I like my Thievery Corporation…Power Up The Planet, a new compilation CD created by cause-based music company Planetwize, features a flavorful mix of 14 global fusion tracks from top international artists like Thievery Corporation, Brazilian Girls, Zap Mama and Ozomatli.  Sales of the CD raise funds for SolarAid, a project dedicated to bringing solar power to people in underdeveloped nations.  The eclectic mix of English and Spanish language tracks ranging from reggae and Latin to electronic and Afrobeat all tap into Power Up The Planet’s theme of: energy, empowerment, and hope.

SolarAid is about getting power to underprivileged people – currently 1.6 billion people have no electricity – by providing people the skills and technology required to produce enough solar energy to run a radio, mobile phone, or light where previously there was none.  Every download or physical CD sold helps SolarAid (www.solar-aid.org) fight climate change and poverty.  With successful projects in Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia and Kenya, SolarAid brings solar lanterns, mobile phone and battery chargers to rural and remote communities throughout Africa, replacing dangerous and expensive kerosene lanterns with clean, renewable power.

Power Up The Planet is available in digital and physical CD versions @ planetwise.com.  The physical CD comes in completely “green” packaging made of recycled cardboard printed with soy-based ink; the CD tray is made from recycled plastic bottles and the wrap is biodegradable.

An eco-friendly, charitable stocking stuffer?