Designer Samuel Li specializes in conceptual design and ideation. The solar-powered Leaf Lantern is one of his more innovative industrial design concepts. The lamp is constructed of a series of discs, or leaves, that feature photovoltaic cells that charge each disc’s internal battery via solar or ambient light.

When in the lantern mode, the light can function as a cordless lighting unit for indoor or outdoor use. Separated, the individual “leaves” can be used as stand-alone flashlights, inductive charging pads for small devices, or ambient candles. (more…)

As June bugs buzz and things heat up this month, stay cool in sustainable style with pieces from today’s collection of curated eco chic goods.

(above) Alex and Ani has a striking array of lightweight and colorful bangles in store for easy summer days and nights; beginning at $38.

(L to R, above)

• Shop Eco Goods for English Retreads’ wristlet handbag that doubles as a makeup bag; priced at $34 but you can receive 20% off when you enter exclusive code AC20 at checkout. (more…)

• Strong private sector backing needed…World Should Double Renewable Energy by 2030: U.N. – reuters
• Dead zone could result in the Gulf of Mexico…Farm Runoff Rattles States on Mississippi – nyt/msnbc
• Good business…Florida Power & Light Wants to Offer Discounts to New Businesses – palm beach post
• He’s not Satan…New ‘Devil Worm’ is Deepest-Living Animal – natgeo
• German Outbreak is New Virulent Form of E. coli – bbc
• Mother octopus gives her all for her kids…literally. The Hardest-Working Mom on the Planet – npr
• Health Tip: What’s Polluting My Indoor Air? – yahoo! news

Portion control just got easier to visualize. Michelle Obama’s crusade to improve America’s eating habits has a new graphic representation – MyPlate.

The stodgy food pyramid has been replaced with a simpler, more eye-popping, representation of the ratios of fruit, veggies, protein and grains that should comprise a healthy meal.

Hopefully there will be no contrived political outcry from the food pyramid lobby and its supporters…

Artist Kevin Cyr’s Home in the Weeds art installation is a personal reaction to the fragility of our society today. His work expresses a unique take on downsizing, self-sufficiency and resourcefulness.

These photos (above and below) are of his solo exhibit featuring works like Little Tag Along, Shanty Shack and Cabin Tent on display at 941 Geary in San Francisco now through June 4, 2011.

Anyone of a certain age, like myself, can appreciate his retro meets modern sensibilities. On a very simple level, Little Tag Along‘s bicycle hauling a mini trailer seems the pared down and even more ecofriendly version of a Tiny Tumbleweed (portable) Home – proving once again that you can take it with you. (more…)

NASA’s Sustainability Base is nearly complete. The 20 million “smart building” opens in July and will be one of a few structures that can generate more electricity than it consumes.

Located near San Jose, the Sustainability Base is generating a lot of buzz among businesses and government agencies trying to be more green. (more…)

Good news on the recycling front – Moore Recycling Associates Inc. has released a study that reveals a much larger portion of the U.S. population has ready access to recycle commonly used plastics than previously thought. The study, “Plastics Recycling Collection: National Reach Study,” found that approximately 94 percent of Americans have access to recycle plastic bottles and 40 percent of the population can also recycle other types of plastic containers, such as: yogurt cups, dairy tubs and lids. (more…)

Hot off the press and just in time for summer fun is Environmental Working Group’s 2011 Sunscreen Guide. EWG has been our go-to guide for the past several years and for this year’s 5th Annual Sunscreen Report they analyzed more than 600 beach and sport sunscreens and they found that they could only recommend one in five sunscreens for this summer. The rest of those tested either don’t protect enough or contain hazardous ingredients that don’t belong on your skin.

All told, the analysis of sunscreens includes safety and effectiveness ratings for 1,700 SPF products, including sunscreens and SPF-labeled lip balm, makeup, and moisturizer. When you access the database, you want to find (and use) products with low ratings. A rating of 1 (or zero) is best. The rating refers to the amount of toxicity found in the product’s ingredients. Lower indicates less toxicity, so lower is better. (more…)

Unless you happen to be one of the fortunate few who work from home, you’re most likely feeling the crunch of rising gas prices. Even those who do work from home must make the occasional road trip, which can cost a vital organ or two. Thankfully, the electric bicycle represents an economical alternative to force-feeding dollars into a hungry car, and, though e-bikes can often cost big-bucks, here’s a roundup of 5 great bikes that won’t break the bank. (more…)