Biodegradable Luminaire

Shown in the image is a biodegradable luminaire. The whole purpose is to be environmentally aware of what our products do to the environment once they're discarded. Usually our products such as lights, are not biodegradable and therefore they rather pollute the environment than have no effect. This bioluminaire is composed of materials such as bark, paper, biodegradable glue and biodegradable plastic, which will all break down if discarded. The light gives off a soft white light, suitable for ambient lighting.

Bio-plastic strips supplies/tools:

·       Blue food colouring

·       Glycerine

·       Gelatine

·       Vinegar

·       Water

·       Bicarbonate of soda

·       Deep pot

·       Measuring spoons

Large spoon

Paper Mache supplies/tools

·       White paper

·       Glue

·       Water

·       Tree bark

Mould 

Mixing bowl

To hang

Yarn

LED strip lights

To make bio-plastic strips:

1. Pour 100ml water into pot
2. Pour 50ml vinegar into the pot
3. Pour 5ml food colouring into pot
4. Allow to simmer at medium temperature
5.  Add 5ml glycerine to pot
6.  Add 30g gelatine to pot
7. Stir until gelatine is fully dissolved
8. Turn down heat
9.  Add 15ml of bicarbonate of soda to mixture and stir
10.  Allow foam to settle and pour onto mould or flat surface, cut to strips once set

To make paper mache:

1. Mix 1:1 ratio water and glue in a bowl
2. Cut strips of paper
3. Dip paper strips into glue solution and paste onto mould, making sure that it is layered
4. Allow to completely dry and peel off the mould
5. Use glue to layer tree bark on dry paper mache

Weave bioplastic strips into paper mache, in any desired patterns.

1. Add a LED strip light at the top inner part of the material.
2. Roll material and secure with double sided tape.

Hang to ceiling using strings of yarn all tied together on one end and connect LED strip to power source.