This week, I had to choose one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals for our new creative technology for sustainability project. I found it quite hard to pick, as I felt more drawn towards the more personal/ emotional goals like 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). However, I couldn’t picture how I could make something technological to fit into those kinds of goals. Whereas I could think of interesting technologies for some of the more practical goals, but didn’t feel quite as passionate about them.

After some research into the different goals and what tech is already out there, I decided on number 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). This ties into the environment and power consumption, which is something I feel very aware of in my surroundings and day-to-day life.

For my project, I decided I wanted to experiment with solar panels. To start with, I was donated tiny solar panels that came from old bobblehead toys. While taking apart the toys and looking at all their components, I discovered what capacitors are and why they are needed when using solar panels. After some re-soldering, I managed to light up a single LED, although dimly, using only the solar panels and no other power supply.

I really enjoyed taking apart the toys and reusing their components. I want to find more old/ broken solar panels instead of buying them for my project, for fun and also because recycling and reusing ties perfectly into a sustainable project.