snowpods

Introduction

Background

This is the biomimicry project for “Climate Change Challenge 2017”. The requirement is to create a nature-inspired innovation that combats climate change by either: Helping communities adapt to or mitigate climate change impacts Reversing or slowing climate change itself.

Meet the Team

- Team Snowpods: Cassie, Jacque, Micah (left to right) -

Identify & Empathize

Honed in on reducing/mitigating climate change
Conducted research through literature & observation
Analyzed cause & effects of climate change
Looked into solutions via case studios: Nike’s Tracks & Playgrounds, Pineapple Leather Company

Define

Reduction of petrochemicals
Plastic is a major contributor of petrochemicals
Major reasons plastic is used:
- Convenience
- Economics
- Storage
- Sanitation

How can we reduce dependence on petrochemicals for asset protection in modern society?

Eliminate packaging of products

Ideate & Biologize

Brainstorming sessions revolved around two themes:
- Plastic as protection
- Nature as protection
Packaging as protection:
- Storage
- Insulation
- Sanitation
- Permanent vs. Temporary
Biological strategies for protection:
- Layers (Trees, flowers, fruit)
- Scales (Millipede, pangolin)
- Internal Storage (Honeypot ants, human stomach)

Nature as Protection

Nature protects many of its valuable resources by utilizing layers. These layers keep moisture out, insulate, ward off insects, replenish themselves, and utilize multiple materials.

Nature optimizes rather than maximizes
Nature uses materials & chemicals that are safe for living beings
Nature recycles

Using the concept of layering aided by utilizing nature’s unifying processes, we sought to create our product.

Onions

Epidermal cells create the outermost layer and protect against fungi & viruses

Snowpeas

Fibrous outermost layer protects from elements and leads to inner pod wall that surrounds the pods - pods have thin layer surrounding them

Incorporating Nature into Design

Operationalization:

Eliminate packaging & waste
Use rice paper & brown algae-calcium chloride instead of creating plastics
Permanent/reusable aspect made of recycled ocean plastics

Prototype

Snow Pods come to fruition

Package & waste is eliminated at home and at the retail level
Stores have a larger version vessel of our dispenser, where users buy additional pods in bulk

Future of snowpods

Limitations:

We did not have the resources or expertise to create a physical prototype.
We were not able to develop the intricacies of production.

Future Development

These limitations leave ample room for continued development.
The next steps should be lab formulation where formulas are created to make the pods, which have a base of brown algae and calcium chloride.
Decisions should be made on what type of dissolvable rice paper should be used for the outer layer and a formula should be created for toothpaste.
A plan on how plastics from the ocean will be gathered and used to make the dispensers should be mapped out.
Once these milestones are met, a physical prototype should be produced.
Based on the prototype, production intricacies can be addressed and introduction into the market can begin.

Biodegradable Toothpaste Capsules