A Barcelona-based company, Arkyne Technologies, wants to use a single plant to charge your phone.
The company’s product, a pot called the Bioo Lite, uses the energy generated by photosynthesis to charge smartphones. Bacteria in the pot breaks up the compounds, releasing electrons that travel along nanowires. The resulting electricity powers a typical USB port, where you can plug in your phone or tablet cable.
Arkyne Technologies claims the pot allows up to three charges per day at about the same speed the USB port on your computer would charge your phone. Bioo Lite will only work while the plant is alive, so taking care of the plant is crucial. If you kill your little green friend, you’ll have to replace it with a new one.
The pot is available for an early bird special of roughly $112 on Indiegogo. The company already surpassed its goal of raising nearly $17,000 and is estimated to begin shipping as early as December 2016. Like other Indiegogo campaigns, back at your own risk.
