The Future’s Bright. The Future’s S**t
by Startacus Admin
The innovative initiative by Brian Harper of Malvern Hills, that's putting dog poop to very good use! This one might not be a startup, but it would be a waste not to share the progressive idea that may just light the future.
Dog walkers are forever hounded to pick up after their best friend - rightly so - but where do those warm little plastic bags end up? In trees, at the side of the pavement, slung over your garden fence?
Although people are getting better at picking up dog-doo, what they do do with the dog-doo is not necessarily what they should do. And when they dispose of it properly, it only gets buried underground where it lies for a thousand years. Or maybe that’s plastic bags.
Brian Harper of Malvern Hills in the English West Midlands has found a way to prevent this waste from...going to waste: light!
Specifically, gas light. In front of Brian’s house sits a gas lamp powered by the might of ten dogs. Or one dog, ten times. At least, we assume he has a dog.
This is the first of its kind in the UK and was developed with the financial support of Malvern Hills Area of Natural Beauty. Once the dog’s breakfast has been deposited in the receptacle at the bottom of the lamp - by either the owner or the dog - it is broken down by microorganisms in the anaerobic digester - generously provided in this instance by Methanogen (UK) Ltd. - to produce methane.
This methane is stored until the timer says it’s time to shine, 
then it is released to fuel the flame. Roughly ten doggie bags power the lamp for two hours. As well as this methane, the digester produces fertilizer for the gardener!
Using animal waste for fuel has worked for us since neolithic times, and with the problem of dog faeces dropping from trees, there doesn’t seem to be any reason not to continue the tradition. Brian’s next step is to get urban parks interested in the technology, and we wish him luck. It’s a crap idea that we hope will go far!
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
EISA Survey reveals how key growth businesses needing investment now may disappear within 12 months if Government fails to act
Selfie Salon wants you to join the #selfiesalon movement to #stayhomesavelives by showing your support in taking a before-and-after beauty self-grooming picture!
Coronavirus. How do you survive as a business owner with minimal or no business at all? Consider the following tips...
Crowdcube launches campaign and calls on the government to take action to protect Britain's entrepreneurial future...
A UK-based social enterprise Lanterne, has developed, and is soon to launch, Keep Your Distance, a free app that will help us observe social distancing.
Bring! is a digital grocery tool that simplifies grocery shopping for you and anyone you are shopping for.
In a bid to help brands during the current pandemic, the GreenJinn grocery app makes some rapid changes to its service
Coronavirus & furloughing employees. Nichola Hailes of Payfit looks to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the job retention scheme.
For startups entering the food industry, here's why accurate labelling on ready-to-eat food products is important.
Whether you’re looking to create a frugal startup, or it’s already up and running, here are 4 tips to reduce costs while keeping the work environment pleasant.
Published on: 15th February 2018
.png)
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.
- Industry survey indicates impact of COVID19 on growth businesses needing investment 7th Apr 2020 EISA Survey reveals how key growth businesses needing investment now may disappear within 12 months if Government fails to act
- Save Our Startups campaign launched 5th Apr 2020 Crowdcube launches campaign and calls on the government to take action to protect Britain's entrepreneurial future...
- Cerebreon the Irish deep learning startup raises £1.5m in seed funding 31st Mar 2020 The insolvency technology startup secures funding to help support the UK's most vulnerable consumers to avoid bankruptcy
- Chivas Venture divides this year's $1m Venture Fund between 26 global Startups 23rd Mar 2020 In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Chivas Divides its $1m No-Strings Venture Fund Between 26 Startups
