Category: Gadgets & Gear

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Eco Tips Featured Gadgets & Gear

4 Kitchen Appliances You Can Live Without

An easy way to start reducing your electric bill every month is to cut back on appliances you do not really need. If you are like the typical household you have drawers and cabinets filled with gadgets and small appliances. To help conserve energy, resources, and money consider getting rid of some of these gadgets and using the alternative instead.

Electric Knife

Most people break out the electric knife twice, maybe three times a year (Thanksgiving, Christmas dinner, and maybe Easter). However why not ditch your electric knife and use a nice sharp knife instead? It does the exact same thing as an electric knife but does not use any electricity.

Juicer

Are you surprised to find an electric juicer on the list? This is an easy switch that won’t screw up your healthy juice regimen. Hand-held juicers require a little muscle, but they produce big energy savings.

Electric Mixer and Stick Blender

An electric stick immersion blender has a single mixer attachment, so to make something like whipping cream, a hand-held mixer is your best bet. The old fashioned, quiet hand mixer works like a dream. Often you can find these in antique stores with wooden handles. Don’t forget vintage is totally in right now.

Coffee Grinder

It’s early in the morning and it’s awfully easy to plug in the coffee grinder to pulverize fresh beans. Just think how much faster you’ll wake up if you have to do it yourself.

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Featured Gadgets & Gear

4 Green Kitchen Gadgets You Shouldn’t Be Without

With people around the country looking for ways to reduce their impact on the environment sometimes the kitchen is overlooked in favor of the laundry room or living room. However we have found 4 eco-friendly kitchen gadgets you shouldn’t be without.

6-Way Opener

Toss your old bottle-opener, and pick up a multifunctional six-way opener. Instead of purchasing multiple gadgets for each task, using a multifunctional device allows you to cut down on materials used, cut down on storage space, and still have the functionality of all six kitchen gadgets.

Handheld Juicer

A lot of kitchen appliances use a lot of energy and an electric juicer is no different. Electric juicers use a lot of energy, take up precious counter space, and using a handheld juicer isn’t really too much of a chore. Newer models of handheld juicers are easier to use, require less hand strength then past models.

Bamboo Cooking Utensils

Bamboo is a great eco-friendly material. It also makes great cooking utensils. These utensils last a long time and don’t stain easily. Bamboo cooking utensils are easy on cookware and won’t scratch your pots and pans.

Faucet Water Filter

We all know that bottled water is bad for you and the environment. However you can still help out the environment by purchasing an inexpensive snap-on faucet filter. You can not only save money but you can save the environment by cutting out the expensive bottled water.

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Eco Tips Gadgets & Gear

Being Green – There’s an App for That!

Constantly being on the go is not a valid excuse for not being environmentally conscious anymore. With the help of these 5 smartphone applications (most free), expand your knowledge of green living on the go!

Green Globe. Cost-FREE. Green Globe was developed for the “green” traveler. The application currently has several country options to choose from (Aruba, Kenya, Germany and the US) and will provide a wide range of sustainable resorts, hotels, attractions, and conference centers.  This app is perfect for the world traveler looking to leave a small carbon footprint.

GreenITers Mobile II. Cost-FREE.  This app provides users with the latest on green news, eco innovations, and information for living a sustainable life. This application is free to use however you have to sign up to use it which takes about 30 seconds.

EcoChallenge. Cost-FREE. Want to participate in “green” challenges with your friends? This app allows users to do that and more! Challenge your friends to participate in “Meatless Mondays” and “Making a Meal at Home Using Local Groceries”.  This application is a fun method to reduce your individual impact on the environment and will help you live a more sustainable lifestyle.

One Stop Green Mobile App. Cost-FREE. Receive green tips everyday right on your smartphone. This application allows you to conduct your own “energy audit” with the solar, wind, water, and lighting calculator. This application is really interactive and really  user friendly.

Gorgeously Green Survival Guide. Cost- .99.  Gorgeously Green Survival Guide is perfect for the women on the go! It provides you with tips on how to create an eco-friendly home, adopt a healthier diet, how to spice up your beauty ritual with eco-friendly face products.

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Featured Gadgets & Gear Recycling

Solecan™ is Your Single Can Trash & Recycling Solution!

Watch out world there’s a new product on the market that has the ability to change recycling as we know it. The product is called Solecan™ and it was designed and invented by Liz and Jeff Helfrich.

What exactly is the Solecan™? Liz and Jeff have “reinvented” the traditional trash can. The Solecan™ is a dual-sided trash can; the two halves snap together in the middle, with one side designated for trash and the other for recycling.  By unsnapping the two halves, you can easily empty trash into the larger trash can and the recycling into the family’s main recycling bin. You can still use traditional trash bags in the Solecan or you can go without. The Solecan™ is made in the USA and it is made with recycled plastic, so its eco-footprint will be as small as possible. The Solecan™ honestly looks the same as a traditional trashcan but has a lot more functionality. It is a perfect way to get the whole family to recycle and can be used in virtually every room in your home.

Right now they are seeking funding on a website called Kickstarter. Kickstarter is a site that allows creative projects to raise funds from “backers” in exchange for rewards. You can be a part of bringing this product to market by pledging as little as $1. If they reach their target investment (which is preselling about 3,300 Solecans by April 22, 2013, Earth Day) then you will be charged your pledge. For $17 and up you will receive one of the trash cans.

Want some more information or want to get your hands on the perfect Earth Day gift? Check out www.solecan.com for more information or to pre-order your own Solecan™ directly go here!. You can also find them on Twitter or on Facebook.

 

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Gadgets & Gear

2 Solar Flashlights to Keep Handy

Need a flashlight and the batteries are dead? How many times has that happened to you? Have no fear because solar powered flashlights are here! With so many great solar powered models on the market it is hard to know what exactly to look for. It is best to determine what you and your family needs are then decide what kind of flashlight model to get!

A solar flashlight is a flashlight that stores energy from the sun, using solar power as a source of light when it gets turned on. A typical solar powered flashlight has a small amount of solar panels, normally in the handle; which makes the flashlight easy to use! Other models include a crank that creates light was well or even hybrid models that include a hand crank and solar panels or a set of batteries and a hand crank. There are even some flashlights that include radios (very handy in emergency situations).

Many stores have solar flashlights such as Bass Pro Shops and Target and you can shop around online and also order directly from the manufacturers. If you buy a good solar flashlight is should last you a long time. You can throw it in your toolbox and forget about it, just do not forget to place the flashlight in the sun to charge!

Here are two great solar powered flashlights you should consider buying:

  • Goal Zero 90107 Solo Solar Powered Flashlight

This flashlight includes solar powered panels as well as a crank and a AC/DC output to power this flashlight. It has a long battery life and can be charged in as little as 10 minutes with the hand crank. It costs about $25 dollars online not including shipping and handling on Amazon.com.

  • Dorcy 3 LED Dynamo & Solar Flashlight

This flashlight has solar panels and a crank shaft to charge the batteries. It features three bright LED lights. It costs $20.59 plus shipping and handling and you can find it at opticsplanet.com.

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Gadgets & Gear

How to Stay on Eco-Forward Time

Sprout Watches

“Simply put, we set out to make the most eco-forward watches available. Truthful, transparent and to the point – we’ll never be anything less.” This is the mission statement of Sprout Watches. They make cute and stylish watches that are made from completely renewable and recyclable materials. Even the packaging is made with 80% post consumer fibers. They have been featured in many magazines such as Instyle, Oprah, People and more!

Sprout Watches have been around for over 50 years and have produced quality watches. All the watches are made from organic corn resin, organic cotton, cork, and Tyvek. Every watch has a lead- and phthalate-free timepiece features a mineral crystal lens, a mercury-free battery, and a mother-of-pearl or bamboo dial. They even have conflict free and certified diamonds!

One of the best part about these watches? None of them are over $80! You read right! These affordable watches range in price from $30-$80. With so many different styles (men and women’s watches are available) and colors (bold, stripes, classics) there is sure to be something you will fall in love with! These watches are stylish, affordable, high quality, eco-friendly, and are made to last.

Check out some of our favorites!

For more information, where to buy, and to purchase your own watch- check out their website.

All photos courtesy of SproutWatches.com.

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Eco Eats Gadgets & Gear

5 Reasons to Invest in Eco-Friendly Cookware

As with any other product that is marketed as being green, you need to take the time to do your research before buying. Cooking with an eco-friendly set of pots and pans should not only cut your kitchen energy use, but also ensure harmful chemicals are not ingested by you or your family. We checked into de Buyer’s line of Mineral B Elements Cookware and found that the old adage rings true: you get what you pay for. We’ve listed a few of the reasons why these pans are a good choice when it comes to eco-friendly cookware.

Constructed of natural iron. Iron is recyclable, better for the environment and better for our bodies. Studies show that cooking with iron cookware can also increase the iron content in our foods.

No harmful coatings or finishes. The beeswax-based finish protects the pans against oxidation, helps in the seasoning process and improves nonstick quality (PFOA and PTFE free guaranteed).

No chemicals added. The cookware is made using an environmentally safe production process and made entirely of metal. These pans are all-natural (no chemical coatings).

Allows cooking on high heat. High heat keeps more vitamins and nutrients in the food while enabling you to cook on a lower heat setting and use less energy.

Natural non-stick properties. The more the pans are used and seasoned, the more the natural nonstick properties are brought out. The pans “age” gracefully and should be thought of as a long-term investment.

Resources:  Kitchen-Universe.com

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Eco Tips Featured Gadgets & Gear

3 Gifts the Eco-Conscious Mom Can’t Live Without

Eco-conscious moms share a bond that keeps an innovative world on track for bettering the earth. So, what can you get for this special lady that recycles, makes compost and cans fresh vegetables? Here are 3 great ideas that save time, money, the environment and may be something that Eco-Mom has been wishing for.

Wool Dryer Balls

Made out of pure New Zealand wool, these soft tennis-ball sized, natural fabric softeners, eliminate the need for ever buying another box of chemically-enhanced dryer sheets.

  • Keeps clothes remarkably soft
  • Eliminates static cling
  • Lasts for 500 loads of drying
  • Does not harm the environment
  • Uses a renewable source – wool

Not to be confused with the dryer balls that are advertised in department stores, wool dryer balls are chemical-free, all natural and have no scent.

Infusing Water Bottle

Getting kids to drink more water can sometimes be like forcing medicine down their throats. Flat and boring, water gets to be old news before long. An infusing water bottle (such as the Aqua Zinger at $25.95) is made to extract the juice from your favorite fruits and vegetables, giving your water a refreshing new twist. A quick shake is all that is required to keep the flavor renewed and abundant.

  • Self Contained
  • No harmful parts
  • Small enough to be portable
  • Reusable and sustainable
  • Perfect for kids

If there is one thing that Eco-conscious moms love, it is the ability to care for children in a safe, natural way. This awesome gadget provides healthy, rich vitamins from fruits and vegetables, and integrates into much needed water, for better bodies.

Bamboo Charcoal Deodorizer

Save mom the trouble of trying to clean pet areas or coping with smelly gym bags by giving her a natural charcoal deodorizer that lifts and eliminates odors. The Moso bamboo plant is highly renewable, growing over two feet in a single day and produces extremely porous charcoal, naturally, unlike any other type.

  • Conveniently packaged for immediate use
  • Lasts for an entire year
  • Rechargeable by placing in the sun
  • Contains no chemicals or harmful ingredients
  • Removes odors instead of merely covering the scent

Mom will find these small packets of bamboo charcoal perfect for drawers, closets, shoes, and any other area that needs a bit of renewing, without the worry of using harsh chemicals.

The ingenuity of a world-wide society, has made it possible to solve problems of waste and pollution, without spending a lot of extra time. Select a gift for your mom this year that will become a welcome part of her efforts in keeping her family and the planet safe. They will be more welcome than a box of chocolates or more decorative, kitchen towels.

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Eco Tips Featured Gadgets & Gear

Eco-Friendly Fitness

You make a point of going to the gym or yoga studio in order to be healthy, so it only makes sense to shop for fitness gear that’s healthy for the environment. We searched the best online shops and came away with these five great green gear finds.
 
Gaiam Sol Suddha Eco Yoga Mat. Gaiam is one of the most popular purveyors of yoga mats. The Sol Sudda made our list of green gear finds because it’s made from eco-friendly plastic and is biodegradable.
 
Manduka’s Practice Tote. This awesome tote from Manduka is made from natural cotton and non-AZO dye. Grab one of these bags as a gift for any yoga fans you know, they’ll have plenty of room for a mat and extra change of clothes.
 
Omala’s Kimber Ballet Tank. Slimming side ruching and made from 90% recycled material. The fibers are spun from 90% repurposed plastic bottles, so these tanks take 84% less energy to make.
 
Moving Comfort’s Juno Bra. It can be hard to find an athletic bra that is both supportive and comfortable. We are a fan of Moving Comfort’s Juno Bra since it’s constructed with fabric made from recycled coffee grounds and is odor resistant.
 
Under Armour Catalyst II Hoody. Made with advanced green technology and 100 percent recycled polyester. Ultra-thin and sleek while providing sun and odor protection.
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Articles Featured Gadgets & Gear

Saving Money with Power Strips

Guess what? If your electronics are plugged in, they are leaching electricity … even if they are turned off. This is referred to as “phantom load” and it accounts for nearly 20% of all electricity that is used in your home. What a waste, right?

You can eliminate “phantom load” and go greener by plugging most of your appliances into a power strip. A power strip will halt the energy drain as long as the switch on the strip is in the “off” position. Flip the power strip switch to “off” or unplug as many appliances as possible before going on vacations or leaving home for long periods of time.