Insects as a Sustainable Feed Ingredient in Pig and Poultry Diets

October 18, 2012 by kris de decker Filed Under: Food, Meat

“Use of insects as a sustainable protein rich feed ingredient in pig and poultry feed is technically feasible. Insects can be reared on low-grade bio-waste and can turn low-grade bio-waste into high quality proteins. Insects therefore can be a promising interesting link in the animal feed chain to fulfil the globally increased demand for protein.”

“Insects as a sustainable feed ingredient in pig and poultry diets – a feasibility study” (PDF), Livestock Research, Wageningen University, October 2012. Previously: Mass Insect Farming / Edible Insects and Insecticides.

Wire Hanger Rocket Stove

October 16, 2012 by kris de decker Filed Under: Cooking stoves, DIY

Wire hanger rocket stove“The thab stove is a designed template that utilizes unwanted wire hangers
from North America to assist in improving the portable dung stove used
by Tibetan nomads.

  • 1.6 million people die from indoor pollution (three stones fire) every year and that equals to one death every 20 seconds.
  • 3.5 billion wire hangers end up in U.S. landfill every year and that equals to 60,000 cars
  • 5.6 million stoves can be made from 3.5 billion unwanted wire hangers every year.”

See and read more. Via Treehugger and Designboom. Thanks to Angela Riviera.

International Appropriate Tech Competition

October 16, 2012 by kris de decker Filed Under: Events

“The Siemens Stiftung has initiated a worldwide competition to identify and present appropriate technical solutions for developmental activities. Held to directly bring together low tech innovations for basic supply problems in developing countries, these innovations should be implemented with the resources in the regions. The project also aims to build up a database of inventions that is accessible to actors in developmental cooperation. All intellectual properties will remain with the developer/developing team. The Siemens Stiftung has a total of 200,000 EUR at its disposal to be awarded to the best 23 entries. Online application is possible until 31st December 2012.” Read more. Via Afrigadget.

Modern Stone and Flint Tools

October 16, 2012 by kris de decker Filed Under: Primitive technology, Tools

Modern stone and flint tools“The set is a result of an experimental exploration of the realm of tool
making. Where stone and flint tools have been the means of our
ancestors’ survival for over a million years, they magnify our bodily
(teeth, fingernails, fists etc.) capabilities of cutting and chopping,
sawing and pounding. Through a method of three-dimensionally scanning
and printing, the ancient artifacts are digitally outfitted with
custom-designed handles, encapsulating the rugged forms in a perfectly
enclosed case.”

Modern stone and flint tools. Via Makezine. Previously: Flint knapping.

Bicycle Trailer with Solar Panel Charges Electric Bicycle

October 11, 2012 by kris de decker Filed Under: Bicycles, Bikes, Pedal power, Solar, Travel

Bicycle Trailer with Solar Panel Charges Electric Bicycle

“The electric bicycle has become a very long way in recent years. However, the lack of luggage space and limited range of the battery makes the electric bike less suited to long distances. Solarwind, designed by architect Raf Van Hulle, offers a solution.

The trailer provides extra luggage space and is fitted with a solar panel to keep the electric bicycle’s battery charged.”

Solarwind.

Historic Bottle Website

October 10, 2012 by kris de decker Filed Under: Bottles, Glass

Glass bottles“Website Goals: To enable the user to answer two primary questions about most utilitarian bottles and jars produced in the United States and Canada between the early 1800s and 1950s, as follows:

1. What is the age of the bottle?
2. What type of bottle is it?

The above two questions also address what was succinctly articulated in the Intermountain Antiquities Computer System (IMACS) and the nominal purpose of this website, which is “…to provide archaeologists with a manual for a standard approach to arriving at historical artifact function and chronology”. This entire website is essentially a “key” – albeit a complex one – to the dating and typing (typology) of historic bottles.

In addition, this site also assists the user with these questions:

3. What technology, techniques, or processes were used to manufacture the bottle?
4. Where did the bottle come from, i.e., where was it made and/or used?
5. Where can I go for more information on historic bottles?”

Historic Bottle Website.