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| Source: | LOHAS Weekly Newsletter |
| Published: | Friday, December 30, 2005 |
kThree-way convertible bicycle
The trioBike is a normal bicycle that can convert into a pedal- powered cargo hauler, that could also safely transport two children, to a maximum weight of 80kg. But separate the two and you still have a functional bike, and a classy push-carrier. So, you can load two children in the front carrier and take them to school or day-care, then detach the carrier and leave it at the school. You can then retrieve the bike's front wheel, located under the carrier, and ride to work.
Not only does the trioBike provide the option to lug heavy stuff around town, it also retains all the environmental benefits of bikes. It looks snappy, has a 'wow' factor and will make people rethink their eco-travel options for urban living. With prices from around pounds 1,500 for bike and carrier combined, it is remarkably affordable for all its clever design and detailing.
Graham says: Replacing car travel and it's multifunctional.
www.triobike.com
hNight reader
Demotech's product is made from 'dead' batteries, LEDs and old cooking oil cans and makes use of the tiny amount of power that is left in the batteries. Designed for use in developing countries, it requires no special skills to make and costs almost nothing. It was inspired by stories of students studying at night while standing under lamp-posts.
Graham says: Schools in rich countries can adopt schools in poor areas and send them a teaching package and the LEDs. Love it!
www.demotech.org
vBattery backpack
A backpack with solar panels embedded into the outside of the bag, designed to charge portable electronics.
More an electronic bag than just a solar charger. The battery pack (Li- Ion = rechargeable and recyclable) can also be recharged by plugging it into your wall or car. This is a true mobile power source, so it's just as useful in the city as off the grid. It charged our phones as promised, but most surprising was the number of people that stopped to ask about it. It'll charge an iPod but not a laptop.
A solar array you wear on your back that looks great! Fewer disposable batteries, more freedom to be outside and helps promote the wonders of solar power. Available from the Science Museum Store and Selfridges. Graham says: I confess, this was designed by a friend, but I do love this bag. The design is sleek and it charges a battery 'reservoir' so that you always have a battery backup. It also promotes solar power.
www.voltaicsystems.com
vPortable solar charger
Say goodbye to disposable batteries with this pocket-sized gadget from Solio. Designed to charge mobile phones, iPods and PDAs and built from recycled and recyclable materials, this solar charger folds out to reveal three solar panels.
The Solio can power an iPod after five to seven hours of direct sunlight and should work for most mobile phones. At pounds 49.99, this product is great when travelling.
Graham says: Very sleek solar charger, battle-tested by treehugger and Coldplay-promoted.
www.solio.com
lElectric scooter
This DIY electric scooter, invented by Don Dunklee, is powered by the sun. Don, who is from Michigan, USA, installed folding solar panels on to his electric scooter. Instead of plugging the scooter in, Don simply has to place it outside to charge it up. The scooter has two sets of folding panels that generate 120 watts of electricity after being placed in good sun.
The bike's batteries hold 2,400 watt hours so about nine hours of good sun will charge the battery half full. Charging is handled by a regulator stored under the seat. Sadly, this invention is so far unique to Don.
Graham says: This guy added solar panels to an electric scooter and uses it to commute.
kMulti-charger
This eco multi-charger will charge 'non-rechargeable' batteries as well as NiCd and NiMH batteries, extending battery life by up to 10 times. The device takes all popular battery sizes and tells you how much strength is left in them. Cost: pounds 39.99. Graham says: Pick up all those old-school batteries you see on the street, around the house and at friends' houses ... and use them again. Giving old batteries a new lease of life is cool.
www.dxmarket.com/saitek
lRecycled trainers
The trend of sustainable ways of living has entered the footwear market. From materials such as charity-store coats, ex-military parachutes and prison blankets the company Worn Again has fashioned these funky- looking trainers. As well as supporting an innovative green product, buy these and you'll be helping reuse some of the 900,000 tons of textiles discarded in the UK each year.
Available in Terra Plana, 124 Bermondsey Street, London SE1, and in Schuh stores across the UK. For stockists contact: info@wornagain.co.uk.
Graham says:
Great shoes made from recycled materials.
www.antiapathy.org/wornagain
hFlying wind turbine
This clever flying wind turbine developed by Magenn Power, is held up by helium. As wind speed increases rotation, lift and stability also increase. The Magenn air rotor system can be raised up to 1,000ft above ground level, capitalising on higher winds without having to build a tower or crane for maintenance.
The first units in production will be a 4kW residential unit that will cost around pounds 7,000 and can be ordered in spring 2006 from the Canadian company.
Graham says: A floating wind farm is very efficient. Small ones possible for residences.
www.magenn.com
kWind-up remote control
A remote control that you charge by winding it up " eliminating the need for batteries. You can control six different devices with the remote, including your television, DVD player, VCR, cable, satellite, and an auxiliary module. The wind-up generator requires only 30 revolutions for a full charge, which will last seven days. It's only pounds 20. Graham says: Get those fidgety couch potatoes creating enough energy to power their remote controls. It makes a lot of sense.
www.avitall.co.uk