Sometimes I have to wonder if there is a limit to eco-friendly gadgets that try to save as much energy as possible. For example, the Benkatine Turbine: a device from Leviathan Energy that allows you to generate electricity when you flush the toilet.

The device works using the principles of hydroelectric power. In other words, water flows in (or, in the case of flushing, out) a turbine fan spins, and power is generated. Not only can the Benkatine Turbine generate power from the indoor plumbing, but it can be used outside to generate power from gutter drainage.

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For those of you who have that dream of backpacking through Europe, you might want to take something to blog your experience. The Backpacker’s Diary is a PC concept that is made to be more durable and flexible, specifically designed for outdoor usage.

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The Solar Powered Tiki Light will definitely be a welcome addition to any garden, beautifying it without all the adverse effects of using oil.

Environmentally friendly-no wasteful electricity needed, no burning lamp oil to pollute the air. Light automatically comes on at dusk and casts a realistic, flickering glow. Bamboo pole adjusts from 39″ to 59″ high.

Individual purchases retail for $19.99, while buying two or more will cost $18.99 a pop.

I would say that many people who already own cell phones would probably have gone through a fair number of handsets in their entire lifetime. After all, I am already in my fifth cell phone today, changing one every couple of years or so. Well, what do you normally do with those old handsets and their batteries? Chances are you would have thrown it away without giving much though, and the stockpile of used and outdated electronic products are starting to clog up landfill sites, and those very sites get larger and larger each day. Should we continue to head in the same direction each day, the environment would definitely be under more stress than it can handle and it will buckle up one day, coming back to bite our children in the future. The Green Cell battery could be the solution that ends this dilemma, offering a single, standardized battery which is universal enough to fit just about any personal electronic device including cell phones.

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Ah, renewable energy. I could definitely make do with these Solar Wall Lights, as they not only beautify my home in the evening but they prevent folks from stumbling over while making their way up the stairs.

Just hang these compact lights along outdoor steps, or on walls, fences or fence posts—anywhere you need to see better. When fully charged, the white energy-saving LEDs come on automatically at dusk to provide up to six hours of light. Two LEDs per light—you’ll be impressed with the brightness. The quality integral solar panel and replaceable rechargeable Ni-MH batteries ensure years of service. Easy to mount on any flat surface. Can be operated manually.

A set of two will cost $29.95.

Have you ever been camping and decided to go on a long hike, only to discover your walkie-talkie batteries are dead, leaving you without any means of communication? We all know cell phones are pretty much useless anywhere that’s good for hiking, so you’re stuck with a pair of walkie-talkies. Wouldn’t it be great if someone created a set that charged up via a hand crank? Don’t worry, they already have.

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If you hate to end up with a dead gadget just because there is no power outlet in the immediate vicinity, then the PowerMonkey Charger might be just what the doctor ordered.

PowerMonkey is a sleek little gadget that provides hours of extra power for portable devices. Think of it as a back-up battery that, once charged, holds its power without leakage for up to a year. Simply plug it into your gizmos and let the juice flow. You’ll never be caught out with a dead battery again. There are two kinds of PowerMonkey, the solar-powered eXplorer and the mains-powered Classic but both models come complete with all kinds of adapters, so you can fire up virtually any device imaginable. The eXplorer even features water-resistant rubberised casing, a folding solar panel and a handy LCD screen that displays remaining charge – ideal for adventurous eco-types who won’t be near an AC socket anytime soon. When you want some more portable power just leave it to soak up a few rays.

The Classic and eXplorer models will retail for £29.95 and £64.95, respectively. Sounds like a pretty sound investment if you travel a whole lot.

There’s a great debate in the Bar-b-que world that meat only tastes better when cooked over an open flame, and even more so when cooked with charcoal (I prefer Applewood, actually). But historically sspeaking, the charcoal grill has been more of an exercise in frustration for backyard warriors only seeking to start the flame, much less cook on it. The 60 second charcoal starter from Hammacher changes all that.

It looks more like a lightsaber than a charcoal lighter (although I bet Luke Skywalker could light one lickety split), but instead of light plasma, it uses hot air heated to nearly 1300 degrees Fahrenheit. The wand is buryed inside the pile of coal to heat until the briquettes begin to spark. Then, the wand is removed and continues to heat the pile until the fire starts. The result is a cleaner flame that doesn’t rely on the dangers of BBQ gas that can be overused and start a serious fire.
The 60 second charcoal starter is powered by 110 AC, so the wand won’t be used on any backpacking trips anytime soon. But road warriors with an RV or generator with an electrical outlet will be able to enjoy fire for cooking as long as they have a decent extension cord.

Cost is is around $80 from Hammacher.

Hat Tip: DVIce.