IKEA is hoping to light up your summer nights with its new line of SOLIG solar lights. Each light is equipped with a solar cell that transfers the sun’s energy to a rechargeable battery. And as long as the battery is charged, the energy-saving and long-lasting LED bulb will automatically start to shine as soon as night falls.
The outdoor SOLIG lights are thoroughly tested to withstand moisture and rain. Most of the lights retail for $19.99 or less at your local IKEA store or @ ikea.com
Related: previously on altCon – solar energy posts
Liechtenstein based Pure Wind Energy has recently introduced a new home wind turbine, the Wind Core. The company claims that the Wind Core’s design, which features an outer ring and central flow body, offers ‘enormous’ improvement over conventional turbines (German translation). Pure Wind estimates that with an average wind speed of 5 m/s the Wind Core will provide a house with approximately 2,000 kWh of electricity per year.
Perhaps someone should ask Pure Wind’s marketing director about the decision to install the demo unit on a Bavarian toll booth (on right). The turbine is just rolling out in Europe. more info @ pure wind energy
Related: more posts on wind energy
This spring, why not try lightening your environmental load as well as your wardrobe.
With that goal in mind, I’ve got my eye on a pretty new bag from backpack maker EastSport. The company’s new biodegradable Natural Collection includes eye-catching totes, messengers, duffle bags and backpacks made with 100-percent natural cotton, untreated brass hardware and soy dyes and without plastic linings, fillers or threads. The hang tags are made of seed paper that will sprout wildflowers when planted.
A portion of proceeds from the sale of the bags goes to The Ben Jelen Foundation, whose mission is to spread awareness of environmental issues. EastSport plans to make 50 percent of its entire production 100 percent biodegradable by 2011. That’s a goal I can get behind. available @ natural.eastsport.com (totes $45; other styles, $60)
The 9,000 New Yorkers who got tickets on Friday the 13th for talking on their cellphones while driving could have used this little baby. The solCHAT Bluetooth speaker phone from Scosche Industries can make blabbing on the phone while driving, a safer, solar-powered endeavor.
The solCHAT is powered by a solar panel and lithium ion rechargeable battery. The gadget’s voice announce technology allows solCHAT to announce calls as they come in so users can keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel while driving. (more…)
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