I came from a dirt farm, now I'm filthy rich.
Up until now, tulips were the only bulbs most people would think of the earth producing. Science, it seems, has caught up with soil chemistry to produce electricity, enough to power small appliances. That's the concept and invention of Dutch designer Marieke Staps, whose innovation has produced the Soil Clock, a small liquid crystal time keeper that run on soil or mud power.
The Soil Clock works with the principle of an earth battery. Copper and zinc are the electrodes and the soil produces the electrolytes the conductive medium that precipitates the charge to be generated. The free and environmentally friendly energy used in the Soil Clock is sustainable and forever renewable as the clock runs on mud. The metabolism of biological life produces enough electricity to make the clock continue working. To operate the clock, stick the copper and zinc wires into the soil. The inventor suggests that although it will work in damp soil, which is important, placing it near plants is more beneficial because watering the plants occasionally to ensure the clock keeps working.
But wait! There's more! In addition to the Soil Clock, the Soil Lamp also runs on mud power. The soil contained within produces enough renewable electricity to keep the small LED lamp burning. The mud is enclosed in various cells that contain copper and zinc to conduct the electricity. Just water it every now and then and you'll have a continuous stream of illumination. Of course, don't forget to keep it damp, or you'll run out of time, and who wants that?
