Here’s a coolly educational DIY project that may get the kids off the Playstation for a couple of hours. Neatsolarstuff.com offers a bunch of funky looking solar robot and vehicle kits, and they’re suprisingly cheap. Have rewarding human interaction with your offspring as you struggle to read directions, use a screw-driver and actually build something while exposing your progeny to solar technology. Does it get any better?
This solar powered motorized kit includes: a solar panel, motor, metal body, wheels and gears — axle shafts. No batteries needed.

for kids 10 and up

$19.99 @ 4lots.com or $29.95 @ conscious-balance.com

(note: this item was not tested by the alternative consumer)

Soaring discs of recyled plastic — the ultimate in counterculture athletics. Here are a few that are cool not only cause you’re saving oil and energy, but because you’re not adding to those nasty piles of plastic covering the planet.

UPDATE: August 4, 2009 – Where have all recycled plastic frisbee sellers gone?  Looks like recycled discs have been scooped up.  Here’s the latest:

Eco Frisbee – the Groovy EcoSaucer is made in the USA from recycled milk jugs.  Packaging is 100 percent recycled waste. $10.50/each.

Patagonia’s Reflyer freestyle is made in the USA from 60% post consumer content (we could do better…) $10 @ greenBydesign.com

Dave Matthews Band high flyers feature “fire dancer,”
175 gm for $15.00

The following discs seem to be no linger available, (possible collector’s items?):

Leave No Trace sells celestial spinners with swirling patterns for only $10.

John Mayer’s ” baby face” eco-conscious spinners – $12.00

Full Circle, eco friendly discs are available at 4frolic.com/, $11 – 13.

Tea Leaf Gear also has full moons — nice white ones that glow in the dark for ultimate or golf — $12, 11 inches in diameter, 175gm.

We like the looks of this two armed, wall-mounted, lighting fixture.
The tasteful shade is made of silk. The base is polished nickle, with genuine maple or walnut. Classy.

Roots Double Arm Sconce $388

Details @ 2modern.com

Now I have to acknowledge that I haven’t partaken of this alternative therapy, but it sounds quite interesting nonetheless. If you’re brain is spinning from inhaling too many prescription, or over-the-counter meds for that sleepless condition, or you’re bleary-eyed from staring at that test-pattern on your tv set, you might want to check out Brain Music Therapy.

Dr. Galina Mindlin (NYC) hooks you up to some electrodes and measures your brain waves and a couple of weeks later sends you a CD that matches soundtracks to your active and resting brain wave patterns. Play the “relaxing” track to go beddy-by and the “activate” track to get your mojo working. The process is non-invasive and takes about half an hour. The therapy is also said to improve concentration and help treat stress, depression and anxiety problems. There are practitioners in many major cities.
Oh, it does cost a few bucks; $550 to be exact.

more @ brainmusictreatment.com

(via Gotham magazine)

• Here we go again. Oh, and who exactly is “US”? US Opposes G8 Climate Proposals – bbc
• Video: Indy Cars Running on Ethanol – msnbc
• We are what we eat. Geneticists Create ‘Next Generation’ of Genetically Modified Crops – nature.com
• Um, Al you’re saying this at your own celebrity book signing…Al Gore Slams ‘Trivialities and Nonsense’ in News Media – afp/yahoo!
• Perhaps we’ve found more of the missing honey bees. Swarm of Bees Forces Passenger Plane to Land – reuters

Easy on the eyes, silky soft on the body and kind to the environment.

The cotton for Ciel’s Underwear Collection is made from long fibre cotton, 95% organically grown in the US and Peru, using azo free dyes, and with 5% lycra.

Ciel Camisole Vest (£36) and Boy Shorts (£25) in night (black) and blush (soft pink) with Irish Cream Lace.

@ the natural store uk (order well ahead of that special evening)

images taken by Ben@bengold.co.uk

• Maybe there’s something to this. We know Tony B. is G.W.’s soulmate. Blair: US May Back Carbon Deal – bbc
• Can Electric Cars Get Drivers Charged Up? – msnbc
• Be respectful of wildlife you summer party animals. Grizzly Author Mauled by Bear – reuters
• and another thing, don’t bring wood into the woods. Billions in Forest Damage Done by Campers Bringing Insect Infested Wood into Forests – enn
• Corn: Kind of the Worst Thing Ever – scientific american blog – I couldn’t have said it better myself.
• We’ll all feel this way soon. India’s Rhinos Face Space Crunch – reuters

If you’ve gotta give a golf gift – do it green. This eco-golf party-pack contains a classic polo shirt made of high quality organic cotton, a golf hat made of hemp, a package of Top Flite XL 2000 golf balls, a package of biodegradable golf tees made with corn, and an all natural bug repellant. The collection is available with, and without, cigars (perhaps they’re nostalgic for the golfing 50′s). Two premium chocolate bars made with all organic ingredients are provided to meet the golfer’s nutritional needs. The whole deal comes beautifully packaged in an elegant square lidded pandan box that can then be used for storage or decoration.

$135 @ fresh unlimited

I love when recycled materials can contribute to a richer social life.

Made in Italy from recycled green glass, this classy looking tankard can hold 192 oz’s of your favorite libation. It features an easy-pour, drip-proof spigot, a lift-off top and a nicely sophisticated stand.

$69.95 + $5 extra shipping @ freshfinds.com