Life and Leisure

Reinventing the wheel good for the environment

By Jules Quartly (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-10-13 08:09

At brunch the other day with a couple of friends who are in PR, I was told about this amazing project that could save the planet from frying, help fatties get fit and make the world a happier place. They said the technology to construct the device was available now and financing wasn't a problem. The only sticking point was how to market it.

They have codenamed the project iRecycle and blueprints of the slick, high-tech machine picture an inverted, triangle-shaped frame with two spherical attachments. The prototype is made of graphite materials so that it is light and strong, but apparently it could just as easily be constructed out of steel or even wood - so that it is 100 percent green and recyclable (hence the name).

The real beauty of iRecyle is that it runs on fresh air, as its energy source is people power. The solo model has a top speed of about 60 km/h, while the two-people and family carrier is slightly slower. Hybrid versions, dual-powered by electric or renewable resources, increase the velocity and range of the machine.

My PR pals are looking to position the iRecycle as a solution to Beijing's increasing traffic woes. The city has been dubbed a car park, as more than 4.4 million vehicles jostle for space and about 700,000 automobiles are added to the sum each year. Jams 100 km long outside the metropolis are becoming commonplace; while the average speed of cars in the city has slowed to just 24.2 km/h on weekdays, according to the municipal commission of transport.

The makers claim traffic problems in the city could be resolved overnight if the iRecycle becomes a hit. The infrastructure of lanes the device requires are already in place, cars just need to move over.

In addition to improving traffic flow and air quality, the iRecycle would also make the populace fitter and happier. A United Kingdom National Health Service report suggests it has multiple well-being benefits.

It is a low-impact form of exercise that is easy on the joints, but still helps you get in shape. For example, tests show that an individual weighing 80 kg will burn more than 650 calories an hour, toning the legs, abdominals and gluteus maximus. In addition to being a cellulite buster it is also a boon for the cardiovascular system, facilitating circulation, reducing the risk of heart disease and increasing the body's self-defense mechanism against various forms of diabetes and high blood pressure.

My PR buddies, who have tried out the iRecycle prototype, say it is a great stress buster and infinitely preferable to comparable exercise machines at gyms because it is outdoor equipment and not so boring.

The final piece of good news is the iRecycle is not only economical to run, it is going to be cheap enough for the masses to buy. A basic second-hand model is projected to retail for no more than 50 yuan ($7.50), while even custom-made models will sell for far less than the 4,000 yuan iPhone - which won't get you anywhere.

All that is required is a slick marketing campaign.

(China Daily 10/13/2010 page18)