Editor’s note: The following is a satirical article for The DisreGuardian, a series of articles published annually for The Guardian’s April Fool’s issue. A&E will resume publishing normal content next week.
Calling all train-riding Discord mods — you know who you are — lend me your headphone-indented ears! Need a new morsel of epicness to play and replay while you imagine yourself in Peter Griffin AI edits? Look no further than “We are Charlie Kirk,” phonk-ified! And always remember, the legend Charley Horse Kirk would have wanted you to K.I.R.K.: Keep. It. Real. King.
#Japan 🇯🇵is turning footsteps into electricity! Using piezoelectric tiles, every step you take generates a small amount of energy. When you walk, your weight and movements put pressure on the tiles, bending them slightly to induce mechanical stress. The piezoelectric material inside the tiles converts this stress into electricity. Each step creates a small amount of charge, and millions of steps together can power LED lights, digital displays, and sensors. In a busy place like Shibuya Station, around 2.4 million steps a day contribute to the system. This electricity can be stored or used immediately, reducing reliance on traditional power sources and supporting sustainable urban infrastructure. This method turns everyday exercise into practical renewable energy in #Japan 🇯🇵.
