The top September 2014 eco ideas demonstrate highly innovative advancements across a wide range of industries. Brands in all areas are pushing themselves more than ever to offer mass appeal to the eco-conscious consumer of today.
The cosmetic industry, a brand typically perceived as producing products riddled with chemicals and toxins, is now offering many items that satisfy the need of green consumers. The handmade vegan soaps from FormularyFiftyFive and the elemental eye makeup created for Chantecaille’s 15th anniversary allow consumers to indulge without guilt. The eye shadow not only takes inspiration from natural elements, but it is also infused with seaweed extract.
Noteworthy ideas from the month also include the mushroom-growing diapers, bottle deposit train tickets and can currency campaigns. Many brands are empowering consumers to interact with their brand and products in ways that promotes environmentalism.
Check out Trend Hunter's Eco Trend Reports for more examples of the top September 2014 eco ideas.
Top 65 Eco Ideas in September
65
Can Currency Campaigns
McDonald's Stockholm Lets Youth Trade in Bags of Recycled Cans For Burgers
64
Chemical-Free Swiming Pools
This Chlorine-Free Pool Uses Biological Filters
63
Collapsible Water Bottles
The Hydaway Bottle Holds Up to 21 Ounces in a Minimalist Design
62
Fish-Propelling Cannons
Whooshh Innovations' Fish Cannons Can Fire 40 Salmon a Minute
61
Self-Watering Indoor Gardens
This Versatile Planter is Combined With a Hydroponics System
60
Animal Sanctuary Photos
The 'Sanctuary' Photo Series Depicts Rescued Animals in Vermont
59
Convenient Battery Scooters
The UNU Scooter Uses a Simple Battery Device
58
Natural Earthy Sanctuaries
The Earth House Project is Holistic Haven
57
Twistable Sink Faucets
The Little Twist Faucet is a Minimalist Solution to Bulky Bathroom Sinks
56
Elegant Berry Boxes
Sunrise's Eco Berry Box Design Can Be Constructed Without Glue
55
Electricity-Generating Blimps
The Air Hydroelectric Station Will Generate Power From Clouds
54
Bicycle-Covering Socks
Keep Your Bicycle Safely Stored Indoors with the Velo Sock
53
Handmade Vegan Soaps
FormularyFiftyFive's La Nuit Shea Butter Formula is Luxe and Eco-Friendly
52
Eco-Friendly Garden Pods
Miracle-Gro's Gro-able Garden Seed Pods Make Gardening Simple
51
Therapeutic Planter Designs
Statera Plants Offer Users Tranquility Through Balanced Aesthetics
50
Eco Air Cleaners
The Method Air Freshener Bottles Introduces a Cleaner Way to Spray
49
Paper Animal Humidifiers
The Paper Uruoi Animal Eco Home Humidifier Takes a Page Out of Nature
48
Food Crisis Charts
This Sobering Global Food Waste Infographic Offers Food For Thought
47
Pocket Shower Devices
Turn Your Water Bottle into a Shower with SpaTap
46
Sustainable Paint Packaging
The New Design for Pots of Paint is Great for the Environment
45
Sassy Anti-Littering Campaigns
Live Green Toronto Reminds Us that Littering is Not a Good Look
44
Knotted Plant Hangers
These DIY Planter Holders are Fun and Easy-to-Make
43
Raw Plastic Dishware
Plag by Wael Seaiby Transforms the Modular Material in an Unexpected Way
42
One-Use Biodegradable Shelters
The One Nights Tent is the Ideal Festival Tent as it is Compostable
41
Cannabi-Hunting Drones
The Project ResQu Helicopters Can Identify Invasive Weeds in the Rainforest
40
Artistic Underwater Installations
Olek's Sculptures Aim to Highlight the Plight of the Oceans
39
Self-Contained Froyo Balls
Stonyfield's Frozen Yogurt Pearls Cut Down on Frozen Yogurt Packaging
38
Flora-Monitoring Gadgets
Be the Best Gardener in Town by Keeping Track with the Plant Link
37
Threatened Flora Capsules
'Sanctuaria' Helps to Save Endangered Rainforest Plants
36
Eco-Friendly Aerospace Hubs
The Asia Aerospace City Hub Will Be Constructed in Malaysia
35
Eco-Friendly Office Buildings
The Treehouse Building is Both High-Tech and Energy-Efficient
34
Taxidermy-Inspired Planters
The Dear O Deer Outdoor Planter by Rohan Chhabra and Kriti Chaudhary
33
Animal Hide Photography
Yusuke Sakai's Animal Skin Photos Reveal Intricate Patterns and Textures
32
Bottle Deposit Train Tickets
Plastic Recycling Could Get You a Free Transit Pass in Beijing
31
Multipurpose Parking Garages
The Park 'N' Play Project Features Greenery and a Rooftop Playground
30
Self-Cleaning Cashmere Clothing
This Newly Developed Material Means Going to the Dry Cleaner Less
29
On-Demand Nature Apps
Plot from MagenticNorth Lets Urbanites Rent Nature
28
Futuristic Invasive Jewelry
Naomi Kizhner's Accessories Harvest Kinetic Energy from Wearer
27
Frame-Attached Bike Locks
The Yerka Project Makes Stealing Bikes Difficult
26
Child Hand-Washing Gadgets
The TipTapTop Attachment Makes Handwashing More Fun & Effective
25
Carbon Fiber Athletic Gear
Russell Athletic Football Shoulder Pads are Made from Boeing Leftovers
24
Reclaimed Origami Bookends
Etsy's Facet Bookends Set is Designed with Sustainability in Mind
23
Meme-Inspired Auto Ads
Audi's Funny Car Print Ad Tells You What the Fox Says
22
Biodegradable Lettuce Packaging
This Lettuce Packaging Uses Vegetable Inks & Sugar-Based Materials
21
Elemental Eye Makeup
Chantecaille’s Eyeshadow Trio Celebrates the Land, Air and Sea
20
Painted Hill Photography
These Painted Hills Photos are Beautiful and Thought-Provoking
19
Lightweight Electric Mountain Bikes
The Cube 'Elite Hybrid HPC SLT 29' is an Award-Winning Design
18
Mushroom-Growing Diapers
Scientists are Utilizing Used Diapers to Grow Mushrooms Sustainably
17
Revised Electric Cars
The 9-3 Electric Vehicle is an Electric Version of the Saab 9-3 Aero Sedan
16
Electricity-Optimizing Incentives
Ohmconnect Rewards Homeowners Who Reduce Energy Consumption
15
Blunt Climate Change Campaigns
Milton Glaser's Buttons Promote Global Warming Awareness
14
Electricity-Reducing Vending Machines
Coca-Cola's Peak Shift is an Eco-Friendly Vending Machine
13
Electric Bike Conversion Kits
The Barak Kit Transforms Regular Bicycles into Electric Bicycles
12
Humongous Cargo Airplanes
The VV-Plane Will Be Able to Carry Massive Loads at High Speed
11
Adventurous Awareness Campaigns
Alex Bellini Will Live On a Melting Iceberg for Up to a Year
10
Luminous Cherry Blossom Photos
Martin Bailey's Photos of the Nogawa Cherry Blossoms are Stunning
9
Revived Community Buildings
The Kodomo Art Maison Center Was Destroyed by Japan's 2011 Earthquake
8
Upcycled Mint Tin Toys
Etsy User WishWithMe Turns Altoid Tins into Toys with Felt
7
Trick Button Auto Ads
Tesla's Car Print Ads Encourage Interaction with a Big Red Button
6
Elevated Bicycle Freeways
The Veloway is a Proposed Bicycle Freeway for the City of Melbourne
5
Solar-Powered Charging Stations
The 'Point.One S' is an Eco-Friendly Alternative by BMW
4
Backpack Wind Turbines
The AirEnergy 3D Wind Turbine Can Be Transported in a Backpack
3
Trailblazing Green Buildings
This Tel Aviv University Building is the Greenest in the Middle East
2
Smartphone-Controlled Sunshades
The Sunbreak Building Sunshade Can Be Controlled Via a Mobile App
1
Origami-Inspired Solar Panels
NASA Designs Panels That Could More Easily be Sent into Space
Related Ideas
Harmonious Sculptural Staircases
This Sculptural Wooden Staircase Pulls a Space Together
Rugged Motorized Bicycles
The Motoped Survival Bike is Fit for a Savage Apocalypse
DIY Paper Walls
Sugar and Cloth Presents a Simple Art Project
Design-Centric Toy Bricks (UPDATE)
The LEGO Architecture Set Lets You Make Modern Lofts
Tech-Specific Bike Collections
M.A.S.S. Offers Four Designs for Varying Conditions
Animal Awareness Tattoos
WWF Russia's Wild Animal Tattoos Encourage Permanent Inking for Awareness
#FFF: Fantasy Football Fantasy
NFL Brothers Star in Music Video Sequel
Felt-Crafted Feline Abodes
This Cat Bed from Etsy's AgnesFelt Shop is Charmingly Unique
Ecological Forest Abodes
This Eco-Friendly Residence Considers Site Impact
Slim Wall-Mounted Consoles
Singular by Alpha India is Great for Small Spaces
Self-Watering Indoor Gardens
This Versatile Planter is Combined With a Hydroponics System
Upright Bike Stands
Bicyclick Allows Bicycles to Clip to Each Other as Independent Stands
Smart Electric Skates
The ACTON R RocketSkates by Peter Treadway is the First of Its Kind
Modular Honeycomb Campers
These Stackable Sleeping Cells are Perfect for Festivals
Lightweight Designer Bikes
Le Flâneur Sportif d’Hermès Comes with a Hefty Price Tag
Self-Growing Planters
The Fold Pot by Emanuele Pizzolorusso Requires No Re-Potting
Artisan Water Branding
New Zealand Artesian Luxury Water Bottles Are Stamped with Opulence
Humongous Amphibious Airplanes
The Dragon-600 Will Be the World's Biggest Functional Sea Plane
Cardboard-Tubed Retail Stores
Brooks + Scarpa Design the Interior of Aesop Shop
Eco 80s Sportscar Revivals
The New Toyota Supra Sports Three Electric Engines
Anime-Inspired Motorbikes
The Honda NM4 is Inspired by Anime Character Shotaro Kaneda
Flexible Cellular Seating
Lilian Van Daal's 3D-Printed Chair is Inspired by Plant Cells
Handmade Vegan Soaps
FormularyFiftyFive's La Nuit Shea Butter Formula is Luxe and Eco-Friendly
Psychedelic Camping Gear
The Poler Rainbro Collection Has Rainbow-Colored Tents & Sleeping Bags
Modular Puzzle Furnishings
Torafu Architects' Dice Furniture Collection is Designed for Kids
Rain Harvesting Architecture
Waterbank by PITCHAfrica is an Eco-Friendly Development
Paper Ice Cream Playsets
Mr. Printables' No-Mess Paper Popsicle & Ice Cream Toys Won't Melt
Edible Chocolate LEGO
Akihiro Mizuuchi Designs Delicious Building Blocks for All Ages
Tech-Infused Jewelry
These Rebecca Minkoff Jewelry Bracelets Double Up as Tech Gadgets
Furniture-Inspired Sinks
The Gus Washbasin by Michael Hilgers is Crafted with Perfection
Minimalist Blocked Abodes
The Y7 House Focuses on the Expansive Views
DIY Plant Hangers
Hang Your Plants in Style with Help from Almost Makes Perfect
Internet-Connected Jewelry
The Mota Smartring Sends Notifications to Wearers Via Vibrations
Tweet-Activated Snack Machines
Walkers' Snack Vending Machine Trades Tweets for Potato Chips
E-Bike Transforming Gadgets
The Virtus Electric Bicycle Drive Converts Regular Bicycles to E-Bikes
Solar Plant-Powered Schools
The Facility for Ecology Education Practices its Teachings
Handmade Hanging Planters
This Air Plant Vase From Avolie Glass is Both Stunning and Practical
Welsh Seaside Residences
This Welsh Home Makes the Most of Coastal Views
Natural Swimming Structures
The Hasle Harbor Bath is a Floating Recreation Space
Floating Solar Farms
This Floating Indian Solar Plant Will Be the Largest of its Kind in the World
Desk Vending Machines
The Office Glico is a Japanese Vending Machine for Office Workers
Contemporary Urban Workspaces
The VARA Workspace Takes History into Account
Fish Matrix Systems
The Oceansphere Will Produce 1,000 Tons of Tuna
Pizza-Dispensing Machines
Pizza Box' Pizza Vending Machines Make Meals Within 90 Seconds
Fashionable Fruit Accessories
Pixie Market's Cherry Earrings are a Fresh Blast from the Past
Human-Hiding Zoos
This Design for the Givskud Zoo Hides Human Visitors From Zoo Animals
Compact Electric Cars
Japan's Tommykaira ZZ Electric Sports Car is Small & Surprisingly Powerful
Endangered Dolphin Ads
WWF's Campaign Ad to Save Maui's Dolphins Shows Their Decline in Numbers
Eco-Friendly Office Buildings
The Treehouse Building is Both High-Tech and Energy-Efficient
Adorable Amigurumi Animals
Etsy Shop LittleBittyKnitter Creates Cute Crocheted Craft Toys
Size-Adjusting Planters
The Fold Pot is a Flexible Pot Designed to Grow in Size With Your Plant
Panoramic Windowless Jets
The IXION Has Cameras to Give People Expansive Views
Bartering Fitness Machines
The Nike FuelBox Dispenses Gear in Exchange for Nike FuelBand Points
Ocean Predator Soaps
Etsy's Oooh-La-La The Soap Bar Shop Features Handmade Shark Soaps
Taxidermy-Inspired Planters
The Dear O Deer Outdoor Planter by Rohan Chhabra and Kriti Chaudhary
Contagion-Containing Airplanes
This Ebola Quarantine Jet Carries Ebola Victims Across Continents
Bottle Deposit Train Tickets
Plastic Recycling Could Get You a Free Transit Pass in Beijing
On-Demand Delivery Apps
The Jinn App Allows You To Have Anything You Want Delivered in One Hour
Hands-Free Cyclist Straps
The Bike Lift and Carry Makes Walking Your Bike a Breeze
Typographic Bistro Packaging
Fazer Cafe's Marketing Rebranding that Focuses on Elegant Fonts
Clownfish-Killing Commercials
This Controversial Ad Aims to Protect the Great Barrier Reef
Topographic Water Bottles
The Topo x John Fellows Aluminum Water Bottle Will Keep You Hydrated
Frame-Attached Bike Locks
The Yerka Project Makes Stealing Bikes Difficult
Interlocked Apartment Architecture
Be Fun Designs Creates the Isogo House in Japan
Crowdsourced Produce Maps
Food Cowboy Helps Charities By Providing Real Time Food Waste Logistics
Anti-Poaching Stamps
Pro Wildlife's Endangered Species Stamps Show Animals Becoming Trophies
Endangered Dessert Maps
This Google Map Raises Awareness on Japan's Disappearing Tanuki Cakes
Shoulder-Bearing Bike Carriers
The Bike Lift&Carry; Makes Cycle Transport an Easy Feat
Crafty Turtle Illuminators
The TMNT Paper Lantern Decorations are Perfect for Children's Parties
Groundbreaking Crossover Cars
The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer Comes in Three Different Versions
All-Natural Baby Skincare
Sleepy Owl Provides Therapeutic Products for New Moms
Coastline-Monitoring Drones
These Drones Will Detect Illegal Fishing on the Coast of Belize
Sculptural Earthenware Decor
These CB2 Vase Accessories Marry Organic Materials with Artful Forms
Earthy Geometric Abodes
This Weekend House Features an Overlapping Square Design
Numeric Juice Bottles
Rengora Juice's Fresh Juice Bottles Put an Emphasis on Clean Design
Spy-Worthy USB Jewelry
These Stylish USB Earrings Can Secretly Stash Confidential Information
Electric Bike Conversion Kits
The Barak Kit Transforms Regular Bicycles into Electric Bicycles
Raining Cloud Necklaces
These Adorable Pendant Necklaces Comes with a Teardrop Gem Charm
Fluorescent Fish Photography
These Day-Glow Images Reveal the Eerie Insides of Sea Creatures
Word Balloon Bookends
Give Your Books a Voice with the Chat Book Holder
Waste-Reducing Mobile Discounts
EcoBasket Hopes to Offer Perishable Food Coupons via Smartphones
Geometric Glacial Candles
These Modular Iceberg Candles Turn Global Warming into Decor Pieces
Miniature Jedi Master Jewelry
These Yoda Earrings from Etsy's Junylie Shop Celebrate Star Wars
Sustainable Toy Collections
Buchi's Wooden Toy Line Features Trains, Blocks and Furnishings
High School Sport Photography
Stephanie Noritz Captures the Joy of Recreational Sports
Colorful Crime Scene Ads
Thermax Profetherm's Energy Saving Advertisement Shows Chalk Outlines
Virtual Reality Swimming Pools
The Swimarium Allows You To Swim Alongside Virtual 3D Sharks
Gargantuan Lotus Landmarks
This Civic Landmark Encircles Visitors with Its Shape
Animal-Saving Notebooks
Julie Joliat's Kids Drawing Notebook Teaches About & Aids Wild Animals
Experimental Fall Sweater Editorials
The Numero China August 2014 Lily Photoshoot Features Knits
Trailblazing Green Buildings
This Tel Aviv University Building is the Greenest in the Middle East
Wine-Focused Funding Platforms
Fundovino is a Crowdfunding Site Dedicated Solely to Wine Projects
Reprogrammed Toothpaste Machines
This Cavity Prevention Campaign Involves Free Toothpaste Samples
Shadow-Casting Sinks
Motif by OMVIVO Projects a Pretty Pattern on Counter Spaces
Copper-Cooled Computers
The Silent Power PC is Cooled by a Clump of Copper Filaments
Rectangular Module Pavilions
The Czech Republic Pavilion is Under Construction in Milan
On-Demand Beauty Apps
The PRIV App Provides Cosmetic & Wellness On-Demand Beauty Services
Chainless Folding Bikes
Bygen's Hank Direct Bike Has Levers Instead of a Chain
Automated Fish Feeders
This Feeder Will Remember to Feed Your Fish While You're Away
Courtyard-Focused Abodes
The 'Patio' House by Yaita Associates Has Plenty of Space for Fresh Air
Dapper Sponge Holders
The Mr Sponge by Peleg Design Holds Your Dish Rags
Bespoke Stationary Supplies
This Second Skin Pencil Case from Etsy is Hand-Crafted
Rapid Grocery Delivery Services
Instacart Delivers Groceries to Your Home Within the Hour
Hydration-Reminding Apps
This Hydration App Prevents Dehydration
Rhino-Saving Drones
These Anti-Poaching Drones Will Identify Poachers in African National Parks
Choreographed Car Ads
This Toyota Car Ad Encourages You to Bust Out the Moves & Do the Wakudoki
Whimsical Humanimal Photgraphy (UPDATE)
This Children and Animal Photography Series is Dreamy
Integrated Football Uniforms
The NFL Nike Elite 51 Uniform is Designed to Maximize Speed
Cultured Soap Branding
This Colorful Packaging Design is Vibrant and Authentic
Stylish Fertilizer Packaging
The Garden Packaging for Eco World Fertilizer is Chic
Wearable Necklace Headphones
The Samsung Gear Circle Earbuds Sit On Your Neck Like a Necklace
Floating Bike Designs
The X1 Water Bike by Schiller Sport Offers a New Form of Exercise
Healthy Indulgent Truffles
Sweet Virtues' Healthy Chocolate Snacks Are Loaded with Superfoods
Bicycling Route Apps
The CycleMap App Charts the Best Bike Routes Around the World
Community Mailbox Stickers
The Pumpipumpe Custom Decals Encourage the Communal Allocation of Goods
Waved Glass Architecture
The EEA and Tax Office Campus Receive an Additional Building
Natural Autumnal Soaps
The Method Fall Collection Combines Preppy Style & Nature-Inspired Scents
Electric Fishing Paddleboards
The WaveJet Paddleboard Lets You Stalk Fishing Holes
Makeup Meal Charts
Lauren Conrad Puts Together a Helpful Portion Control Chart for Beauty Fans
Audacious Floating Villages
The UK's First Floating Village Will be Built in a Dock in East London
Reclaimed Rubbish Photography
Bruce Peterson's Trash Photography is Mysterious Yet Intriguing
Sophisticated Military Drones
The Predator B ER is a Highly Advanced Unmanned Military Aircraft
Personalized Neighborhood Mats
The 'I Am Here' Map Familiarizes Kids with Their Surroundings
WiFi-Expanding Drones
This WiFi Drone Will Improve Communications in Disaster-Struck Areas
Occult Iconography Accessories
This Silver Pentagram Bracelet from Empty Casket is Witchy
Square-Shaped Bike Locks
The Vier Bicycle Lock Has an Innovative New Design
Computer-Controlled City Lights
The Urban Lights of Buenos Aires Can Be Controlled From a Browser
Carbon Fiber Electric Bikes
The Haibike Xduro FullCarbon Bike Has a High-Tech Carbon Fiber Design
Deceptive Garbage Sculptures
From the Street by Tom Pfannerstill is Made Up of Wooden Creations
Voodoo Soap Packaging
The Khulu Soap Box Designs Promise to Undo Fatalities With Promising Spells
Regal Residential Resorts
This Personal Resort is Divided in Block Form
Mythical Unicorn Crayons
Children Can Harness Magical Properties with These Coloring Tools
Football Corn Holders
This Sporty Corn Holder Design is Perfect for Sporting Events
Active Outdoor Play
Editor Meghan Young Discusses Her Picks to Encourage Outdoor Activity in Kids
Symbolic Passage Installations
Ryo Yamada Creates Air Garden in Japan