The Green Light is actually a very simple concept that does a few things all at once with solar technology. Using a solar awning to harness the sun's rays, a six watt LED bulb (60 watt equivalent) is illuminated and powers the photosynthesis process; plants grow in a shallow planter bowl, which then in turn filters the air of atmospheric contaminants. Simply put, it's an air purifying terrarium chandelier...
Developed through the xDesign Environmental at New York University, the Green Light was pioneered by Bill Wolverton, an environmental scientist and retired NASA researcher who wanted to flush out contaminants from the stale atmosphere of long-term life-support space stations. “We found that the most effective plants are the ones with high transpiration rates like palms,” he tells Popular Mechanics.
At $6000, this is one pricey chandelier. One has to wonder if a budget DIY version could be devised using a Solatube and an off the shelf solar LED lighting mechanism. Now if they could somehow incorporate a self-watering system, this could be an excellent option for small space, urban dwellers to bring a little green into their home.
[via Popular Mechanics]
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is it just me or are they growing cannabis sativa in that second pic???
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love this! I wonder if a semi-green version could be made using just the led and palm plants... (rented apartment not conducive to solar tube idea...)
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