IKEA Developed Remote-Controlled Boats That Collect Floating Rubbish From Rivers

By Mandy Froelich / Truth Theory

Your favorite Swedish company has done it again. In an effort to preserve the environment, IKEA developed remote-controlled boats that collect floating rubbish from rivers and lakes. The Good Ship IKEA boat is modeled after the company’s SMÅKRYP bath toy set.

The Good Ship IKEA boat weighs 150 pounds and is 10-feet long. When deployed, one boat can collect up to 44 pounds of garbage at one time. Not only are the floating vessels effective but they’re also quite adorable.

For the development of the boats, IKEA partnered with Creekside Education Trust. In early February, two of the boats were deployed into Deptford Creek, in southeast London. The goal was to increase public awareness about water pollution, as well as celebrate the opening of IKEA’s newest branch in Greenwich. For one week, pedestrians and school children were invited to pilot the boats up and down the creek.

IKEA has not yet disclosed whether they will continue producing the vessels. For the meantime, Hubbub, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting sustainability, will manage the two boats in Greenwich. Furthermore, all of the trash that was collected from the creek will be transformed into a sculpture which will be placed in IKEA’s new store.

h/t GoodNewsNetwork

IMAGE CREDIT: Ikea