From pollution-reducing transportation to architecture that literally sucks contaminants out of the air, these innovations are fighting pollution all over the planet.
The Clouds Observatory is a series of pollution-reducing rooftop pods. The plastic clouds deflect heat away from buildings, reducing the need for high-energy air conditioning. Furthermore, professors at the University of California created a bikini that filters pollution out of the water surrounding them as they swim.
In high-pollution areas like China or Japan, innovation focuses not only on pollution-reducing efforts, but also on products that protect consumers from the direct effects of pollution. A huge range of smartphone-based pollution-monitoring apps allow users to determine the level of air pollution in their surroundings. Umbrellas, jewelry and apparel stop their wearers from breathing in too much smog. Whether it's a pollution-reducing product, upcycled item or protective piece of apparel, these innovations fight pollution in a multitude of ways.
55 Pollution-Fighting Products
From Pollution-Reducing Pods to Air Filtration Fashion:
Charlotte Joyce Kidd — Oct 20, 2015 — Social Good
55
Pollution-Reversing Bicycles
The Air-Purifier Bike Filters Wind Before the Rider Breathes It In
54
Pollution-Absorbing Bikinis
This 3D-Printed Bikini Cleans the Water As You Swim
53
Solar-Powered Food Trucks
New York City Has Just Unveiled Its New Line of Sustainable Food Carts
52
Recycled Rubbish Sneakers
Your Shoes are Rubbish Turns Ocean Trash into Sleek New Shoes
51
Tree-Covered Apartments
25 Verde is a Refreshing Mini-Forest in the City of Turin, Italy
50
Recycled Plastic Clothing
Pharrell and G-Star Raw Collaborate Using Recycled Ocean Waste
49
Air Pollution Jewelry
Smog Ring by Daan Roosegaarde is an Environmental Sourvenir
48
Sustainable Tech Packaging
Be Green Packaging Offers Eco-Friendly Solutions for Consumer Goods
47
Upcycled Ocean Trash Eyewear
These Sunglasses are Made from Recycled Fishing Nets
46
Pollution-Sucking Architecture
The Sky Village by Ziwei Song Cleans Air Above Highways
45
Sustainable Oceanic Skateboards
Bureo Skateboards Makes Skateboards from Ocean Netting
44
Wearable Air Purifiers
The Wind Six Intelligent Purifier is Worn as a Futuristic Headset
43
Wearable Eco Air Cleaners
This Wearable Planter Will Keep Your Air Clean and Pollution Out
42
Air Filtration Fashion
Qiadan Yin Peng's Runway Collection Showcases Face Mask Designs
41
Sustainable Sun-Powered Cookers
The Solar Oven is Intended For Those in Developing Communities
40
Pollution Detection Kits
This Strain of Genetically Engineered Bacteria Helps Detect Pollution
39
3D-Printing Waste Solutions
This Thesis Turns Pacific Ocean Waste into Materials for 3D-Printing
38
Personal Pollution-Tracking Devices
This Gadget Delivers Air Quality Readings to a Smartphone App
37
Nasal Air Purifiers
These Unusual Nose Masks Help Chinese Police Breathe Clean Air
36
Pollution-Absorbing Bricks
The 'Eco BLAC Brick' Could Put an End to Pollution from Brick Kilns
35
Pollution-Fighting Pinecone Drones
Michal Pospiech Designed This Personal Air Filter Robot
34
Pollution-Compressing Jewelry
The Studio Roosegaarde Jewelry Line is Part of the Smog Free Project
33
Pollution-Sensing Umbrellas
This Smart Umbrella Collects and Visualizes Air Pollution Data
32
Upcycled Ocean Trash Sneakers
These Stylish Kicks are Made Entirely Out of Ocean Plastic Trash
31
Infinitely Recyclable Apparel
These Hip Clothes are Made from Ocean Trash and Other Plastic Waste
30
Pollution Protection Garments
This Face Mask Jacket Conceals a Breathable Barrier in the Collar
29
Pollution-Absorbing Plastics
This Special Plastic Material Can Detect and Absorb Mercury Pollution
28
Pollution-Reducing Pods
These Rooftop Structures Help to Deflect Heat and Ease Pollution
27
Air-Purifying Pacifiers
This Baby Pacifier Actually Combats Air Pollution
26
Sustainable Milk Packaging
Ecolean's Transparent Pouches Enhance Nutrients and Eco-Consciousness
25
Solar-Powered Benches
The Soofas in Boston Provide Public Resting Spots and Charging Stations
24
Fog-Clearing Drones
China Has Successfully Tested Drones to Help Clear the Extreme Fog
23
Pollution-Demonstrating Gardens
These Ozone Sensitive Plants Visibly React to Air Quality
22
Gigantic Air Purifiers
Jorge Gutierrez's Big Air Purifier Sucks Up Smog in Lima, Peru
21
Wearable Air Quality Monitors
Breathe is an Air Pollution Sensor You Can Wear to Crowdsource Data
20
Gamified Pollution Apps
Helene Ly's Air Quality Game Helps You Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
19
Portable Pollution Sensors
'Sensly' Tests Air Pollution Levels and Transmits Them to a Smartphone
18
Aquatic Pollution-Monitoring Robots
These Deep Sea Robots Helps Scientists Gather Marine Data
17
Eco Consumption Apps
The MathTappers: Carbon Choices App is a Mobile Carbon Footprint Tracker
16
Pollution-Filtering Skyscrapers
The Hyper Filter Skyscraper Draws in All Polluted Air
15
Portable Pollution Measurement Tools
The AirBeam Air Quality Monitor Collects Crowdsourced Data
14
Indoor Air Monitors
The Speck Gauges Air Quality Inside Your Home
13
Plug-in Hybrid Autos
The AUDI A3 Sportback Provides an Eco-Friendly Option
12
Plane Ticket Pollution Apps
The Carbon Emissions Calculator Shows Air Travelers Their CO2 Levels
11
Wearable Weather Trackers
'TZOA' is a Hands-Free Device for Receiving Real-Time Weather Updates
10
Pollution-Converting Steel Plants
The Sustainable Steel Practice Generates Bioethanol From Bunnies
9
Eco Freezer Bag Storage
This Bio-Degradable Freezer Bag Boasts a Sustainable and Recyclable Design
8
Pollution-Reducing Nanometers
These Nanomotors Will Help Reduce Carbon Dioxide Pollution in Oceans
7
Smog-Detecting Wearables
These Smart Sensors Monitor a User's Pollution Intake While Cycling
6
Eco Car-Cleaning Services
Nanak Offers an Eco-Friendly Car Wash with Certified Green Products
5
Pollution Absorbent Ink Garments
Bowker Creates Iridescent Clothes That React to Climate Change
4
Air Pollution Ales
Jing-A-Brewing's Airpocalypse is Priced According to China's Air Quality
3
Mobile Atmospheric Trackers
This Initiative Allows EU Citizens to Monitor Air Quality
2
Air Quality Apps
The BreezoMeter App Monitors Pollution Levels and Recommends Lung-Safe Activities
1
Temporary Smog Relief Purifiers
The Chinese Smog Epidemic is Being Fought with Bags of Clean Air
Related Ideas
Eco-Friendly Undergarments
This Sustainable Lingerie Brand Utilizes Vintage and Salvaged Fabric
Cubic Apartment Complexes
This Apartment in Brussels Features a Space-Conserving Cube
Autonomous Solar-Powered Catamarans
The C-Enduro Catamaran is Studying the Celtic Sea
Fold-Out Food Trucks
Le Bistrot du Lion is an Ingenious Foodtruck Concept By Peugeot Design
Indoor Garden Cafes
The Modular Design of this Beijing Cafe Offers a Constant Supply of Fresh Air
Pollution-Absorbing Bikinis
This 3D-Printed Bikini Cleans the Water As You Swim
Solar-Powered Food Trucks
New York City Has Just Unveiled Its New Line of Sustainable Food Carts
Elavated Mezzanine Lofts
This Japanese Apartment Features a Secret Reading Room
Organic Fruit Packaging
Nurture is a Living Fruit Bowl That Preserves Produce
Eco-Friendly Silk Footwear
This Collection by Sergio Rossi Won the Green Carpet Challenge
Tapered Cosmetic Packaging
This Cosmetic Packaging Design Features Reusable Boxes and Pouches
Electric Aircraft Engines
Siemens' Prototype Electric Aircraft Motor is Surprisingly Powerful
Upcycled Industrial Apparel
This Chic Australian Clothing Line is Made with Repurposed Materials
Sustainable Tech Packaging
Be Green Packaging Offers Eco-Friendly Solutions for Consumer Goods
Temperature-Regulating Jewelry
A Cool Bracelet Either Chills You or Warms You for Personal Comfort
Bee-Inspired Boots
The New Pharrell and Timberland Shoe Collection is Made from Recycled Plastic
Upcycled Ocean Trash Eyewear
These Sunglasses are Made from Recycled Fishing Nets
Sustainable Rice Packaging
The Khaohom Concept Serves as a Green Container and Even a Rice Cooker
L-Shaped Apartment Partition Designs
This Modern Block from Sinato is Ideal for Small Spaces
Wearable Air Purifiers
The Wind Six Intelligent Purifier is Worn as a Futuristic Headset
Rugged Performance Sneakers
Element's Emerald Collection Features a New Mid-Top Silhouette
Contemporary Arboreal Apartments
This Apartment in Macau Features Tree Motifs Throughout
Compostable Denim Collections
These Stylish Jeans are Less Harmful to the Environment
Artistic Collaborative Sneakers
This Adidas Collaboration Collection Features Five Amazing Artists
Wholesome Celebrity Clothing Lines
The 'Draper James' Line is Perfect for a Modern Southern Belle
Air Filtration Fashion
Qiadan Yin Peng's Runway Collection Showcases Face Mask Designs
Customizable Air-Quality Appliances
A 3D-Printed Air Conditioner is Manufactured to Unique Tastes
Eco-Friendly Odorless Jeans
This Denim is Made from Silver Fabric So It Never Has to Be Washed
Sustainable Floating Gardens
This Floating Island is Designed to Clean a Polluted Waterway
Feminist Advocacy Menswear
The Fall Fashion Line from Acne Studios Displays Bold Feminist Quotes
Posh Celebrity Campaigns
Pharrell Williams and Cara Delevingne Pose with Hudson Kroenig
DJ-Inspired Fashions
The Line ‘Bad Bunch NYC’ Clothing was Designed with Creative Director Kiesza
Plastic Pollution Awareness Trees
This Plastic-Leafed Tree Raises Awareness to Stop Littering
Breathing Office Buildings
This Office Tower Effortlessly Moves Air Without the Use of Energy
Natural Eco-Friendly Neckties
The Cork Necktie is Sustainably Crafted in Portugal
Air Quality-Based Jewelry
These Werable Data Objects Visualize the Burden of Urban Pollution
Water Purifying Pads
The Floating Photochemical Water Treatment Breaks Down Unhealthy Contaminants
Bovine Dairy Branding
Animal Yogurt Packaging is Visually Appealing and Totally Playful for Kids
Electronics-Building 3D Printers
The Voxel8 3D Printer Can Blend Electronics and Plastics
Pollution Detection Kits
This Strain of Genetically Engineered Bacteria Helps Detect Pollution
Smart Air Purifiers
Awair Monitors and Enhances the Air Quality in One's Home
Yogurt Food Trucks
Yogurty's Froyo Brings Its Service to the Streets for Fun Interaction
Eco-Friendly Yoga Attire
This New Line is Perfect for Celebrating National Yoga Month
Air Quality-Monitoring Sculptures
These Fabricated Objects Help to Measure Atmospheric Conditions
Pollution-Absorbing Bricks
The 'Eco BLAC Brick' Could Put an End to Pollution from Brick Kilns
Eco-Friendly Highway Covers
A German City Plans to Bury Its Autobahn Under a Green Park
Efficient Purifying Illuminators
The Air Lamp Improves a Room's Atmospheric Quality in Two Ways
Eco 3D Printing Filaments
Dimension Polymers' Additive Print Material Uses Recycled Plastic
In-Car Air Purifiers
PURGGO Cleans Car Air with Purifying Bamboo Charcoal
Upcycled Ocean Trash Sneakers
These Stylish Kicks are Made Entirely Out of Ocean Plastic Trash
Self-Cleaning Overpasses
The BCQ Sarajevo Bridge Uses Photocatalytic Concrete to Stay Pristine
Infinitely Recyclable Apparel
These Hip Clothes are Made from Ocean Trash and Other Plastic Waste
Creepy Car Wash Pranks
Ford's Spooky Car Wash Scares Unsuspecting Drivers & Passengers
Air-Purifying Cabins
Lufthansa's A380 First Class Cabins Include Humidifiers for Fresher Air
Free Vehicle Rentals
This Service Offers a One-Way Car Rental Free of Charge to Travlers
Cyclist-Centric Buildings
The 250 City Road Building is Equipped With Considerably Bike Storage
Pollution-Reducing Pods
These Rooftop Structures Help to Deflect Heat and Ease Pollution
Energy Efficient Lighting Apps
The Light Bulb Finder App and Retail Aid Compares Compatible Bulbs
Plant-Based Plastic Packaging
These Cheese String Snacks Come in Eco-Friendly Bio Packaging
Upcycled Fishnet Carpets
These Eco-Friendly Modular Carpets Can Be Adjusted & Re-Sized
Taste-Improving Crystals
Still by Studio Formafantasma Uses Engraved Patterns to Purify Water
Air-Purifying Pacifiers
This Baby Pacifier Actually Combats Air Pollution
Extreme Sport Trackers
The XSensrAIR is Dazzling Extreme Sport Enthusiasts At CES 2015
Muscle-Enhancing Exoskeletons
This Soft Exoskeleton Suit Reduces Muscle Load
Birdhouse Bread Packaging
This Bread Packaging Design Doubles as a Bird Feeder
Air-Purifying Towers
The Smog Free Tower Purifies Air and Releases It Back Into the Environment
Miniature Weather Detectors
Weather Point is a Personal Weather Station in the Palm of Your Hand
Bare Bound Branding
String Meat Packaging Minimizes Waste and Communicates Authentic Taste
Gigantic Air Purifiers
Jorge Gutierrez's Big Air Purifier Sucks Up Smog in Lima, Peru
Wearable Air Quality Monitors
Breathe is an Air Pollution Sensor You Can Wear to Crowdsource Data
Gamified Pollution Apps
Helene Ly's Air Quality Game Helps You Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Portable Pollution Sensors
'Sensly' Tests Air Pollution Levels and Transmits Them to a Smartphone
Autonomous 3D-Printed Cars
The SmartCart Showcases the Best in 3D-Printing and Autonomous Tech
Sustainable Sanitation Systems
These Innovative Mobile Toilets Helps Turn Waste into Fertilizer
Air-Cleansing Apps
Blueair is an App-Controlled Air Monitor to Ensure Indoor Air Quality
Eco Consumption Apps
The MathTappers: Carbon Choices App is a Mobile Carbon Footprint Tracker
Community-Building Food Trucks
Dining at This SXSW Kosher Food Truck Redefines Connectivity
Volcano-Exploring Robots
NASA's VolcanoBot 2 Will Teach Us More About Volcanoes
Smart Air Quality Monitors
The Foobot Helps You Keep Track of the Air Around You
Petaled Air Purifiers
The Electrolux Lotus Blossoms with Atmosphere-Improving Features
Air-Purifying Apps
'Awair' is an App-Controlled Device That Automatically Improves Air Quality
Eco-Friendly Electric Buses
These Buses Are Going to Serve a Bus Route in Gothenburg
Crowdsourced Meteorology Apps
This Smartphone Real-Time Weather Network Uses a Peer-to-Peer Model
Next-Generation Air Purifiers
The Pure Cool Air Filter is Designed to Capture Ultrafine Particles
Slatted Rooftop Cabins
The Detached Cabin is Intended For an Athens Rooftop
Biodegradable Fish Netting
This Redesigned Fishing Net Breaks Down Naturally Instead of Polluting
Portable Pollution Measurement Tools
The AirBeam Air Quality Monitor Collects Crowdsourced Data
In-Home Air Analyzers
Kaia Will Automatically Analyze the Air in Your Space to Grade Quality
Fresh Garden Billboards
FCB Mayo Peru's Anti-Pollution Ad Grows Lettuce
Frugal Air Filters
This Pollution Air Filter Gets Rid of 99% of Harmful Pollution Particles
Modern Family Phones
Ily by Insensi is a Communication Device for Long-Distance Relationships
Wearable Weather Trackers
'TZOA' is a Hands-Free Device for Receiving Real-Time Weather Updates
Urban Air Pollution Desserts
Aeroir is a Meringue Made from Four Different Cities' Re-Created Smog
Collated Climate Information
Weather Company Compiles the Best Forecasts from a Breadth of Sources
Beer-Based Biofuels
DB Export Brewtroleum Uses Leftover Waste to Make Green Fuel for Gas Stations
Snarky Weather Applications
The Accurate Weather App Offers the Forecast and a Sarcastic Delivery
Pollution-Reducing Nanometers
These Nanomotors Will Help Reduce Carbon Dioxide Pollution in Oceans
Reusable Delivery Packaging
The RePack System Encourages Consumers to Return Their Used Envelopes
Recycled Tire Footwear
Timberland and Omni United are Creating Recycled Shoes Out of Used Tires
Eco Air Balloons
This Sustainable Hot Air Balloon is Made Entirely of Recycled Plastic Bags
Smog-Detecting Wearables
These Smart Sensors Monitor a User's Pollution Intake While Cycling
Educational Air-Purifying Kits
Volkswagen Teaches Students in China to Create a DIY Air Filter
Pollutant-Monitoring Pigeons
This Idea Sees Pigeons Live Tweeting While Monitoring Air Quality
Eco Car-Cleaning Services
Nanak Offers an Eco-Friendly Car Wash with Certified Green Products
Reactive LED Facades
The Exterior of the Hotel WZ Jardins Responds to Outside Stimuli
Climatic Comparison Apps
Climendo Compares Multiple Sources to Make an Accurate Weather Forecast
Air Quality Apps
The BreezoMeter App Monitors Pollution Levels and Recommends Lung-Safe Activities
Convenient Amputee Apparel
The Amped Up Clothing Line Aims to Change the Lives of Disabled People
Minimalist Weather Apps
The Weather Dial 2 Offers Streamlined Forecasts for Easy Reading
Superstar Sneaker Ads
This Adidas Ad Promotes the Superstar Collection with Six Unique Celebrities
Urban Acoustics Initiatives
The Ear-IT Project is Measuring Acoustics In Santander, Spain