Who knew?

Today, I learned that there is currently new technology that can generate power solely by walking. I’m a big fan of the “Green” movement, and I do my part whenever possible to contribute in my own way.

I think that this new technology is quite exciting.

While walking, your energy is captured and stored.

“ With the device, a minute of walking can power a cell phone for 10 minutes, Donelan, of Simon Fraser University in Burnaby , British Columbia, said in a telephone interview. Other potential uses include powering a portable GPS locator, a motorized prosthetic joint or implanted drug pumps.”

The photo above provided by the journal Science shows an energy-capturing knee brace. Just by walking, it can generate enough electricity to operate a portable GPS locator, a cell phone, a motorized prosthetic joint or an implanted neurotransmitter.

The biomechanical energy harvester includes an aluminum chassis and generator mounted on a customized orthopedic knee brace.

In what just might be the ultimate in power walking, the device generates electrical power from the swing of a walking person's knee. The device helps the leg decelerate and can generate enough power to charge a cell phone without requiring much additional energy from the person.

Pretty cool, huh?

Because the device weight 3.5lbs, additional energy is needed to walk, which in turn, uses more calories, so wearing it is a win/win situation.

Will this be coming to a store near you anytime soon? Good question, it’s still in the development stages, but since the prototype is already built, it’s just a matter of time. In fact, more and more lightweight and other applications are in the works:

“On the face of it, that sounds like a recipe for making walking difficult. Surprisingly, it is not. Although the leg muscles perform “positive” work when they accelerate the leg forward to begin a step, when the leg straightens at the end of the step they perform “negative” work as they slow the leg down. If the generator in the harvester were connected during the accelerating phase the process would, indeed, be expected to increase the load on the muscles. But if it were connected only during the decelerating phase it would impose no load. It might even make things easier.”

From Power to the People

In a related article, Treehugger, a leading green website, announced that “Treadmills pump out 2 lbs. of C02 and burns as much energy as 15 of those wasteful incandescent light-bulbs. “

Oh, well, in this case the benefits far exceed the costs as far as I am concerned—your healthy lifestyle and well-being are number one in importance.

Obviously, when walking outside is prohibitive due to cold weather, snow and other weather shenanigans, treadmills should be used. Now, when the warm weather of spring hits, exercising outside can do wonders for your mind and body.

Also, as we keep instructing you how to do resistance, indoor, and other exercises indoors, aren’t you running out of excusing to not get that body moving?

Did you find any interesting and healthy green news today? Feel free to comment and contribute here at Iowa Avenue. It’s your community—use it the best ways you can, because

After all, it’s about a healthy lifestyle!

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