A New Way to Monitor Water Consumption.

In the UK, 65% of domestic water consumption happens in the washroom. Reducing water usage while showering to the recommended level is saving families of four in the UK, up to £180 a year in energy and water costs. Eco Showerdrop is a universal shower meter, designed to tackle this issue. Its digital display lets you know how much water your shower has dispensed. The products visual diagram alerts you as the recommended amount of water is being consumed.

According to Jacob Tompkins, the director of Waterwise, the UK’s NGO focused on decreasing water consumption in the UK, “showering accounts for about one third of the total water used in the home and this is the fastest growing sector of water use. Devices like the Showerdrop shower meter help consumers become more aware of how much water they need to shower.”

For more information visit ecokettle.com

Paper Foam

This is a Holland-based company that produces an interesting material: Paper Foam.

Paper Foam is made out of recycled paper and its mechanical properties are similar to pulp or Styrofoam (often used in packaging applications). It can be rather fragile, but it offers new possibilities in finishes, colors and of course a sustainable component for the design of packaging and products.

http://www.paperfoam.com/

Er Kankyo is another company that produces a similar product (based in Japan). Their website is only in Japanese, but it is worth checking out their products.

http://www.er-kankyo.co.jp/