A vending machine of tomorrow can be described with just three adjectives: smart, digitally-connected and, with no doubt, sustainable. It will sell or give away just everything, for versatile currency, with manifold purposes. A dispenser will definitely go beyond the “pay-and-get on-the-go” scheme, transcending to an eco-focused, digitally powered installation that would respond to consumer needs just like a human salesperson (or even better) and at the same time revolve around the four pillars of sustainability: environmental responsibility, cultural/knowledge vitality, social good/well-being and economic health. How do vending machines of today dip into the “smart” sustainable future across these four areas?
sustainability
IKEA strives to help consumers live their lives more sustainably. The Swedish retailer, known for offering smart interior solutions at affordable prices, now invites the UK consumers to buy the solar panel packages for private houses to make them as green as never before. The new equipment will be available at all 17 company’s stores within the next 10 months.
The sportswear brand Patagonia has announced a new initiative The Responsible Economy in the U.S. that focuses on the principle of seeing new in the old. The brand is calling consumers and manufacturers to be more attentive to the old things they are going to send to the landfill in order to save more, both for their pockets and the planet.
Lexus is launching a new installment of its Lexus Eco Challenge, designed to empower the younger generation to partake in making the world a better place to live through technology. The auto giant is encouraging teams of American school students in grades 6–12 to submit their STEM-driven submissions that potentially can help tackle Land/Water or Air/Climate issues. The entrants will be competing for a chance to win a share of $500,000 in grants and scholarships.