Innovate: Ultra-Rapid Renewables

How long does it take to grow the materials we use? Two seemingly disparate ideas: materials and time. One is tangible, the other can’t be touched, and can’t be stopped.

Speaker Bio: Sam Harrington joined Ecovative Design LLC in 2008 when the company was just a few people in a basement with a wild idea to revolutionize the way materials are made. With a background in mechanical engineering and design, he’s helped develop the automated EcoCradle packaging manufacturing/growing system, and designed packaging for customers. As Environmental Director, Sam has conducted Life Cycle Assessments of the production system to inform engineering decisions and minimize Ecovative’s environmental footprint. Sam is an active member of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, and several local environmental groups.

http://www.ecovativedesign.com

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TED has created a program called TEDx. TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. Our event is called TEDxGrandRapids, where x = independently organized TED event. At our TEDxGrandRapids event, TEDTalks video and live speakers will combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events, including ours, are self-organized.