Harnessing the power of the wind to travel is nothing new. America was discovered thanks to it, goods travelled all over the world for eons as a result of it, there’s even a super bowl of sailing in the world’s oldest athletic competition (the America’s Cup) which couldn’t happen as a result of the wind. And cargo ships are even considering using giant kites to travel on the wind as a green way to cut costs and save the environment while sailing the seas. So it’s nothing new. But toss in the ability to travel from the road straight into the ocean on the wind, and suddenly the “coolness factor” asserts itself. Especially when you can see an opening scene of a new Bond movie in it’s future.

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At Coolest Gadgets, we love to report on new ways to make energy from methods where energy goes to waste. About a year ago, it was the Revolution Door, a revolving door that is connected to a turbine, harnessing the energy for when people walk through the door.

Here is a another gem of an idea when it comes to energy conservation: a power-generating parking lot. It works with a series of plates that create a rocking motion when cars drive over them. The rocking motion can turn generators and thus make power.

How much power? It can make about 30 Kilowatts of energy per hour, to be exact. You may not think that isn’t enough, but it could be enough to power the store, including the registers.

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The effort to keep business expenses low while trying to transition to a more green lifestyle has prompted a British super market to look to their parking lot to power their lights and run their cash register. And the idea may catch on for other power needs as well.

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I think that most of us can relate with Dilbert, who works in a world with no background except for the occasional cubicle. This comic strip is a definite commentary on how the workplace is an almost unnatural place to work at, a near-hellish oblivion that sucks the life from you.

Perhaps this was the reason why Spanish architecture firm Selgascano designed the “office in the woods”. Without overcomplicating its description, it really is an office in the woods. But if you really want more information, it is available after the jump.

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Samsung is going green with it’s first solar-powered GSM cell phone. Known by the catchy moniker “Crest Solar,” the E1107 (as it is officially known) has a large solar cell on the back of the handset and can provide up to 10 minutes of talk time for every hour it sits in the sun charging up on your basic sunny day.

In addition to it’s environmental bonafides, the camera is dual band for use in both the 900 Mhz and 1800 Mhz range. Other features include all the usual refinements including an FM radio and MP3 ringtones, and games. It can even work as a flashlight but you can bet that’s a battery killer which will force you to wait until sunrise to recharge without the AC adapter. Security features include Samsung’s proprietary Mobile Tracker – which will alert the authorities in the event of an emergency with an SOS like signal, and there’s also a fake call feature for use when wanting to disengage from a sticky situation with a well timed phone call. Lastly, there’s specialized features for things like specialized markets and even religious preferences.

Cost is currently $59 US for the Asian market with no word on when it’ll be available in the Western world.

Hat Tip – C’Net

It is nice to see companies taking more responsibility in keeping the planet clean with each product release without sacrificing on performance, such as LCD monitors and now, cellphones. Sony Ericsson just unveiled a couple of GreenHeart pioneer products that underline the efforts the company is taking when it comes to environmental sustainability, featuring eco-friendly products that won’t compromise on product design and functionality. The two handsets on parade today would be the C901 GreenHeart as pictured as well as the Naite.

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Although it would be great to have the robot solar powered mower that takes off and mows your lawn for you, plus the perk of it being eco-friendly.  However, it’s a bit on the expensive side, so it’s not something that most people can afford.  For those on a tighter budget, this battery-powered mower might be the better option.  It has the perk of being quiet due to being an electric mower, but doesn’t have the obnoxious extension cord to deal with.

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When you decide to be a little more eco-friendly about your exercise habits, it usually just means you toughen up and start jogging outdoors.  That is an ideal solution, but not everyone can or wants to do that, especially when it’s a cold rainy morning.  Well this EcoMill allows for you to workout indoors and still keeps things eco-friendly.  Not only do you get your exercise, but you generate enough electricity to power the treadmill.  Making it so that you don’t have to plug this into the wall and use even more energy.

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