Quotes of the Day

Saturday, Apr. 22, 2006

Open quoteIf you talked about environmentally friendly products 20 years ago, most people would have envisaged a hand-stitched hemp-fiber bag or mud-colored recycled stationery. But these days, the state of the planet is a broader concern, and the line between green goods and those of the regular kind is blurring. Here are four products that will make you look chic while feeling righteous.

Portable Power
The egg-shaped Solio portable charger opens up to reveal solar panels that will charge your iPod, cell phone, digital camera or other small devices. Available for $79.95 from solio.com.

Brand New Bag
Voltaic's bags and backpacks feature solar panels to provide power, as well as a battery to store power for later use. Bags come with adapters for charging common types of cell phones and other devices, and cost $239 at voltaicsystems.com.

Style Watch: Rattan Revolution
Diversions: All Talk
Food: Season to Taste
Outdoors: Comfy Camping

The Grass is Greener
As a grass, bamboo grows far quicker than trees. What's more, stands of bamboo, unlike forests, can be replanted and harvested rapidly. This sustainability, plus the fact that it's durable and malleable, is bringing bamboo to the attention of hip furniture designers like Adapt Design. Check out the sleek range of bamboo chairs and tables at adapt-design.com.

Easy Rider
The foldable IKOO electric scooter is ideal for nipping around the neighborhood. A 4- to 6-hour charge will take you on an emissions-free journey of 18 miles at a top speed of 18 miles per hour. Available for $999 from ikoo.us.

Gas Muzzling
Every airliner releases tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year, adding to the greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. Next time you take a trip, clean up after yourself by making a donation to U.K.-based climatecare.org. Your money goes to support emissions-reduction projects such as reforestation and research into renewable energy.Close quote

  • Alex Pasternack
  • Show Me the Green Stuff
| Source: Show Me the Green Stuff