This year, New Zealand is happy to be the first finalist from the Southern Hemisphere to make it to the US Department of Energy Solar Decathlon. As New Zealand sees the light of the sun everyday before the rest of the world, they have named the home the First Meridian Light House.

The design concept for the house was inspired by the traditional Kiwi bach, a New Zealand holiday home.

Kiwi culture places heavy value on socializing and being outdoors.  (more…)

The Finnish company, Suntrica has created a nicely compact solar charger for the iPod and iPhone. Attach the portable SolarStrap to your messenger bag, bike, belt or coat and it will charge itself while you go about your daily travels. You can then connect it to your iPod or iPhone (certified for iPhone4) when those energy-hogging gadgets need recharging.

The charger stores the solar energy it gathers on an internal battery for instantaneous later use. (more…)

We spend about a third of our lives sleeping, so we may as well be comfy. If your sheets are looking raggedy now may be a good time to save on fresh new organic bedding. Save 10% on pure organic sheets and duvets, use code FALL11FS at checkout. And through September 11, receive FREE shipping on orders of $100 or more @ gaiam.com. Sweet dreams.

Although there is no miracle cure that can completely stop aging from taking a toll on you, there still are some natural superfoods that can help you age gracefully, and look and feel youthful inside out. While you may not be able to be your sweet sixteen again, being proactive about anti-aging can definitely help you cut down one or two decades from your actual age.

Listed below are top 9 great superfoods that are marveled for their anti-aging properties:
1.  Blueberries – Any food rich in antioxidants is your best bet when it comes to anti-aging endeavors. They rebuild the damaged body cells and postpones the aging process. Blueberries enjoy the reputation of being the most antioxidant-rich food on Earth.

2.  Orange Juice – Kick-start your day with a glass of orange juice to reap the benefits of vitamin C, body beta, and other such elements of anti-aging contained in orange juice. It also serves as a great energy booster.

3.  Fish – A rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, fresh salmon is especially loaded with benefits for adults who wish to stay mentally quick with age.

4.  Green Tea – Green tea has been known to be associated with lowering the risk for breast cancer. The scientific justification suggests that green tea reduces the estrogen levels in the body, which otherwise increases the possibility of breast cancer. (more…)

We thought we’d republish this list of green school supplies.

Go sustainable: Ditch the petroleum-based crayons, lead-based pencils and virgin tree-based paper products. It’s time to reach for school supplies made from renewable resources, or recycled materials — they’re healthier for us, our kids and the planet. Here’s my roundup of 7 essentials for my little guy:

(above L to R)

Non-toxic Soy Crayons
Consider these safe and sustainable soy-based crayons by Prang. They can either look like your usual crayons or come in various shapes. My favorites are the little rock shaped crayons. They’re unconventional but more tactile for young artists. $1/pack, 8 colors

Banana Paper Notebook
No acid, not made from trees, water based inks and glues. I can’t get enough of these Banana Paper Notebooks. Poke around a little to find a cover you like, they come in a bunch of different designs. $5.95

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Take a break from your Labor Day barbecuing and catch up on some news…

• No corporate logos or sponsorships…Burning Man Anti-Consumerism Celebration Goes Non-Profit – reuters
• Not again…New Flash Flood Watch Issued for Vermont, Northern NY – cnn
• Over 1,200 Arrested at Tar Sands White House Protest – huffington post
• Tigers get all the publicity but…Fears Grow for Asia’s Endangered Anteaters – yahoo! news
• Tweaking Plants’ Clocks to Make All-Season Crops – sciencedaily
• Nanotechnology and medicinal applications…Electric Motor made From a Single Molecule – bbc
• Feral hogs a threat to farmland…NY Seeks to Stop Wild Hogs, May Ban Captive Hunts – msnbc

When is an old jello mold so much more than an old jello mold? Answer – when it’s a light. This recycled piece of Tupperware has been saved from the landfill and transformed into a funky little pendant light. The TupperLight’s retro mint green color can brighten the home decor of any country kitchen or Brooklyn walk-up.

The 9″ wide  X 15″ high lamp, which comes replete with an energy efficient bulb, will run you $45 @ the BootsNGus Etsy shop. What other treasures lay hidden in the back of grandma’s kitchen cabinets?

Winter will be here sooner than you think. If you plan on using a wood stove to reduce your home heating bill you might want to consider this little heat-activated fan. The stove top Ecofan silently redirects the heat produced by a wood stove via thermodynamics – no electricity involved. The manufacturer estimates that this fan will help make a wood-burning stove up to 30% more efficient by moving the hot air around the room. The hotter the stove, the faster the fan spins.

comes in 2 size @ gaiam

The height of hippie chic comfort and attitude – this Beige Tunic / Blouse (pictured above) is made from sustainably sourced fabrics — it’s made from an ‘end roll’ so there aren’t many of these left.

$69 @ designer elaine watson’s soulsewseed cargoh shop

Amazingly cute (and affordable!!!) organic cotton baby doll dress. Empire waist with double straps that have long ties, and bow in back where it meets the dress. Bubble hem with silk lining throughout. 100% organic cotton and made in the USA.

(above) Handmade with love by V e l v e t L e a f . $20 in their Etsy shop.

Here’s a funky but chic bracelet made of upcycled vintage jewelry parts. Handcrafted by designer Lindi Deschenes and sold @ her LyndiLane Etsy shop for $35

Remember – Sustainable style never goes out of fashion.