Could your gaming device solve an environmental problem?

If you’ve ever thought some of the things lying around your house could be used to solve an environmental problem, then the Open Planet Ideas project could be for you.

They are not looking for new ideas for building environmentally-friendly products. Instead, it’s about inviting people to collaborate in finding unusual or new ways to use existing technology to do some good.

Based on over 300 inspirations that have already been generated by would-be participants, Sony Open Planet Ideas has come up with six eco themes centred on using resources more efficiently. The project is encouraging members of the public to get involved via the website to help solve these questions by sharing their ideas and potential solutions. Participants have until November 13th to submit their ideas.

Any idea, large or small could help make a difference. This ‘mash-up’ approach to re-using current technologies was first demonstrated by Sony last year. Working with Sony, a group of school children came up with a solution to wild forest fires using security cameras and wireless networks - a problem which causes over a billion tonnes of carbon dioxide to be released into the atmosphere every year.

Judges will be looking for innovative solutions to help with issues such as recycling, ensuring waste is turned into something more useful or designing products that are less resource intensive. The project runs until January 2011 and following a process of collaboration and judging by an expert panel including representatives from WWF and IDEO, the winning idea will gain the chance to become a reality.

So if you feel inspired, tune into the live webTV show, where Kate Bellingham, Dax Lovegrove from WWF and Ben Moore from Sony will be explaining what you need to do to take part, share their tips and set your creative juices flowing.

Kate Bellingham, Dax Lovegrove and Ben Moore will be live online to discuss the Sony Open Planet competition.

Take part at:
studiotalk.tv/show/could_your_gaming_device_solve_an_environmental_problem

Date:
Thursday 21st October at 3pm

For more information visit: openplanetideas.com