While still relevant, solar panels and wind turbines are old news compared to some of the more
unconventional renewable energy innovations that have hit the market. Now, with the emergence of pedal-to-power technology, conscious consumers can convert their kinetic energy into electricity, benefitting not only their own health but also that of the environment.
TGO Green Energy Gym: The Great Outdoor Gym Company’s
TGO Green Energy Gym, an outdoor installation of cardio equipment located in North East England, invites kids and adults alike to squeeze in a workout after dark. The free, public gym lights up using
kinetic power harnessed through the use of cross training machines, hand bikes, and recumbent bikes, among other
fitness apparatuses. Creative Director Georgie Delaney fashioned the concept after realizing that "a lot of people find exercise a waste of time, but when you’ve got something tangible you can take away, you feel like you’re contributing.” In time, TGO hopes to incorporate stations for recharging riders’ phones and music players.
WeBike: Demand for
stand-up desks is
growing, particularly
since a study released by the American Cancer Society found that people who sit for more than six hours a day are significantly more likely to die prematurely than those who sit for only three. With that fact as inspiration, hybrid bicycle-desk
WeBike requires desk jockeys to pedal in order to power their workstation laptops, cellphones and other devices. Designed by Belgian company WeWatt, the three-seater displays an interactive LED ring that tracks how much power has been generated through physical activity in real-time. The bike is partially made of recycled materials, including leather and cedar, further elevating its sustainability.
Bicycle-Powered Televisions: Vacations are a time to indulge and relax, but they also can lead to weight gain. For those who can’t drag themselves to the hotel gym,
Cottage Lodge, a 17th century B&B in the UK, offers a unique way to keep entertained while staying fit: a bicycle-powered TV. To power up the tube, guests must quickly start pedaling the stationary bike, which spins a generator and accumulates electricity. Once it turns on, maintaining a steady pace promises consistent access to the small screen. Along with low-energy lighting, solar panels and low-flow showers, the eco-chic hotel harnesses electricity from photovoltaic cells on the roof to relieve tired cyclists.
