# Eco-Friendly Furniture This Photosynthesis Table Can Harvest Energy and Power Electric Devices By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2014-03-15 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/photosynthesis-table References: [dezeen](http://www.dezeen.com/2014/03/11/an-orange-glass-table-doubles-as-a-phone-charger-using-hidden-solar-panels/) & [marjanvanaubel](http://www.marjanvanaubel.com/work/current-table/) Dutch designer Marjan Van Aubel developed a photosynthesis-based table that is able to harvest energy to power electronic devices. The table has a glass surface that contains a [dye-synthesized solar cell](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/slim-solar). Much like photosynthesis, the solar cell uses the properties of color to generate an electrical current. However, unlike regular solar cells, these dye-synthesized cells do not require direct sunlight to generate power -- they can do so using artificial diffused light. The table comes with a harvesting shelf. When the glass table-top is placed in the harvesting shelf, the energy it has collected is transferred to a central power repository, which can be used to power devices. The table also includes [hidden USB ports](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lenovo-800-selfcharging-bluetooth-keyboard) which can be used to charge USB devices using the harvested energy. Essentially, this photosynthesis-based table functions as an independent source of energy as it is able to gather and harvest energy and use it to charge a range of devices such as lamps, computers and phones. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.3/10 - Popularity: 12% | Activity: 19% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/furniture) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Photosynthesis-based Furniture:** Designing furniture that incorporates photosynthesis technology for energy-harvesting capabilities. - **Dye-synthesized Solar Cells:** Exploring the potential of dye-synthesized solar cells as an alternative energy source for household and office furniture. - **Independent Energy Sources:** Developing energy-harvesting furniture as an independent power source for electronic devices. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Furniture:** Integrating eco-friendly and self-sufficient furniture into households and offices for energy efficiency. - **Renewable Energy:** Exploring the use of renewable energy in furniture and interior design. - **Technology:** Merging furniture and technology by incorporating devices and charging ports that utilize photosynthesis-based energy harvesting. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Energy-Producing Furniture Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ya18-stool.md) - [Integrated Charging Hub Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/magpower-tables.md) - [Urban Solar Charging Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/perovia.md) - [Essential Camping Solar Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/essential-camping-solar-tables.md) - [Air Purifying Multifunctional Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-purifier-table.md) - [Sunlight-Mimicking Panelled Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sunne-lamp.md) - [Sensory Stimulation Dining Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oasix-table.md) - [Furniture-Like Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/es-30w-solar-panel.md) - [Artistic Tech-Charging Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/combi-table-lamp.md)