Everything we use seems to possess an insatiable need for battery power. Compact, portable backup power devices like Revolve‘s xeMini have been created to meet the growing demand for more juice. The xeMini is a hybrid – designed to charge all manner of gadgets and gizmos.

The charger utilizes a wide array of power sources to charge its internal 2200mAh battery and it’s small enough to fit in a pocket, purse or backpack. It supplies enough power to fully recharge an iPhone or Blackberry twice without recharging and even features a solar panel for charging off-grid.

• Made with green materials like recycled plastics blended with bamboo fiber
• Recharges over 3,000 devices – 2 at-a-time via USB
• Packaging & manual are made of recycled material & device itself contains no hazardous materials
• Retractable AC prongs plug directly into an AC outlet – no external AC adapter needed
• Comes with: Car Charger, USB Mini and Micro cables, and USB adapter

$81.57 @ amazon.com

Designer and craftsman Rafael Calvo created the table above as a juxtaposition of new and old – the remains of a broken plasma screen (his) framed in a table constructed of 100-year-old heart pine.

The heart pine beams used in the table’s design were reclaimed from a Manhattan, NY townhouse that Rafael had worked on as a carpenter. The century-old pine beams were otherwise headed for the landfill.

Miami-based Calvo Design specializes in sustainable, custom furniture woodworking. You can find more of Rafael’s work @ CalvoDesign.com

The Portuguese design firm, Corque Design, creates innovative organically-shaped furnishings from renewable cork. (The cork tree’s fire-resistant bark regenerates and can be harvested every 10 years or so.) The firm features the works of several talented designers. The “Vinco” chair (above), designed by Toni Grilo, achieves its geometric form without the use of screws or glues. (more…)

St. Paul, Minnesota-based 3M‘s Scotch Magic brand turns 50 this year, and as they turn the corner on the Big 5-0 they’re rolling out Greener Tape. We received one refillable tape dispenser and a replacement roll of new Magic Greener Tape for the purposes of this Review. After putting them to the test, here’s what we think… (more…)

• The key: ‘with proper policies’…Renewables Could Provide 80 Percent of Energy by 2050: U.N. – reuters
• Mississippi River Could Crest Monday in Memphis – myway
• Trade embargo makes environmental safety a tricky proposition…Cuba’s Hunt of Oil Raises Questions for U.S. – npr
• Impact of UK Tidal Power Installation on Marine Life Studied – bbc
• Turning the CO2 in the air into fuel…A Renewable Twist on Fossil Fuels – sciencedaily
• Quake-Shifted Japan: Towns Now Flood at High Tide – yahoo! news

Need an off-grid audio solution that packs enough volume to actually get your party started?

Eton has created a beefier brother to its original Soulra iPod speaker dock for those seeking a bigger audio experience. The new Soulra XL – now available for pre-order – delivers twice the audio power (22 watts versus 11 watts) of its little brother. The briefcase-like XL pumps your playlists through a generous 8 speakers.

The green gadget is powered by a large 72 inch monocrystal solar panel that folds-up for power and down for transport.

The solar panel fully charges the XL’s rechargeable 2000 mAH lithium ion battery in about five hours of direct sunlight.  When fully charged, the XL will play for roughly five hours and will also power your iPhone or iPod. The whole deal weighs 7 lbs and will run you about $300 when it drops later this month.

via: gizmodo

Gardens brighten our world with a plethora of rich colors and attractive smells while providing us with fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs. In a community garden, families can grow their own cooking ingredients, and enjoy the beauty a community garden has to offer. Starting a community garden can also cut down the cost of groceries. Community gardens ultimately promote healthier and greener lifestyles … as well as a sense of community:)

Selecting a Planning Committee
Before planning can begin, those who are interested in starting a community garden must have a meeting. A planning committee for the community garden must be formed, either formally or informally. An informal selection works well because individuals with good leadership and dedication will usually step up for the challenge. Whether the committee is selected formally or informally, each planning committee member should have the time and capability to be active and productive.

Determining How the Garden Will Be Funded
There are three easy ways to raise funds for a community garden. The first way is through a sponsor. Sponsors may donate money, seeds, plants, or other supplies that might be needed. The second avenue to raise funds is to charge members for their plots. This way the members are keeping the community garden running effectively. Lastly, the community may have a fundraiser in order to raise enough money to start a garden.

Select a Site
While evaluating a possible site, it is important to test the soil for certain metals, nutrients, and for any contamination. (more…)

Designer Huiyi Tan creates these lovely handmade necklaces from upcycled colored pencils. She makes the pencil and sterling silver necklaces in a variety of colors. The green and blue series is pictured above. Huiyi also makes matching earrings. (below)

We know, time flies … You can order a virtual gift card and have it emailed directly to your mom, or you can print one out and include it in your Mom You’re the Bomb recycled card:)

Kind to Mama Earth, too – no need to ship a gift overnight – fly on over to shefinds.com for the scoop.