Nice idea – this handmade, portable USB solar charger is stored in a recycled Altoids tin, and it will charge all your little Apple iProducts. The (included) 4V solar cell charges two, high-capacity rechargeable AA batteries — the batteries then charge your gadget.

When you need some emergency juice for your iPhone or iPod just plug your device into the batteries via the three foot retractable USB cable, (included). Buyer has their choice of Altoids tins.

$29.99 @ the Brown Dog Gadget Etsy Shop

Related: more green gadgets

From her home base in Pinehurst, Texas, indie designer Lee-Anne of Green OAK Creations aspires to fashion unique garments “as individual as each leaf on a tree“.  Her one-of-a-kind (thus the acronym OAK) collage-like creations are hand-crafted and constructed entirely of recycled and upcycled knits, sweaters and fabrics.

The whimsical eco-fashionable collection of coats, dresses and cardigans ranges from the hip Pinwheel Long Cardi to the sophisticated Snow Goddess (the latest addition to the Epic Fantasy Collection), as well as the wonky court Jester Sweater Coat. find @ greenoakcreations Esty shop.

related: more eco-fashion

The Carraig Ridge Passive House is an innovative home designed for those who really want to get away from it all; additionally, the energy self-sufficient prototype has been designed with a potential 300-year, cradle-to-cradle lifespan.

The project is the vision of architects Les Eerkes and Steven Rainville in association with Tom Kundig and Olson Kundig Architects. The prototype calls for nine homes to be developed in a cluster of 3 to 5 acre lots, with the intent that the development of a small portion of the property will partially fund the creation of a 4,000-acre Canadian nature reserve.

Each building is seen meeting the ambitious goal of cutting energy consumption by 90%, with an energy consumption target of 4kbtu’s/SF per year. The home would feature: a large photovoltaic solar array, hot water heat exchange and storage, and other energy efficient components. The building’s design has the additional goal of creating a positive relationship with both its inhabitants and the surrounding landscape.

With multiple design approaches, alternate forms of the building are envisioned as well – either burrowing into the earth and stretching out to the prairie, or hovering above the ground and being sheltered by trees.

Much of the building will be pre-fabricated and assembled on-site to reduce costs, increase efficiencies and reduce environmental impact. The ease of assembly also means the units can be disassembled and removed from the landscape when their lifecycle is complete.

related: more green architecture

Java Junkies – hold on to your cups…here’s a sleek new way to fill-up and go … grab an eco-friendly to-go mug that’s perfect for coffee, tea, cocoa, latte, macchiato OR espresso. It’s time to stop adding to landfills with those wasteful disposable hot drink cups.

Barista-friendly, too … the 8 and 12 oz. sizes fit under the heads of espresso machines AND the silicon band does double-duty, simply use a marker to note how you like your drink, and save a little time in the morning. Or better yet, make your own fair trade, organic brew before you hit the road.

Eco factoid: the KeepCup compared to disposable paper cup (including coffee) sees a:

• 36-47% reduction in global warming
• 64-85% reduction in water use
• 91-92% reduction in landfill waste annually. (source: core77.com)

KeepCups are made in Australia; silicone bands are made in China; (manufacturing hubs are expected to shift to Europe and North America in 2011 and 2012).

Details: Cups come in 3 sizes: 8, 12 & 16 ounce cups, and lids are one-size-fits-all. Cups and lids are free of Bisphenol-A (BPA) and made of food-safe recyclable polypropylene #5. The plug is thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) – (KeepCup’s website says they’re endeavoring to source the plug material in a biodegradable form).

Dishwasher and microwave-safe … starting at $12 for the 8-oz size. Buy @ amazon.com or find in 3 colorways @ branchhome.com

• This state may fight to protect its drinking water…Nebraska May Play Key Role in Canada Pipeline Battle – npr
• Oklahoma Earthquake Causes Damage – enn/reuters
• Worst flooding since World War II…Death Toll From Thailand Flood Rises Past 500 – the weather channel
• EU companies took advantage of war to net endangered fish…Tuna Fished Illegally During Libyan Conflict – bbc
• 100′s trapped by bad weather…Rescue Underway for Tourists Stranded Near Mount Everest – cnn
• One drought lasted 50 years…Scientists Find Evidence of Ancient Megadrought in Southwestern U.S. – sciencedaily
• This giant reptile had a six foot-long head…Giant ‘ShieldCroc’ Once Stalked Moroccan Rivers – livescience
• Rhinos Get Upside-Down Helicopter Ride to Safety – msnbc

Author and award-winning freelance photographer David FitzSimmons has created a sophisticated and beautiful new book, Curious Critters to instill in children an appreciation for nature. Intended to stimulate and instruct, be prepared to learn a thing or two yourself, as you explore what it’s like to be a Red Flat Bark Beetle, Black Swallowtail butterfly, Spotted Salamander, Red Eyed Vireo or Chinese Praying Mantis.

FitzSimmons’ macro animal photography is amazing, the critters jump off the page and into your mind and lap.

21 critters are cleverly presented and detailed:

• each close-up appears with playful “first-person” text
• there’s a “natural history” 2-page recap – a small snapshot with info akin to an encyclopedia (more…)

If only we could turn back the hands of time..well, tonight’s the night (Daylight Savings Time ends 2 a.m. Sunday).

This little kitchen clock works overtime – it keeps track of minutes and lets you write notes or play teacher with your tots. Leave a reminder for a loved one or teach the little guys how to tell time by chalking it up. They’ll also learn the value of using reclaimed materials — it’s hand-crafted in Wisconsin from reclaimed school blackboard + reclaimed Douglas Fir provides the little ledge. (approx 12″ L x 13″ high; 5 lbs.) $95 @ uncommongoods.com

Since 2006, Italian based Cutting Up Knives has been hacking away – transforming all manner of knives from little meat cutting utensils into handsome mild mannered bottle openers. Most raw materials for the limited run are sourced from recycled knives and factory rejects – though some perfectly good virgin knives are transformed into openers for strictly stylistic reasons.

For those who value liquids over solids.

Daylight hours fall back tomorrow night, winter will be nipping at our heels and backs – we like what Nau has in store to keep us sustainably warm and stylish.

Pre Big Chill … We’re digging this concept – a toasty scarf with built-in pockets. Just wish these great looking babies weren’t made of acrylic. DIYer’s might want to get busy, winter’s frigid temps are almost here. $36 @ poketo.com

Proving that a little bit of luxury doesn’t have to cost the earth, designer Madonna Bain creates soft and alluring eco intimates – from bras and bandeaus to knickers, camisoles, rompers and robes. Keeping it natural, she favors materials like organic cotton, hempsilk and bamboo with touches of lace, silk and spandex for extra comfort. find @ Etsy shop ecointimates.

For casual comfort, slip into the Cocoon Wrap made of hemp and organic cotton. $78 @ indigosage on Etsy.

Indicative of a true trash to treasure aesthetic … As an alternative to traditional wedding or anniversary rings, indie designer Angela Lawler upcycles rustic nails and adds your choice of either rubies or diamonds. $210 @ steampunkfunk Etsy shop.

Stay connected to each other, your community and nature…here’s to a beautiful weekend.

Related: want more eco-fashion? previously on altCon