paypal. Keep up to date with the project by following TWTP on Twitter.


Three Ways to Conserve Water

Save water with personalized shower cycles, wood-clad rain barrels and solar pumps

Turning off the water while brushing your teeth is a fine start to addressing the challenges we face when it comes to the increasingly problematic resource. But to cope with what some scientists claim will be the biggest global concern in coming years calls for bigger and better innovations. The following three solutions currently on the market help greater water conservation efforts both in and outdoors.

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The most sensible way to save water is to do so literally. Turn to rainy weather experts with this barrel made by the Pacific Northwest-based Rainbarrel Man. The outfit hand builds these wood-clad, steel-banded barrels to order using salvaged lumber. Sensible and sturdy, the structures are the easiest way to “save a rainy day” while both reducing water pollution and storm water runoff. The deluxe garden barrel sells for $235 and ships fully assembled directly from their Portland, Oregon workshop.

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Now that you’ve got your rain barrel up and working, the next step is to add a pump system to help gardens stay hydrated and healthy during the dry months. The new solar-powered RainPerfect has a quick installation process and standard garden hose compatibility. Converting the sun’s rays into energy, the device provides plenty of pressure to get reclaimed water to parched plants without using any electricity. Retailing for $139, check RainPerfect online for where to buy.

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Taking a more substantial stance on in-home water conservation, Pensar Development’s Indulgence concept shower takes a holistic approach by drawing on individual routines to reduce water usage. Personalized cycles consisting of a low-flow initial rinse, followed by warming mist jets while you soap up and ending with a second low-flow rinse keeps users comfortable while reducing water and energy usage by more than half. To learn more about this ingenious concept, contact Pensar directly.

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