SolarPod Portable Solar Generator Briefcase

The solarpod from Thousand Suns is marketed as a self sufficient portable energy source; ideal for boaters, festival goers and campers! The solarpod is cleverly packaged in a robust looking flight case and our test model was supplied with the optional integrated 15 watt solar panel built into its lid. (more…)

Green up your Apple iPad with a Solar Charger

Apple fanatics worldwide have been anxiously waiting for the day that the iPad becomes available, and finally it’s here! The Apple iPad allows you to surf the Internet, read books, look at maps, and pretty much anything else you can imagine. Those who are concerned for the environment are thrilled by the fact that the iPad is more eco-friendly than most electronic devices. Apple has worked hard to design the iPad with features that will reduce its environmental impact.

What can you do to add to the ‘green’ factor of the Apple iPad? One thing you can do is invest in a solar charger. Now readers of EnviroGadget are no strangers to solar chargers, or using them for their gadgets and homes. The iPad boasts an impressive battery that will last 10 hours between charges. However, if you are often traveling, camping, or enjoying areas that have a severe lack of electrical outlets, or you just want to stay off the grid, then a solar charger is going to be essential. It may not be as fast as a wall socket, but hey, it’s green environmentally friendly! Plus… as I think we can all agree, solar chargers are just cool. (more…)

Eco Tutor: Solar Heating for your Home

This guest article was kindly written by Ron Bean of The Green Chameleon. It’s a great introduction to domestic Solar Heating and how it all works.

It’s that time of year again – time to break out the sweaters, winter coats and watch those winter heating bills go up every month. Chances are that along with those monthly energy bills, you’re also contributing to global warming.

If your home uses a conventional gas-fired furnace, or fuel-oil, both of which are fossil fuels, which generate greenhouse gases. If you have electric heat, you are indirectly generating greenhouse gases, since the electricity needed to power electric heaters is often provided by coal-burning electric power plants.

But what if you could keep your home toasty warm all winter long, generate zero greenhouse gases and your monthly heating bill was zero? That’s right, I said zero – as in nada, nothing at all. (more…)