Energy Conservation and the News:
"Scientist Emerges from Underwater Box After Two Weeks"
Think you know how to make the most out of sustainable living? Lloyd Godson certainly does.
In April 2006 marine biologist, Australian Lloyd Godson spent 13 days doing something that not very many people would ever think to imagine: he lived underwater in a steel "living energy box" and was only able to survive because of the advances in renewable energy sources.
Godson spent almost two weeks at the bottom of a lake in the bright yellow submarine capsule he refers to as the BioSUB - to make a statement to world and become a role-model for sustainable living.
Many have marvelled at the ingenious ways that Godson kept his underwater world running. For example, the Australian scientist used a system of solar panels and a pedal-powered generator to generate electricity.
Even more impressive is the manner in which Godson coped with underwater-specific issues, such as the need for oxygen. In this case the elegant solution was a simple algae garden that converted the carbon dioxide Godson exhaled back into usable oxygen. What was the main message of this stunt? If it can be done at the bottom of a lake it can be done on dry land.
Emerging from his 10 foot long submarine and obviously relieved to be breathing fresh air again, Godson's first statements referred to the amazing ".feeling of sunshine and breeze on the face". Obviously, this exercise is not for the faint of heart, even as the most seasoned scientist, continued Godson ".you start to get a bit of cabin fever, but.I thought it was going to drive me a bit more nuts than it did".
Still thinking that perhaps you could accomplish the same task as Godson? Consider this: Godson had to recycle his own urine and waste! Fortunately, a team of divers delivered food and drinking water, including fruit, nuts, and a homemade lasagna.
Even in a world of energy conservation there is still room for luxury. Godson was spared the insanity of being alone for 13 days as he used his foot-powered laptop computer and wireless internet connection to communicate with schoolchildren from around the world.
Godson himself has become something of a celebrity in the scientific community. The 29-year-old scientist won funding for the project by winning $41,800 contest called "Live Your Dream" sponsored by the nature magazine, Australian Geographic. Since his experience Godson has also been interviewed and profiled by media all around the world, with his message of sustainability and energy conservation being heard loud and clear.
| |
^Top | |
 |
© 2011 | An Affiliate of British Gas |  RSS |  |
|
