Eco-friendly kiosks benefit both, the environment and the deployer of the kiosk. There are kiosks run by vendors, and there are those where people get information, access the phone or the internet, buy tickets and so on. The vendors of such kiosks also benefit by achieving their target of reaching out to their customers. The focus of the design of a green kiosk is to achieve maximum functionality and efficiency while taking as little toll on the environment as possible. This done by reducing the carbon footprint, using recyclable or recycled materials, lowering power consumption, using alternative energy, working off the power grid when needed, et cetera.
1. Barcroft Park – Home to the unique bike kiosk made of recycled metals
A brainchild of artist Butch Anthony from Alabama, Barcroft Park is a high tech park in Arlington, Virginia. Barcroft Park is known for selling bikes made from recycled metals. The bike kiosk is open twice a week. The old, scrap number plates, bike wheels, etc. are used very creatively and aesthetically to make new bikes here.
2.Computer kiosk made from drum shines at MFA 2010
A computer kiosk, the body of which has been made from unwanted oil drums, has been conceived by three engineers from Kampa in Uganda. The kiosk hopes to reach schools, offices and other institutions. It was displayed at the Maker Faire Africa (MFA) in 2010.
3. Africa gets its first solar-powered rural internet kiosk
An internet device that runs on solar power forms the central idea of a new kiosk designed by some eco-conscious engineers of Africa. Installed by green innovators in Africa, the functioning of this kiosk will be supervised by Voices of Africa for Sustainable Development ( VOA4SD) and Voices of Diani. Intersat Africa has decided to provide a complementary bandwidth service of one year to its users as a part of this programme. It will assist the locals of Ukunda in learning Web 2.0 and in accessing local content, along with being an information base for the availability of various consumer goods and services like porridge dealers and solar lanterns.
4. At NRF, Olea debuts first environmentally friendly kiosk
This is an Onscreen Expert Software for instant access to several information sources and services on the internet and availing e-commerce. It is powered by IBM Anyplace Kiosk. It is made from unused and dried stalk of the sorghum plant which is otherwise thrown away. The kiosk developed by kiosk manufacturer Olea was first showcased at the National Retail Federation (NRF) convention in 2008.
5. Elliott Montgomery’s Micro Cycle makes people think about waste management
The unique idea of the designer Elliott Montgomery has created a revolution in the world of eco-friendly kiosks. He generates beautiful fabric shopping bags from waste and discarded materials. The outreach kiosk that is run on solar power assists Montgomery in his job.
6. Eco ATM unveils self-serving electronics recycling kiosk
This is another great gadget that recycles discarded electronic goods in exchange of some cash rewards. It is a self operated device, having fully a automatic recycling unit and a built-in cash dispenser.
7. Human- powered internet kiosk connecting developing countries
This kiosk has been launched in Caqueta, Columbia and is human powered. This is a two seater bicycle, equipped with a radio broadcasting system. It is accessed through the Andaqui Community Radio as well as the internet. It is quite economical to maintain.
8. Solar mobile charging kiosks aim to make cellphones greener
Viso Jones has designed an eco-friendly mobile charging station that charges with solar energy. The tray where the mobiles are kept is made from acrylic sheets, with bent edges to prevent them from falling off the tray. The LED lights inside it serve as illumination.
9. An Eco-friendly kiosk to be used indoors and outdoors
This device offers a number of eco-friendly systems. While working indoors, this gadget provides options like natural air ventilation, lighting and a heater. Made from recycled materials, this device absorbs carbon dioxide and stores rain water to be used later for domestic use and gardening.