The Alternative Consumer

novothink solar surge charger now available

rd — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:25:26 PST

Novothink Solar Surge is now available for all you iPod Touch and iPhone 3G users. The solar-powered Surge, the only Apple-certified solar charging case, can double the battery life of Apple iPhone and iPod Touch via solar energy. Surge combines a state-of-the art solar panel with a lithium ion battery into a soft touch, non-slip [...]

bel&bel – recycled car forms seat 600 sofa

rd — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:45:23 PST

Innovative Spanish design studio, bel&bel, created its handsomely retro SEAT 600 Sofa from the remains of a couple of classic Spanish cars. The frame and bed consist of recycled materials and the rear of the piece sports an upcycled mini-bar. The piece also packs a 160 watt amp, speakers and jack for your iPod. Quite [...]

biodegradable bubble wrap

rd — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 06:28:20 PST

Though traditional bubble packing material may provide an easy packing solution it’s unfortunately loaded with environmentally unfriendly attributes. FP International, a Redwood, California-based company, has come up with a greener packing solution for small businesses looking for an alternative to traditional bubble material and Styrofoam peanuts. The company’s new product, Biodegradable Pillow Pak air cushion [...]

eco deal of the day – envi clothing

Maureen — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:23:17 PST

Online eco fashion boutique, Envi has an amazing 50% off sale going on ’til tomorrow 7am, ET. Now’s the time to spiff up that spring wardrobe. Check out these fab finds, above … Spruce Dress in majolica blue, was $188 now $94. All sales are Final when you use this code — “yinyang” — free shipping on [...]

new hope in wood – sculptural furniture from found materials

rd — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:35:29 PST

Artist and designer Paul Klein hand-fashions functional sculptures from found and recycled materials he discovers in the old buildings, secluded beaches and forests of his local area. His art ranges from sculptural tables and floor lamps, to mirrors and candle holders – all imbued with with the lush spirit of nature. Paul sells his work [...]

eco news roundup

rd — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 05:28:41 PST

Turn vacant lots into farmland…Detroit Looks to Downsize to Save City – washington times Tough way to shorten your commute…Quake Moved Chilean City 10 Feet – livescience Could it be that they just want to reduce the bill for the mess they created? GE: Limit PCB Contamination During Hudson Dredging – yahoo! news This would be just another [...]

SunHydro to create network of hydrogen fueling stations

rd — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:02:34 PST

SunHydro wants to put some hydrogen in your tank. The company is taking the first step toward creating the world’s first chain of privately funded hydrogen fueling stations by getting the go-ahead for its first fueling station in Wallingford, CT. SunHydro’s plan is to build an East Coast hydrogen corridor from Maine to Miami – [...]

recycled vinyl record bracelets

mr. happy — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 09:21:58 PST

These zippy Kofia bracelets from Brooklyn’s Wrecordsbymonkey’s Classic Patterns Collection are made from the remains of some forgotten record collection. The bracelets, which are emblazoned with a Shemagh scarf pattern, are available in a variety of colors. $25 @ wrecordsbymonkey

Book Review: The Art of Eating In

Jessica — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 07:53:45 PST

Last month, New York City blogger Cathy Erway stretched her story beyond the computer screen. Her new book, “The Art of Eating In: How I Learned to Stop Spending and Love the Stove” (Gotham, 2010) is a continuation of her blog, Not Eating Out in New York, which chronicles the urbanite’s efforts to forgo dining [...]

New World Homes + Country Living Magazine partner to create green modular homes

rd — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 05:24:28 PST

Ever had a few too many and stumbled up the stairs of your home only to find yourself staring at your neighbor’s identical front door? Could happen to anybody, right? With identical, cookie-cutter McMansions proliferating like mosquitoes in a pup tent it’s no wonder America is becoming the land of conformity and home of the [...]