Green Light: CO2 + Water Power ‘Algae Energy’ Eco Lamp

Pet rocks and Chia pets, move over – or just sit there, as the case may be- here is a home hobby that goes beyond kitsch aesthetics to add functionality to your daily life. Yes, now you can grow your own living, breathing, all-organic lamp with just a little love, care and the occasional fill-up with an outdoor hose or indoor kitchen faucet.

Long considered for potential bio-fuel properties, algae can be tapped for low levels of continuous electricity – perfect for the minimal power requirements of an elementary lighting fixture. All it requires is a bit of carbon dioxide, some natural light and water in which to grow – you can even set it outside in the sun then breath into it to give it an extra boost.

Internal sensors make sure that energy is not drained too quickly from the biomass inside, so setting it outdoors to sit both in daytime sunlight and under night skies should not be a problem – but if you do not have a naturally green thumb, be careful to watch the water and heat levels before you set a world record as the first person to kill a light.