Thin film photovoltaic panels which are currently charging small devices, cell phones and other green gadgets – may soon be applied to the windows of your home, the roof of your car or integrated into the skin of your iPhone to keep your carbon footprint small and your energy independence quotient high. A little company called Konarka Technologies has been developing thin film photovoltaic products since 2001.
Konarka has developed its Power Plastic product – a thin film photovoltaic material that captures both indoor and outdoor light and converts it into direct current (DC) electrical energy – to create mainstream consumer applications for everyday use.
The energy captured by the Power Plastic product can be used immediately, stored for later use, or converted to other forms. Power Plastic can be applied to a wide variety of potential applications – from microelectronics to portable power (like backpacks or solar chargers), remote power (off-grid) and for use in green building applications like solar windows, solar roofing and home siding products. The product can be manufactured into the skin or body of a product, or applied to an existing surface like windows. Konarko is partnering with Arch Aluminum & Glass to develop transparent and opaque Power Plastic panels to be integrated into windows and curtain walls.
PurBlu Beverages recently launched GIVE WATER and GIVE ENERGY drinks in some new flavors. Armed with some free samples, we gave them and try – and here’s what we think: it’s all good. Give stimulates your brain, body and the economy.
We were blown away by the taste and refreshment derived from GIVE Water. It’s absolutely delicious – probably the best tasting bottled water we’ve ever had.
Where does it come from? Two different sources — on the east coast — Alpine Springs, Livingston Manor, New York. And on the west coast – Sierra Mountain Springs, Baxter, California.
And the bottle? The bottles are oxo-biodegradable and will decompose in 10 years.
But as you may surmise, GIVE is more than a brand of beverages. It’s a brand with a mission.
For every bottle of water that’s sold, 10 cents is donated to one of 4 local charities: Give Life to children in need; Give Hope to women with breast cancer, Give Love to protect our environment and Give Strength to fight muscular disorders.
Their other product offering, GIVE Energy, is a line of all-natural carbonated drinks with a twist. They’re intended to GIVE you natural brain + body energy while your purchase gives money to alternative energy initiatives.
With each purchase of this pick-me-up you’re giving 10 cents to sustainable energy initiatives — like wind and solar power. GIVE Energy comes in 5 flavors: Acai Blueberry Pomegranate, Mojito Grapefruit, Pear Apple Cherry, as well as Lite: Pear Apple Cherry and Tangerine Melon.
We tasted the Acai Blueberry Pomegranate and it does appear to provide an energy boost. And perhaps mental acuity is increased as well — given ingredients like Ginko Biloba one can only hope. The carbonation is good. At first – it tastes pretty sweet. But after a few swallows, my taste buds seemed to adjust, and the sweetness wasn’t overbearing.
What’s in it? Here’s what is listed on the can:
Natural Caffeine, Gotu Kola leaf/root extract, Yerba Mate leaf extract, Guarana Seed Extract, Ginko Biloba leaf extract, Rhodola Rosea root extract. Other Ingredients: water, pure cane sugar, natural flavor, citric acid, purple carrot juice concentrate (color) red grape juice concentrate (color), purple sweet potato juice concentrate (color).
If you Give a try, let us know what you think. Drink up. Drink sustainably. Like them on FB and receive a free bottle of water!
Find Give drinks in your local market (listed by zip code on their Web site) or buy in bulk on amazon.com.
Need socks? Today only, pick-up some crew socks at Maggie’s Organics and save $2 on each pair, (normally $8). These are Fair Trade made, organic cotton, high quality socks designed for both men and women, and they’ll last for years.
Choose from 8 beautiful colors. Enter code MONCREW22 at checkout. Valid today only til 11:59pm EST and on online orders of solid crew singles.
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