From the U.K. comes yet another pocket-sized solar charger designed to power-up your bloated collection of gadgets, gizmos and contrivances with renewable energy.  This Juicebar contains a 1500 mAh high capacity battery that can be charged via USB port or by exposing the solar cell to sunlight.  Devices can be charged directly from the sun via the solar cell.  Included accessories are: 12 connectors covering most popular mobile phones, hand held game consoles and MP3 players (including iPods).

The Juicebar measures 11 x 40 x 93mm and weighs in at just over 2 ounces.

£19.99 @ epogo.co.uk

Welcome – Guest Blogger, Carmen K. Iezzi, Executive Director, Fair Trade Federation.

The Fair Trade Federation (FTF) evaluates businesses for their full commitment to nine Principles, including Creating Opportunities for Marginalized Producers, Cultivating Environmental Stewardship, and Paying Promptly and Fairly. FTF members strive to only source items under these Principles – no fair-washing here!

Products from Fair Trade Organizations (FTOs) are usually made with recycled, sustainably harvested, organic, and/or chemical-free materials. Often working in remote areas off of the power grid, FTOs encourage environmentally sustainable practices throughout the entire trading chain. (more…)

Store that kiddie mess in this multitasking box.  A sturdy storage container by night, the fully recyclable MultiBox is a child’s seat and learning tool by day. Shapes, Numbers and Alphabet.

Made primarily of recycled material, the ‘Box’, is protected by a non-toxic, fire retardant coating.  Easily cleaned by a wet cloth.

U.K. only @  by nature

• Obama Wins Praise for Renewables Plan – reuters
• This could be big on Wall Street…Obama Seeks U.S. Carbon Emissions Cap – scientific american
• What goes ‘up’ – shouldn’t come down quite that fast…Satellite’s Loss a Setback for Study of Greenhouse Emissions – cs monitor
• You talkin’ to me?  The Evolution of Human Aggression – livescience
• He bit off a lot…Truth Squad: Evaluating Obama’s Speech – npr
• Topless Cafe in Maine Gives Neighbors the Jitters – myway

The MetroCabin is designed for people looking for an easy-to-erect, prefabricated small space.

Measuring 16 feet deep by 20 feet wide it’s an ideal size for an artist’s studio, pool house, extra room or a place to store your visiting relatives.

Insulated and constructed with FSC certified wood and toxic-free glues, the cabin has a roomy nine foot-nine inches of ceiling height in the front, Andersen doors and windows, and doesn’t require a foundation.  Comes without electric or plumbing, which, along with the front deck, can be added as options.  Two people can assemble the cabin in as little as two or three days.  Base price: $32,500.

more details @ metroshed.com

Before spending the green and using up valuable natural resources and energy, ask yourself some basic questions:

• Do I really need this item?
• Do I already have something I can re-use instead?
• Where was it made? (more…)

With its endless assortment of “get-skinny-quick” potions and prepared takeout meals, one could comment on how ironic it is that America’s become the land of the fat. Yet further insight reveals this conundrum to be fed by people’s desires for happy egos rather than healthy bodies, and this is where the raw foods lifestyle can lead to a plethora of positive outcomes.

What is the raw foods lifestyle? It’s a route that brings one back to nature and pure living through the exclusion of meddled-by-man “food” products. And the consumption of fresh (and preferably organic) fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds that have not been exposed to heat above 118 degrees. Why halt the heat? (more…)

Don’t let those freshly cut herbs wilt – keep them fresh and hydrated in simple Swedish style with this modern ceramic pot from Sagaform.

Three separate openings will keep fresh herbs both hydrated and aerated while providing you with a nice presentation piece.  Display them on a kitchen counter or window sill like a bouquet of edible flowers.  Water via the corner hole.  Easy to clean.
$36 @ huset-shop.com

Related: (3.8.08) – sagaform’s fresh herb pot

I just finished my first glass of Steaz Black Tea with Lemon and I have to say, wow, that was delicious!  Company founders, Steve and Eric have been brewing tea for the past six years; it’s all goin’ on — the perfect triple bottom line mix of product, planet and profits.

Steaz tea leaves are grown on an organic and certified fair trade farm in Sri Lanka, and their aim is to be the best tasting, most popular iced tea on the planet.  Straight from the can, here are the ingredients:  the finest organic black tea leaves, filtered water, organic evaporated cane juice, organic lemon juice and natural flavors.

find out where to buy, and experience their hip tea lounge @ steaz.com