Solar Power Pump for Cell Phones

Scheduled to be unveiled Summer 2009 in Glastonbury is this nifty gadget that allows users to extend their mobile phone battery life even if there's no electrical outlet or car charger available.  

Made by GotWind, it harnesses kinetic energy from an air bed foot pump, which in turn drives a turbine within the Power Pump. Then, the energy is  converted into an electrical current which can recharge  a mobile phone battery. The device will be showcased at the Glastonbury Festival, Somerset (UK) at the end of June.   Now that's a cool eco gadget!

For more info, check out http://www.gotwind.org/ 

Activism

Photo credit: ©Angela Fuller

Activism: Intentional action to bring about social or political change.  

I think more and more, the average "global citizen" is realizing that (1) we are all in this together (2) EVERY voice, every action that is taken to make our world a better place for all that inhabit it, is a worthwhile intention to pursue.  Historically, it is the grass-roots efforts, the ones started by a single word, a single spark of ingenuity or a single tear shed for an injustice, that have an effect on us. It's in our nature to champion "the little guy", the "underdog", the "David" that takes on Goliath...  What change can YOU affect in your little corner of the world today?

Need an idea or two to get you started?  How To Be An Effective Activist

Be well. Be inspired. Be the change.

Shark Bait

Click here to get more mini-SharkBreak widgets - www.SharkBreak.com

From Soda Cans To Solar Heating

Free Solar e-book offer

For a limited time, RealGoodsSolar.com is offering a 37-pg FREE e-book called From Sunshine to Electricity (an excerpt from their book for purchase: Solar Living Source Book).  Get your copy while you can!  Click here for free e-book 

Better Solutions for Drinking Water

I recently wrote an article for eHow to help others select the right water filtration system for home use, and save our landfills and oceans from being overwhelmed with plastic bottles.  If you'd like to read more:  How To Choose A Water Filter.

I also found this great eco-friendly product that provides a bottled drinking water solution for when you're away from home: Stainless steel eco-canteen.  You can take it to the gym, the office, hiking or anywhere there's a need to have your water bottle close by.  Not only is it eco-friendly, but it's pretty budget-friendly too.  Check out Ecocanteen.com for more info.

Grounds For Change

If you haven't heard of them, you might want to check out Grounds for Change, a relatively small eco-friendly, organic, fair trade coffee retailer located in the Pacific Northwest with some very admirable qualities, not to mention great tasting coffee!  You can order coffee, teas, and gifts directly from their website at www.groundsforchange.com.

Nifty Ideas for Creating a Green Baby Nursery

Your baby's room is a perfect place to incorporate eco-friendly products into your home, helping to create an environment that is relatively free of toxins. Babies are far more sensitive to the chemicals found in traditional bedding and mattresses than adults, not to mention the toxins found in traditional paint, acrylic carpet and standard household cleaners.  READ MORE

How To Recycle Hair Color Kits

So you're already saving big bucks by coloring your hair at home, but did you know you can use many of the items in hair coloring kits for other projects? Read more

FREE CHOCOLATE Fridays

Mars Real Chocolate Relief Act is the current campaign from Mars Snackfoods Inc - maker of M&Ms, Mars Bars, and more yummy chocolate. Sign up to receive a free full-sized candy bar on Fridays! (there's only 250,000 available per Friday). It's a SWEET deal!

Recycled Jewelry Boxes

Check out these great little recycled Indian bangle bracelet boxes from VivaTerra.com.  They're on sale for $9 (a 60% discount) so get them while you can!  VivaTerra has lots of other gifts and home decor that are eco-friendly! Mother's Day is just around the corner...