Cardboard as we all know is easily recyclable and decomposable, which makes it one of the greenest materials around. Furniture designers have already tapped the traits of cardboard and have revealed several green furniture units that are trendy too. After witnessing the success of the material in furniture industry, several gadget manufacturers and product designers have thought of using the material to replace plastic that commonly makes up the cases of most electronic devices. Here is a list of 10 eco friendly gadgets that are made green with a cardboard exterior:
Cardboard USB Stick
Created by Colin Garceau-Tremblay, this 1GB USB stick is made up of recycled cardboard and comes in a continuous plate of five keys and each key can be detached by cracking the plaque on dotted lines. Among shiny stylish metal and plastic USB sticks, this cardboard piece may not allure you, but for the good of your environment it’s far better than anyone of these.
Recompute
Designed by Brenden Macaluso, the Recompute is a new way of thinking about computers that layers sustainable ideas throughout its lifecycle to make an overall sustainable product that can be easily replicated. Recompute address sustainability along three main points during its life. Made from recyclable cardboard, the computer doesn’t require any fasteners, screws, metals, plastics and other materials that may add to landfills.
Muji Portable Cardboard Speakers
The Muji Portable Cardboard speakers fold out almost completely flat for storage and can be carried around with ease. Cardboard and electronic components are merged well to build this unique piece. Its beauty lies in its simplicity. This environmentally responsible product seems streamlined both its packaging and usage.
Cardboard Record Player
Created by audio engineering company GGRP Sound, this corrugated cardboard sleeve can be opened up and converted into a human-powered record player. The player allows you to turn the record via a pencil with detailed instructions printed on the sleeve itself.
Box Amp
The Box Amp is a $30 kit that transforms any old cardboard box into a guitar amplifier. You’ll need some basic soldering skills but once the hot-work is done, you’ll need nothing but a craft-knife to fashion an almost infinite array of enclosures.
Recyclable Cardboard Laptop Concept
Designed by Je Sung Park, the Cardboard Laptop concept is to be made using recycled paper or cardboard pulp, which is packed in layers. Repairing the system would also be an easier job, as damaged portions could easily be replaced with new ones and sent for recycling.
B&D messenger
The B&D messenger, designed by Okada Noriaki, bills itself as a way for both visually and hearing impaired to communicate via text message. The product’s cost has been lowered by building its body with cardboard.
iPod Boombox
This cardboard iPod Boombox is designed by Suck UK, which comes flat packed and features actual speakers that are powered by four AA batteries.
DIY Cardboard Speakers
Designed like a retro audio device by a Japanese company, the Paper Speaker ships as a DIY cardboard kit. Buyers essentially get a 3W amp and 1W speaker housed in a paper box that is ready to be plugged into your PC via USB.
Cardboard Radio
This Cardboard Radio is a part of a radio-inspired collection by designer Ewa Bochen. Created especially for the DNY Berlin 2008, the collection brings out the iconic status of the everyday object while representing the power of the media, the loneliness of an individual in a modern society and the pervasive need for belonging to a community.
