AS eco-consciences become more prevalent (allegedly) with each passing year have you ever felt the guilt that you should be doing more to be green?
The pair have engineered ‘catalytic clothing’ which attempts to purify the air we breathe through the clothes we wear.
Well, down at MOSI, Manchester’s 2012 Science festival may have just the thing for you – air purifying denim. Yep, good old fashioned denim jeans that are green but not literally.
The ‘Field of Jeans’ project will be on display as one of over 100 events during the festival which takes place from 27 October to 4 November. The project is the brainchild of artist and designer Helen Storey (London College of Fashion) and scientist Tony Ryan (University of Sheffield). The pair have engineered ‘catalytic clothing’ which attempts to purify the air we breathe through the clothes we wear.
Green Jeans
A nano-technologically engineered spray has been created to add to the laundry process which will last around ten to twenty washes. Once treated catalytic clothing will turn people into walking air purification machines as pollutants caused by cars and industry will be broken down upon impact with the material.
Helen Storey discusses the thinking behind the technology: “On one hand it can be seen as a very nerdy bit of science or on the other, art. We are using human beings’ unique ability to change their skin everyday through changing their clothing, and positively using the surface area and fibres of that clothing.
“If you start off with something vaguely preposterous you end up with something wonderful, like being able to purify the air with our clothes. It’s the world’s first altruistic technology, it’s based on benefitting other people. If I walk past you I am benefitting from the purer air produced through the fibres in your clothes and vice-versa. Catalytic clothing is asking us to grow up and behave better toward the environment.”
The eco-garments are hoped to reach the market within the next two years, although we’re not yet sure how much the items will cost. Until then people will have to continue planting a tree after every drive they take.
Elsewhere at the festival The Science Junkies will be teaching science through the traditional medium of – adrenalin sports. The Junkies will demonstrate some gravity-defying stunts along with presentations combining their love of both scientific knowledge and high octane extreme sports, much in the same vein as Newton and his extreme apple picking.
Science Junkies
Manchester Science Festival Director Natalie Ireland said: “This year’s festival promises to challenge and amaze, with some fantastic treats to attract science and arts lovers alike. There are also lots of hands-on activities for families, a chance to meet and talk with scientists and engineers, or to relax and enjoy films, comedy or performances themed on science.”
Lionel the CampervanThere’s also a chance to track down and find ‘Lionel’ The Spaceship Of Imagination – or in other words a 1985 VW campervan has been transformed into a roving cinema. You can find the elusive camper by using the #locatelionel hash tag on Twitter during the festival. The decked-out space themed van will be showing a series of short scientific films and even offering popcorn to viewers.
MOSI Director Jean Franczyk said: “MOSI is the proud producer of the Manchester Science Festival and we welcome you to events at the museum, throughout our city and across the region.”
Further information on events and listings is available here.
