Electrolux Design Lab 2007: And The Winner Is...
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 11.29.07
...Levente Szabo. Congratulations to the Hungarian design student, who took home the top prize from the Electrolux Design lab 2007 competition with E-wash, a compact washing washing machine that uses soap nuts instead of detergent. The announcement came yesterday in Paris, where all the finalists had gathered to compare and celebrate their designs.
The fifth edition of the contest featured the second clothes washer in three years (remember the Airwash?) to garner the win; it's most notable feature is that it's designed to use soap nuts rather than detergent, to make it viable for use in developing countries across the world.
It came from the challenge to students to come up with environmentally-sound, commercially viable products and solutions that would enable consumers to "live in greater harmony with the environment."
“E-wash is a brilliant connection between ancient knowledge and high-tech,” comments juror Henrik Otto, Head of Global Design for Electrolux. “It takes someone open-minded to look for solutions from somewhere else and apply them to his own culture.”
Szabó says that his starting point was the polluting effect of both the washing process and the production, packaging and transportation of the detergent. “I was looking for a substance that could replace the detergent,” he explains.“ The soapnut is a natural plant and can be cultivated. It does not harm nature but is a part of it.
“The other problem was the form of conventional washing machine. I reduced the size and made it flat, so it would fit into a small apartment, but also would be able to wash a lot of clothes at the same time.”
The award for second place went to Pebble by Laura Pandelle from École Boulle, France. Pebble is a portable, solar food cooker that uses spray-on solar cells and induction heating for precise, energy-efficient cooking (we featured it here). “This is a fascinating design that’s plausible and really useful,” comments juror Jason Bradbury, a UK technology presenter. “Solar paint is a really interesting use of a really exciting technology.”
Third place went to Go Fresh by He Cheng Fei from Jiangnan University, China. Go Fresh (also featured here) is an energy-saving fridge with individual, honeycomb-shaped compartments that preserve each type of food at the right temperature and can be removed to be taken on a picnic, for example.
Congratulations to all winners and finalists (who are all winners in our eyes); we expect to be washing exclusively with soap nuts, cooking with spray-on solar and cooling with increased efficiency soon. ::Electrolux Design lab and ::Electrox Design lab blog
Thirsty for more? Check out these related articles:
- How to Make a Christmas Stocking from Recycled Wool Sweaters
- 2008 AR Awards Announced
- Kitchen Design: David Gottfried's LEED Home Renovation
- Design Competition: A Commuter Bike for the Masses
Soap Nuts (Soapnuts) – Nature’s Natural Detergent
I’m not an environmentalist by any stretch of the imagination, but I do consider the impact of what I am doing has on the environment. That is why when my wife started using Soap Nuts as our household cleaner, it sparked my curiosity to learn more.
What are Soap Nuts?
Soap Nuts are actually not nuts at all. They are berries (also known as Soap Berries) that grow on trees in India & Nepal. There are two main varieties of Soap Nuts: sapindus trifoliatus (The Small Soap Nut) and sapindus mukorossi (The Large Soap Nut). The Large Soap Nut is the most commonly used in cleaning (probably due to its size & ease of harvesting), but both varieties are quite effective.
How do Soap Nuts Work as a Detergent?
Soap Nuts contain large quantities of saponin in their shells, which acts as a natural, gentle detergent when it comes into contact with water. Without added chemicals, fragrances or dyes, Soap Nuts are safe and gentle for handwashing delicates, yet tough enough for regular laundry. They will leave your laundry soft, clean and fragrance free, without the use of fabric softeners.
Will Soap Nuts Clean Difficult Items?
Yes and No. Soap Nuts are one of the best detergents out there to get rid of bad odors. Musty towels and wash cloths, even cloth diapers, come out smelling fresh and new. When it comes to stubborn stains, though, such as blood & red wine, you will want to use a stain remover to help the cleaning process.
What About My Allergies to Soap?
Most allergic reactions to soap are due to added chemicals and fragrance. Soap Nuts are naturally grown and chemical free. When we began using soap nuts for our laundry detergent, the eczema which I had across my chest and belly cleared up and has been gone now for 6 months. Soap Nuts are 100% non-allergenic.
How do I use Soap Nuts in my Laundry?
For Laundry Detergent, you can use Soap Nuts one of two ways:
1. Toss 3 half Soap Nut shells in a small muslin bag (provided with most Soap Nuts orders) and throw it in with your laundry. (Make sure that you take the soap nuts out before putting your clothes in the dryer). The nuts will do 3 or 4 loads.
2. Boil 100 g of Soap Nuts in 12 cups (3L) of water for 30 minutes. The liquid you have is now a concentrated, chemical free detergent. The leftover shells can be placed in your compost. Use 3 Tbsp or 45 ml of this detergent with each load of laundry. This allows you to do approximately 45 loads of laundry. Not bad for under $10!
Can Soap Nuts be used for More Than Just Laundry Detergent?
Yes. Soap Nuts can be used, in the liquid form, for cleaning just about anything. From dish washer soap, to window & glass cleaner, to repairing oily or dry hair, Soap Nuts are a multi-purpose cleaner. For more information on particular applications visit http://SoapNuts.Wordpress.com
The End Product Still Goes Down the Drain. Does That Hurt the Environment?
No. Soap nuts are antimicrobial. This means that they actually help in breaking down the grey water in the septic system. Also, you do not have to do a rinse cycle when you do your laundry with soap nuts. This can save gallons of water every wash cycle. Don’t worry, though; if you forget to stop your machine before the rinse cycle the Soap Nuts are just as effective. The amount of saponin left in the rinse cycle will just leave your clothes feeling soft.
Soap Nuts are a Win-Win Situation
With great cleaning power, no harmful chemicals, & prices that rival any other detergents, Soap Nuts are one of the best cleaning agents you can buy.
For more information on Soap Nuts & pricing, visit http://Stores.HotterThanHealth.com
There are 2 species of Soapberry that are native to the southern and western US.......Sapindus saponaria and Sapindus saponaria var. drummondii. It would seem to make more sense to utilize these rather than import the berries from Asia. I harvest my own from the trees in my yard.
Lullwater Soap Nuts - 100% Bio-degradable Laundry Detergent now available in the USA at www.lullwaterbrands.com
DwellSmart is another source in the US for soap nuts. I've tried them and have been really pleased.
Good information on the washer. I would like to get one when they come on the market.