Gas-powered lawnmowers may still pack a more powerful grass chomping punch than their electric brethren but they also spew a tremendous amount of air pollution (an estimated 5% of the US total) noise and toxic gas and oil into your yard.  If your yard is more standard issue than backcountry rough-and-tumble you may find a rechargeable, cordless electric mower like the recently redesigned 2010 Black & Decker 19-inch, 36 volt CM1936 can readily get the job done – cleanly and quietly.

This mower features a grass catcher, an easily removable and rechargeable battery, a foldable design for upright storage, one-touch adjustable blade height and it’s designed to tackle a typical 1/3 acre yard on a single charge.  The battery takes about 12 hours to fully charge.

Though there are a lot of small companies making electric mowers it’s probably prudent to choose an established, world-renowned manufacturer like Black & Decker when making this kind of investment (comes with a 2 year warranty).  Another little note: though the mower is marketed as “zero emissions” the power plant that generates your electricity may not be – though in any case this is a much more earth-friendly product than a gas-powered mower.  One hour of gas-powered mowing is estimated to produce the equivalent emissions of driving 350 miles – ouch!

$395.54 @ amazon with free standard shipping.

Related: previously on altCon
take a peek at our Gardening Category

I usually favor more old-school, vintage style bike baskets but this sleek number has a cool attribute – it pops-up.  Comes in handy when storing.  Designed to stash your purse, tote or any small bag; mount on either front or rear of bicycle. $75 (white, black or green).

There’s a larger pop-up that’s intended as an at-home utility basket or decorative container. Durable yet flexible, it stretches to suit your needs.  $65 (white, red or aqua).  Made in the USA of locally sourced materials – recycled content; recyclable; environmentally conscious finish.  It’s summer – let’s get out of those cars and onto those bikes…Shipping begins June 15 @ mioculture.com

Related:  previously on altCon (1.14.09)
folding bike – TX Commuter from SwissBike

Envirocycle has updated the design of their popular compact composter.  The 17 gallon rotating model now comes pre-assembled in an earthy, light brown color.  The size makes it ideal for patio’s, balconies or terraces.  The base collects composted liquid – which Envirocycle calls “compostea”.  As with the previous model – Envirocycle maximizes the use of recycled materials, in both the product, and its packaging.  Maybe it’s time to start making your own compost and growing those veggies and herbs.

$130.88 @ envirocycle.com

Related:  previously on altCon
take a peek at our Gardening Category

It’s been a long and curvy journey for artist, Mark Khaisman.  He was born in Kiev, and studied art and architecture in Moscow – only to wind up in Philadelphia.  I don’t know if his Tapeworks collection, featuring portraits and images created with packing tape on back-lit acrylic panels qualifies as eco-friendly art – but I do know it’s alternative.  I believe that’s one of my favorite bad guys, Richard Widmark, above.

My affinity for artists who work with everyday and found materials dates by to my college days where my roommate KLOB worked with burlap, tin foil and twine.  Very tasty.  By the way, that’s Curly of the Three Stooges (just above, left).

via: uproxx.com

Related:  previously on altCon
take a peek at our Art Category