CSR and Eco-Innovation Inspired by Frogs (Via Herp Digest)

CSR and Eco-Innovation Inspired by Frogs
Just-Means.com by Sarah Brown, September 19, 2010

Judges at this year's Earth Awards gave the top prize to a carbon dioxide-absorbing foam inspired by a South American frog. The photosynthetic foam can be installed in the chimneys of coal-fired power stations to capture carbon dioxide before it reaches the atmosphere.

The Earth Awards, a gem of a CSR idea, were founded in 2007 to bring together green start-ups with potential investors. The awards also come with a cash prize ($50,000 for the first prize and $10,000 for the other entrants). However, as one of this year's judges, Rick Fedrizzi of the US Green Building Council, said the cash is not the main advantage of the awards.

Mr Fedrizzi pointed out the value to green innovators of meeting venture capitalists who might want to invest in their ideas. It is the type of grass roots CSR which can help to generate tangible results for both investors and entrepreneurs.

This year's 'fake foam' provides real opportunities for owners of coal-fired power stations and a chance for them to put CSR into practice in a notoriously controversial industry.

Professor Wendell, was inspired to create his foam by the Tungara frog which builds a foamy nest which can float on water. The frog uses a type of protein to make the nest which allows bubbles to form so the nest can float, but doesn't destroy the membranes of the frog's eggs. This foam contains a mixture of over 11 different enzymes taken from bacteria, plants and fungi. It transforms carbon dioxide into sugars such as fructose and glucose. The foam does this much faster than plants are able to do, making it ideal in capturing carbon dioxide in an industrial setting.

The next step in the process for Prof Wendell, his colleague Carlo Monetmagno and research student Jacob is to work out how to convert the sugars produced into biofuel. Prof Wendell sees this as a key opportunity as it reduces the need to annexe land for the growth of biofuels. If he is successful it means land can remain in use for staple food crops.

For companies like the UK power giant E-ON, keen to reinforce its CSR credentials, adoption of and investment in this invention could be just what they're looking for. For the company which gets there first, it could also provide a valuable competitive edge.

Another of the shortlisted finalists, who received $10,000 to further her ideas, was Texan-born designer Jamie Lim. Inspired by her time growing up in Asia, and by the beauty of the region, Jamie created a new line of sunglasses. Kayu sunglasses are hand-made out of bamboo, which is a fast-growing and biodegradable material. It is a suitable replacement for wood and has less environmental impact than plastic.