
On a recently published list of "25 Designs That Shape Our World" in Architectural Digest magazine, a building called the Amager Bakke Plant was an unexpected addition to the list. It is not only a power plant that treats over 400,000 tons of waste each year, but also includes a functioning ski resort on top, a climbing wall along the side and school tours teaching kids about waste management. In a time of recycling crisis and pioneering brands trying to use more biocontributing packaging, this is a big design-based solution to a big global problem. The plant is scheduled to open in October.

Officials and activists in Iceland are using the loss of the country's first glacier as an emotional appeal for the world to address global warming. The plaque commissioned to memorialize the site and leave a dire message for the future reads: "This monument is to acknowledge that we know what is happening and what needs to be done. Only you know if we did it."

I found this entire article and service offering from the luxury automaker to be a perfect reminder of how sometimes the best ideas for a complimentary offering don't require you to come up with an entirely new thing to sell if you can find a way to help people find greater enjoyment from the things they already own.
Want More Non-Obvious Ideas?
The Non-Obvious Insights Newsletter brings you the five or six most fascinating and overlooked stories of the week, with a quick take on why each one matters.
One email every Thursday. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
The Non-Obvious Insights Newsletter
The most interesting stories of the week, and why they matter. Join more than 100,000 readers.
One email every Thursday. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.