Designer and photographer Jonas Merian and his girlfriend Nina create their product designs and photography out of their live/work studio in Shanghai, China. Jonas created this series of upcycled telephone clocks (pictured above + below) from old, recycled Chinese telephones. (more…)

This portable little solar panel can charge many Nokia, Samsung, or Sony Ericcson phone models in about 3 hours in direct sunlight. The pocket-sized charger also comes with a USB adapter for charging other small devices.  $29 @ nokero.com

note: not compatible with iPhone

Anyone roaming the aisles of Whole Foods or Wegmans of late has probably noticed a newcomer to the raw, vegan and certified organic snack scene, Power Snacks by Navitas Naturals. The California based company offered to send a couple of complimentary samples our way for the purposes of our Tried and True Green Products Review. (more…)

• Your GPS may get a little wacky…Power Companies Prepare as Solar Storms Set to Hit Earth – reuters
• As economy slows demand will fall…Oil Doves Under $85 After S&P Downgrades US Debt – yahoo! news
• Orange goo…Mystery Substance Comes to Shore of Alaskan Village – cnn
• Sneaky but effective…Hiding Vegetables in Kids’ foods Can Increase Vegetable Intake – sciencedaily
• Sounds familiar…Abused Baby Boobies Grow up to Abuse Other Chicks – bbc
• Pop quiz…Monkey Business: The All-Time Smartest Apes – livescience

Given that most of us are tied to at least one electronic gadget, it’s almost essential have an electrical outlet nearby at all times. But considering the hobbies and professions of some people, this isn’t always an option. The Voltaic series bags by Solar Power Generation gives us the means to recharge our essential electronics while on the go.

The Voltaic bags and backpacks have rows of small solar cells on their exterior, allowing you to recharge nearly any electronic device in your inventory without needing an outlet. Whether it’s a cell phone, PDA, MP3 player, or camera, Voltaic bags can recharge them all by plugging in a basic car charger. If a car charger is not handy, each bag comes complete with 11 standard adaptors to recharge just about any device.

Each bag features a Lithium Ion battery pack that will store any surplus power gained through the day, and they are obviously a great way to ease our reliance on basic electricity. You can find Voltaic’s full line of off-grid solar chargers @ amazon.com.

That abstract visage staring back at you (above) was created from recycled paper. Artist Nick Georgiou transforms recycled print materials into transfixing art pieces and sculptures. He tries to keep it local – garnering discarded newspapers, magazines and books from his immediate surroundings, which, for the past two years has been Tuscon, AZ. (more…)

With soaring temps these days, nothing suits better than, well, eco chic undies. Stay fresh in sustainable style and comfort … help stimulate the independent design market … and other good things.

(above) From OnTheInside, the Ambrosia Bra in a blend of ultra soft organic cotton and bamboo ($38) and matching Lily of the Valley panties ($21).

(above) Seattle-based SandmaidenSleepwear offers tasty Bon Bons – a blend of organic cotton, bamboo and elasticity -  bandeau bikini bralette, made to measure (tre couture) with high rise knickers ($44, top &  $46, bottom). (more…)

• Drought is a growing global concern. Crops With Deeper Roots Capture More Carbon, Fight Drought: Study – reuters
• Tropical Storm Emily May Return This Weekend – miami herald
• Cargill Recalls 36 Million Pounds of Ground Turkey – cnn
• Solution? Researchers Discover Natural Food Preservative That Kills Food-Borne Bacteria – sciencedaily
• Life on Mars? Mars: NASA Images Show Signs of Flowing Water – bbc
• You’d probably die in the effort…DIY: How to Split Atoms in Your Kitchen – livescience

Over the past few years many environmentalists and earth-conscious consumers have started using reusable water bottles to do their part in reducing the number of plastic bottles in the wastestream and floating around our oceans. While this effort does help reduce waste, many of these reusable bottles are made of either plastic or stainless steel, two materials that create both a carbon and chemical footprint in their manufacture. (more…)