If you’re spending more quality time with your iPhone or iPod than you are with your kids, you may want to download this little app. Whirleo is an eco-themed app game that can help you connect with your kids while teaching them the importance of saving the planet and fighting pollution. This fun-with-a-message app is pretty affordable — the first seven levels of the new game are free and players can unlock 23 additional levels for just $0.99.

Details: Whirleo follows the journey of a group of colorful, spinning tops that whirl across the planet Rotopolis. As they move around the planet, each Whirleo cleans up pollutants released by the begrimed Guzzler (we know the type). Using their mobile device’s accelerometer, players can spin, tilt and jump as the Whirleo characters travel across land, sky and water. Characters locate hidden power-ups, discover magic crystals and solve puzzles while earning Greeno to purchase special boosts and limited edition Whirleo characters. Built specifically for Apple mobile devices by Smith & Tinker, Whirleo is recommended for ages 7 and up. Download the app @ Apple’s iTunes store.

An added plus — the good folks at Whirleo donate a portion of proceeds to 1% for the Planet.

Related: more green gadgets on The Alternative Consumer

A new set of Android-based smartphone apps can help you get off the fossil fuel merry-go-round. California-based Iconosys, Inc. has created its “Alternative Fuels” apps to provide users a GPS guide to the nearest alternative energy refueling stations along any travel route.

The Alternative Fuels apps include:

• the ‘Alternative Energy Fueling Directory’ which provides essential information for identifying and locating fueling/charging stations
• ‘Where to get Biodiesel’, for those users driving vehicles that burn diesel fuels that want to go green
• ‘Where to get NGV’, for those users driving vehicles running on CNG, LNG, or LPG
• ‘My Plug-In Directory’, for users driving vehicles that only re-fuel from electric charging stations

Fuels the apps can help you locate:

• ethanol and methanol
• compressed natural gas (CNG)
• electric fueling stations
• hydrogen
• liquefied natural gas (LNG)
• biodiesel

The apps will allow users to find the most convenient fueling stations/charging points, search for alternative fuel stations by zip code, get driving directions, website addresses, facility hours and facility phone numbers. All “Alternative Fuel” listings are common among the suite of apps. By clicking on a map for other fueling/charging points, you can see the deals and amenities that each location offers, as well as roadside assistance numbers for popular electric and hybrid makes in the event you have a highway safety or fueling emergency.

Alternative Fuels Apps are free of charge from the Android Marketplace and also available for download from Adshark’s AppStore AppHysteria (www.apphysteria.com).

ecobee Inc., makers of the award-winning Smart thermostat and Energy Management System unveiled their latest product, the Smart Si thermostat, at this week’s 2012 AHR Expo in Chicago. Designed for the residential market, the Smart Si offers remote connectivity anytime from anywhere via your computer, iPhone, Smart Phone or tablet and includes a high resolution color display, an intuitive user interface, sleek buttons and live weather –  features designed to help you reduce your home’s heating and cooling expense and save energy.

The Wi-Fi enabled Smart Si allows you to make adjustments to your thermostat program on the go from your tablet, computer, iPhone or Smart Phone. The thermostat has a built-in live weather function and uses advanced algorithms so you can be sure your thermostat is always saving the most energy possible. Other features: a high resolution color display, sleek buttons, and an intuitive user interface makes it easy to quickly set a personalized program, make setting adjustments and create new vacation events. Automatic alerts and reminders notify you when your HVAC equipment is due for service, if there is an equipment malfunction or when it’s time to change your filter.

You can pre-order the Si @ ecobee.com

Related: more green tips from The Alternative Consumer

(photos above and below) The House of Marley is showing off its new products for 2012 at this week’s CES in Las Vegas. We particularly like the Bag of Rhythm Portable Sound System & dock for iPod and iPhone.

The Bag of Rhythm system is made with earth-friendly materials including FSC-certified renewable birch wood and durable cotton canvas.

The boombox charges iPods and iPhones when docked and an aux input connects hundreds of other devices via an included cable. The system sports twin 1″ tweeters, twin 4.5″ high-definition woofers and a powerful amplifier that is said to deliver amazing output, crisp detail and deep, powerful bass.

The House of Marley also has updated their website, www.thehouseofmarley.com, to make it more user friendly.

The Bag of Rhythm will retail for $349.99 when it goes on sale in February 2012.

Note: The House of Marley donates five percent (5%) of its annual profits to 1Love.org – an organization dedicated to spreading Bob Marley’s message of unity and peace by lifting up a new generation of “young gongs” to strike the hammer for charities, causes and ideas that can change the world.

Related: more posts on green gadgets from The Alternative Consumer

The explosive proliferation of smartphones and other small electronic devices has created a growing demand for portable power solutions. One company hoping to feed that hunger for sustainable power is PowerSkin, which is debuting an array of new portable power solutions at this month’s CES. PowerSkin’s battery-boosting skins for mobile gadget users include: SolarCharge, KeyCharge, Gaming Skins for iOS and Nintendo 3DS, as well as new smartphone skins.

Featured will be PowerSkin’s new SolarCharge (pictured above), a 1000 mAh universal charger for use with all types of smartphones and all generations of iPod touch. SolarCharge is said to provide up to 350 minutes of extra talk-time. The SolarCharge charges off of natural light and can also be re-charged indoors via USB.

KeyCharge (at right), is a funky looking charger that attaches to your key chain and packs 750 mAh – extending talk time up to 90 minutes on most smartphones. Users connect their phone directly onto the KeyCharge’s Micro USB to start charging.

Both SolarCharge and KeyCharge will feature blue rubberized skins with LED lights indicating the amount of battery levels left. PowerSkin’s SolarCharge, $69.99, and KeyCharge, $24.99, will both be available beginning February @ Power-Skin.com.

Related: more solar charger and green gadget on The Alternative Consumer

New Year’s Resolution #9: Eat Well No Matter Where You Roam

This one’s for the road…are you listening Mr. Bourdain?  inBloom is a new app, created by 2 indie musicians who grew tired of eating poorly while on their way to their next gig… Andy Ross of OK Go and Eytan Oren of Eytan and The Embassy designed this user friendly app to be easily customized to suit one’s personal dietary and eco preferences — it features the nearest organic, locavore, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, raw, Paleo-friendly and environmentally-friendly businesses in New York City’s five boroughs as well as biz members of Musician’s Energy Conservation Alliance (MECA) … more cities will continue to be added throughout 2012.

With a nice clean interface, there’s no shortage of listings for

• restaurants
• farmers’ markets
• grocery stores, CSAs & co-ops
• green hotels
• thrift shops
• biodiesel and electric charging stations
• green supply stores
• clothing stores
• retail businesses powered by renewable energy

Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch … it’s an easy way to support people and places you believe in, and stay on the right sustainable track when roaming around.

Download in bloom for free via the iTunes store.

Related: more green gadgets on The Alternative Consumer.

BodyWave reads brain activity through the human body, not by intrusive headsets and wires like technologies of the past, but via an innovative brainwave monitor that attaches to the arm or leg. BodyWave’s patent-pending design monitors the brain’s physiologic signal through the body. Dry sensors acquire the brain signal and transfer it wirelessly to a PC. When BodyWave is used with Freer Logic’s 3D computer simulations, it can activate and deactivate those computer simulations by mind alone. It can also teach stress control, increase attention, and facilitate peak performance.

In the near future, BodyWave’s patent-pending technology are predicted to be able to collect brain activity through a wristwatch of sorts or implanted in a soldier’s clothes so that his/her mental acuity readings could be monitored.

Potential applications for BodyWave:

• Sports Training – BodyWave can tell you exactly when you’ve reached a peak performance state to sink a putt.
• Driving Safety – A steering wheel could send information to a car’s computer to warn a driver when he/she is not paying attention or dozing off.
• Job Stress Management – An Air Traffic Controller could know exactly when his/her stress level is too high.
• Police officers, soldiers, or firefighters could train to maintain optimal performance under duress.
• Relaxation Time – BodyWave connected to a cell phone could allow the user to learn to meditate or relax.

The BodyWave system can be purchased for general cognitive enhancement use for $1,795 @ playattention.com and includes the BodyWave unit and full training and access to the PC applications. Freer Logic can also adapt the BodyWave system in “app” form for any specific industry or application for an additional cost.

source: Freer Logic press release

SolarFocus Technology Company’s

The product will be the first in SolarFocus’ new solar gadget line. SolarKindle’s design features a flexible, lightweight high performance solar panel built into the cover and a dual-charging (USB/solar) reserve battery that greatly extends reading time. In addition, the built-in 800 lux LED reading lamp can be powered continuously for up to 50 hours without using the Kindle’s main battery.

Related: more green gadget featured on The Alternative Consumer

Designers Wan Xuan Lim and Tang Xueling Jane’s award winning Eco-Leaf Curtain/Light is envisioned as a next generation window treatment that reduces energy use during the day and serves as an energy efficient light source after dark.

During the day the product conserves energy by providing shade and allowing for the passage of ambient daylight and cooling fresh air. The curtain captures daytime solar energy with its flexible, integrated solar panels. A small on-board battery can then utilize the stored solar power to transform the curtain into an energy efficient lighting fixture after sundown. The curtain can roll-up like a conventional window shade if desired.

Related: more green gadgets on The Alternative Consumer

Electronics are once again dominating holiday shopping lists this season. In fact, analysts with the Consumer Electronics Association predict shoppers will spend six percent more on electronics this year compared to last – or about $250 per consumer. And for every new laptop, tablet, phone, TV, gaming system and scores of other gadgets, an outdated device likely will be replaced. For those old electronics, the question is, “Now what?”

• First off, do not throw replaced electronics in the trash. Electronic devices are comprised of a range of toxic components that can be harmful to human health and the environment if discarded in the same waste stream as the rest of your household garbage. Trashed electronics, or “e-waste,” contain heavy metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium, which can leach out of landfills and into groundwater or nearby waterways. The good news is that there are several alternatives for disposing of your e-waste, including reuse and recycling.

• One ideal method that is in keeping with the holiday spirit is to find a local community electronics recycling fund-raiser to properly dispose of your outdated electronics while helping to raise funds for a local organization. With the current economic climate most nonprofits, schools and other organizations are experiencing harder times. Not only will recycling benefit an organization in need, but the environment as well by diverting the e-waste from the landfill. Visit us.simsrecycling.com/events or contact your favorite nonprofit or other charitable organization to find an event near you.

• Another option is to look into electronics take-back programs. Many electronics retailers, like Best Buy or Staples, will accept your e-waste for free or a small handling fee, regardless of brand or condition. Several manufacturers, too, will take back retired products, although these take-back programs vary in terms of fees and conditions. A quick internet search of your local electronics retailer or manufacturers’ recycling policy will provide instructions for their take-back process.

• Many cities’ waste management divisions also have electronics recycling programs, though opportunities differ in size and scope. Some municipalities have designated e-waste collection sites, while others might host periodic events to collect e-waste. Typically municipalities contract with third-party e-waste recyclers that process the collected material on behalf of the city. Check your city’s website to learn about opportunities to drop off your e-waste or have it collected.

• Finally, consumers should look to see if e-waste recycling companies, such as those that contract with cities, have a facility nearby. These companies usually contract with organizations and businesses to handle large volumes of e-waste, but many welcome materials directly from individuals. Depending on the company, some accept electronics at their local facility at any time, some have designated days for public drop-off and others host periodic collection events with local partners.

• Unfortunately, however, there are some bad seeds in the e-waste recycling industry. Individuals, municipalities and businesses should take several important steps before selecting a recycler, thereby ensuring their e-waste is properly managed. For example, make sure the recycler is either Responsible Recycler (R2) or e-Stewards certified, which is one indicator that the recycler is adhering to environmental best practices. Also, even if you think your electronic device has been cleared of personal data, be sure the recycler offers data destruction compliant with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to make certain all data is wiped clean.

• Lastly, ask with whom a recycler does business. Some recyclers don’t actually handle the recycling of equipment and only collect the material for recycling. Not knowing exactly where your electronics are being recycled could put you—and the environment—at risk. The best recyclers are those that “own the lifecycle,” offering a complete range of remarketing and recycling services internally, thereby eliminating reliance on subcontractors, and thus improving accountability and security.

This holiday season when you are making room for your new electronic devices, remember there are plenty of homes for your old ones, but the garbage is not one of them.

Guest Contributor, Steve Skurnac is the president of Sims Recycling Solutions (SRS), the global leader in electronics reuse and recycling. SRS operates 50 sites all over the world, including 14 facilities across the U.S. and Canada. To find the location nearest you, visit us.simsrecycling.com.

Trash Basket Photo Credit: cellphone e-waste shutterstock.com

Related: more green tips from The Alternative Consumer.