The Gulf oil spill has made it even all the more clear that we have to make our move to alternative energy asap.  This futuristic-looking hydrogen powered toy car, from Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies, can help make your kid’s transition to zero emissions technology a fun undertaking.

The Hydrocar is powered by a Reversible Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cell.  Just add water and watch as oxygen and hydrogen gases are formed in two transparent containers in the back of the vehicle, which combine water electrolysis and fuel cell functions into one device.  The car will change direction when it hits something – blue LED lights flash from inside the cockpit for a little extra visual schnizzle.

And the car looks cool, too.

$99.95 @ amazon.com

Need to create a private space, carve out a home office, or just get a little privacy?  Want to hide those kid’s toys, or your ugly old TV? Does your design sense skew toward the eclectic?  If so, this sculptural room divider, or screen, may provide an eco-friendly solution.  The Nomad System can be configured in a number of ways, it can be configured to break-up a large loft space, or create a corner, entryway, or private space.

One, 24 Module Set creates a 4.5 ft x 4.5ft section with the open configuration, and a 3 ft x 4.5 ft section with the closed configuration.  The funky, green, reconfigurable modules are a refreshing alternative to blah, standard temporary walls.  The renewable and recyclable Nomad – is made from recycled Kraft paper.

Available in nine colors for $56 @ greenergrassdesign.com – made in the USA from locally sourced materials.

Surf’s up. Time to suit up, grab your organic sunscreen, tunes and towel.

A blend of 30% organic cotton & 70% Viscose from bamboo; these babies come in 3 colorways and 2 sizes.

• 36″ x 68″ was $54, now $29.50
• 56″ x 80″ was $76, now $39

find @ dreamsack.com.

Water conservation is a growing concern for everyone (except for that guy down the block who’s watering the street as well as his giant lawn).  One new water-saving trend in landscaping, vegetable and container gardening is drip irrigation.  Drip irrigation applies water directly to the soil where it trickles down to plant roots.  By installing, or converting to, a drip system, home owners save money on water bills, reduce weed growth, and eliminate overspray onto cars and sidewalks (see my neighbor).

Drip irrigation can be used in a wide array of applications: vegetable gardens, decks and patios, trees, roses, raised beds, etc., consumers can find drip irrigation kits to meet most home garden needs.  Gravity feed kits can also attach to a rain barrel or garbage can and capture roof run-off and rain water.

Irrigation Direct has a wide range of drip irrigation kits ranging in size from kits for individual trees and plants up to yard-size landscaping systems.  Their site also features how-to videos, tutorials and troubleshooting guides.

Have a great holiday weekend!.  Here’s a bunch of green news stories to browse over breakfast...

• Just in time for that trip to the beach – ‘Jaws’ revisited… Great White Hype? Coast Guard Warns Beachgoers of Shark Danger – boston herald
• The containment cap is bouncing…Bad Weather Hampers Oil Cleanup Efforts – cnn
• Headline of the day…Out-of-Control Russian Robot Ship Careens Past Space Station – cs monitor
• I think I just lost my ‘itch’ for some new duds…Bedbugs, On the Rise, Close Pair of NY Clothing Stores – cnn
• Required viewing before today’s cookout…(photos) Inside Look: Gallery of Animal Guts in Action – livescience
• How about a couple of bucks for the ‘Sunshine State’…Obama Announces $2 Billion for Solar Power – myway
• I hate to end on a downer (think tar balls, not surface oil)...Miami, Florida Keys Face up to 80% Chance of BP Oil, U.S. Says – bloomberg

I don’t usually look to JC Penney for my eco-friendly appliances, but this 2-slice toaster is estimated to use 35% less juice than comparable 2-slicers.  This little toaster from JC Penney’s Cooks by Home line uses infrared heating technology to bronze your toast twice as fast as a typical toaster.  Features extra-wide slots and a 7-level electronic browning control.

(above) Viva La Revolucion!  For the skateboarding crowd, assorted hipsters and guys who want to get a reaction – this organic cotton tee emblazoned with counter-culture imagery and eco-friendly dyes – should get the job done.  From the board fashion company, Obey @ skateboard.com

(above) Summertime sees everyone on the move.  Whether traveling to the beach, the office, or the in-laws, you always need more room to pack and haul all your stuff.  This beautiful, handmade Dream Weekender bag created from vintage upholstery fabric and leather should certainly help you get where you’re going in style.  $224 @ StarBags Etsy shop.

(above, L to R)
Relax or just look relaxed in Big Blue Boo Upcycled knits embellished with screenprints, dye and transfers made by a career woman turned stay at home mom.  She also makes Lil Blue Boos, one of a kinds for the alternative tot set. Offering flexibility, wear these as a tunic or layer; ($54).

Straight off Project Runway, winner Leanne Marshall ecofashioned this Cora swing dress in fuschia bamboo jersey exclusively for Bluefly.com (on sale for $234.99).

(above) Eviana Hartman founder of Brooklyn-based, Bodkin, and recipient of the 2009 Ecco Domani Sustainable Design Award in 2009, continues to beat to her own drum.  Eco fashion designer by day, Open Ocean drummer by night – perhaps reflecting her own personal style, many of her pieces easily transition from day to night.  Look for slouchy dresses and asymmetrical dresses this fall, above are a few personal faves from Bodkin‘s summer collection.

(above, L to R)
By FIN, this simple yet versatile organic bamboo drape dress can be worn dressed up or down; spring, summer or fall; with or without the belt.  An easy transition to fall with tights and a cute cropped vintage jacket.  Available @ fashion-conscience.com.

Or add a little black drama to your wardrobe in this bamboo Drape Front dress on sale ($73) @ turninglife.com.

(above) Lounge or make a splash in Mocium’s organic cotton and Lycra swimwear.  Take your pick – one piece or two @ shopjumelle.com

Try not to get sucked into some of those 4th of July summer sales – remember to love what you have, and only acquire what you need…Have a nice loong weekend, happy Independence Day!

Designer Hafsteinn Juliusson has created this little living necklace – part of HAF’s Growing Jewelry collection – to satiate the urban dweller’s thirst for a hit of live greenery, amidst what can often be a harsh urban landscape.  The designer calls it ‘a mix of gardening and jewelry, couture and organism.’  How very civilized.

Water the Icelandic moss every 5 days, or so – it should stay green for about a year.  The silver planter should last forever.

a wee bit pricey, but maybe it’ll grow on me – $189 @ generate design

Seattle-based, Case Architects, produced this residence as a further refinement of their single-family spec home design.  The house is designed to be significantly more energy-efficient than the best homes available on the market.  The tasty green design features a green roof, ICF Foundation and walls, rainwater harvesting system, and radiant floor heat.