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…)

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

Plants are Mother Nature’s super-efficient air filtration system. The ANDREA system utilizes award-winning technology to accelerate a plant’s already potent capacity to remove airborne toxins from the air. The gadget employs active plant filtration in concert with layers of water and soil to provide a multistage system that cleanses indoor air of harmful toxins that can irritate and be harmful to your lungs.

It naturally purifies air by drawing it in and propelling it through the leaves and root system of a plant, then out through water and soil filtration and back into the room environment.  (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

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.

Who needs one more thing? For the party entertainer looking to shed a little light on their next evening soiree — these free standing bubbles of light capture the sun’s energy by day (about 2.5 hours) and emit a nice warm glow for about 8 hours. Pink, Clear, Orange or Green. Waterproof. Designed to travel from path or poolside to bedroom with a light heave-ho. $35/each @ poketo.com

related: green gadgets

What’s the worst part about using rechargeable batteries? Well, most likely it’s that inevitable date when the battery loses any ability to hold a charge. In 2005 Sanyo unveiled the Eneloop battery which revolutionized the capabilities of the rechargeable battery. Now, Sanyo is back with the new and improved Eneloop 1500 – a far more innovative and longer lasting battery than its predecessor.

So, what actually makes this new Eneloop so amazing? Let’s look at the difference in charging cycles between the two batteries.

Where the older model could be recharged an impressive 1000 times, the new Eneloop is rechargeable up to a whopping 1500 times. This amazing new model also has an improved self-discharge, enabling the batteries to retain 75% of their capacity after being stored for up to 3 years, whereas the earlier model retained 85% after only 1 year.

The new Eneloop can be depended on to function in temperatures as low as -20°C. On top of their already eco-friendly design, Eneloop batteries come pre-charged by solar energy in Japan. These Earth-friendly super batteries can be found in either AA (Mignon-eneloop) or AAA (Micro-eneloop) sizes at amazon.com

To show you how ancient I am, I can readily recall the 1980′s New Wave band, Ultra Vox, presumably no relation to this solar charger concept, given birth by designer Eric Strebel.

The design features a series of reflecting petals that surround a central solar panel. The portable charger captures solar energy that then charges 4 rechargeable “AA” batteries. When charged, batteries can then be used as a power source for all manner of small phones, gadgets, PDA’s and iPods. The whole deal is small enough to fit into a backpack, purse, or coat pocket.

Another fave of ours from vers … not new to the scene, but worthy nonetheless … a smart and sleek iPod and iPhone dock:  this “hybrid” also serves double-duty as both am/fm radio and alarm clock – wake to either radio or iPod tunes … it plays and charges all docking iPods … delivers smooth sounds – perfect for bedside, office, kitchen or den – handcrafted shell made from sustainably sourced, walnut or bamboo. $220 @ versaudio.com