Eco Gadgets
Looking for an eco-friendly gadget gift, check out our eco gadget gift guide.
Soladec Device Charger – Not for Vampires
I don’t come from a long line of outdoor enthusiasts, in fact most folks that know me know that a day away from the comforts of home, you know like electricity and indoor plumbing, is a fate worse than death. It stands to reason that my daughter wants to camp more than anything in the world…
Thank heavens for the Soladec Charger, with its ability to charge over 3500 different electronic devices with nothing but the power of the sun, the Soladec Hybrid Solar Powered Charger by MiseMet is designed to provide free solar energy right out of the box, from the sky… to your electronics, no outlet required. Continue reading » Soladec Device Charger – Not for Vampires
Swap-O-Matic vending machine
It is rather encouraging to see society realize that we do not inherit the earth from our parents, but rather, we are just custodians of it for the next generation. After all, there is only one earth, and if it ends up inhabitable, where else are you supposed to go? Having said that, recycling efforts have clearly stepped up a pace over the years, and we are all more eco-conscious when it comes to our consumption and purchasing decisions. Will your next vehicle be a hybrid or a fully electric car? Are you purchasing organic foodstuff and support sustainable farming and fishing? All these questions have answers that lie in your conscience, and for those who want to take the next step, here is the Swap-O-Matic vending machine.
Brooklyn designer Lina Fenequito has come up with this unique vending machine that will not dispense mass-produced snacks with wrappers or other kinds of junk food, but rather, it will hand out second-hand belongings (or rather, pre-loved items) which are in need of a new owner who knows how to take good care of it.
Continue reading » Swap-O-Matic vending machine
Powertrekk lets you get mobile power from ordinary water
I think that all of us have those mobile battery chargers for our cellular phone, in case we need that extra bit of juice. The problem is you have to remember to charge such devices, or you will be really screwed when you need them.
What if you had a battery that is powered on nothing but ordinary water? It is now named the Powertrekk, and it uses fuel-cell technology to convert hydrogen gas into electricity.
The secret is a thing inside the Powertrekk known as the Powertrekk Puck which holds the water and carries out the fuel based charge.
The Powertrekk is designed for USB powered devices, and you can use your USB charger on your mobile device for aiding in the charge.
Continue reading » Powertrekk lets you get mobile power from ordinary water
Mazda works on regenerative system with electric double layer capacitor
Everyone wants to go green these days, it makes perfect sense after all. We do not hand over the earth to our descendants as an inheritance, but rather, we are just caretakers of the earth for the next generation. I know that hybrid cars have been working their way into the psyches of folks worldwide, and electric cars, too, are picking up the pace, although there is still a long way to go before such vehicles become mainstream and we wean ourselves off the liquid known as black gold. Mazda has come up with a concept vehicle that boasts of a system which will harness the energy generated each time the vehicle slows down to be used later on.
Continue reading » Mazda works on regenerative system with electric double layer capacitor
Humanscale’s ZON Personal Air Purifier
I have to admit that I have never used a personal air purifier before, but when I had a chance to try out Humanscale’s ZON Personal Air Purifier, I took it. Of course, I did not think I needed something that looked like a fan in the cold weather I am experiencing where I live.
Just to let you know, the ZON is designed to “surround the user in a bubble of air that’s free of pollutants, dust and biological contaminants while boasting silent breeze-free and ozone-free operation”.
Apparently, that is good enough to remove 99 percent of the airborne particles of all sizes including Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) for very clean air.
Continue reading » Humanscale’s ZON Personal Air Purifier
Piggyback Solar Powered Gadgetbag
Since we’re living in an eco-friendly world right now – or at least, the world’s population is starting to see the need of protecting our environment, the Piggyback Solar Powered Gadgetbag is something worth looking into if you tend to tote around more gadgets than usual. When you have the full brunt of the afternoon sun shining on your backpack, it will be able to output 1000mA at 5.6V via USB, and just in case it gets cloudy for a few days during the week, fret not – there is a built-in battery pack to keep your gadgets going when they’re exhausted.
The flexible solar panel itself measures 8″ x 12″ in size, and the backup battery is a 800mAh Li Ion model that functions as a buffer. Why the name Piggyback? Well, it will actually be able to “piggyback” onto your current bag, hence the reason behind its moniker. Straps and buckles will ensure the solar panel remains in place so that you need not have to forgo your favorite bag.
Electric DeLorean DMCEV
I am quite sure that all you 1980s babies would have remembered the classic sci-fi film series, Back to the Future. There is nothing quite like the zany imagination from the past still keeping folks entertained today. I guess time travel is out of the question at the moment, and will be so in the immediate future, but how cool would it be to be able to travel through the fabric of space and time? The DeLorean ended up as an iconic vehicle because of the movie, and you just got to love the gull wing doors.
Well, the £70,000 Electric DeLorean DMCEV might be just the vehicle that you are looking for, although it might not prove to be the most affordable ride around. I guess in some way, it is really from the future since it is powered by electricity instead of gas. Boasting a top speed of 125mph, it will no doubt outperform its petrol-powered predecessor, hitting 0-60mph in just 4.9 seconds.
Manhattan dweller creates “Origami Apartment”
I always loved reporting on people who create the most out of a small space. As someone who lives in a small space, I guess I just can’t help myself.
We have reported on a man in Hong Kong who created a Domestic Transformer or the Tokyo man who builds his home in a parking space.
These architects Michael Chen and Kari Anderson work for Normal Projects, and they have created a flexible space in one of the most over-populated city in the world: New York City. There is a video of it after the jump if you want to see how it works.
Continue reading » Manhattan dweller creates “Origami Apartment”
