Welcome back to Smarter Living, our weekly blog that delves into ever changing world of sustainable innovations. Here are some of the things we've been talking about over the past week.

Philips Sees the Light

Last week, global electronics giant Philips, unveiled the world's first LED replacement for the 75-watt incandescent light bulb during the LIGHTFAIR International trade show .

The new Philips EnduraLED A21 17-watt light bulb is the first LED equivalent to 75-watt incandescent bulbs, and it will consume 80 percent less energy than its outdated predecessor. The new bulbs also last 25 times longer than normal incandescent bulbs.

For a while now, LED bulbs and lighting efforts for residential use have been mostly experimental. However, with the new EnduraLED A21, not only does this bring us one step closer to harnessing LED technology for residential use, it also provides a significant return on investment, through extended bulb life and reduced energy and maintenance costs. The slick design of the bulbs also lends to its appeal, and while many might feel nostalgic for the old school incandescent bulb, the benefits of the LED are sure to attract everyone.

The Shower Calendar

Looking for a new way to help wake you up in the mornings? Fancy a healthy dose of in-house competition to kick start your day? Then the Shower Calendar could be just the thing.

This water-saving invention helps you to cut back the litres gurgling down your drain by appealing to our competitive nature. A panel is placed on your shower showing a calendar. Each household member has their own colour dot that appears when they enter the shower and this dot represents 60 litres of water (the approximate amount you might use during a long shower.) The longer you shower, the smaller the dot gets. The housemate with the biggest dot is the "short shower" winner. Not only can you battle with your housemates but you can race yourself and beat your personal best.

Take a look at the video below to find out more:

We think this idea is fantastic - what better way to change peoples' behaviour than through a healthy, cut-throat, early morning, water-wasting war? Rather than physically limiting water allowances, this system motivates you to do better, helping persuade you to change your long showering ways without leaving you grumpy with un-rinsed hair at 7.30am on a Monday. Plus you get to gloat over your cereal!

Eat Fresher

When the sun is out and holidays fast approaching we all like to stock up on healthy fresh snacks which is why we love this new iphone app from Seasons. Seasons tells you what fruit and veg is in season and by following the natural seasons you get a greater variety of produce, all at the very peak of freshness. What better way to start and celebrate National Vegetarian Week!

Solar Serpent Structure

 

Swedish architect Mans Tham wants to bring 237 acres of solar power to the middle of Los Angeles with this urban infrastructure design. Tham went halfway around the world to find inspiration for this serpent-shaped solar skin for the Santa Monica freeway.

On the surface of the structure is a huge array of solar panels that produce a peak of 150 mWhs of clean energy for the local population. This is an important element of the design because distant power sources can lose 15% of their energy to power lines. As well as the solar power benefits noise from the motorway is reduced, and electric car power stations will be stationed beneath.

Don't forget, if you spot any stories you think we should feature in our Smarter Living blog, then why not tweet us or leave a comment in the box below. See you next week!