Bidets are those devices that spray water (and sometimes air) on your posterior. They are more hygienic than toilet paper, and save you money in the long run. Bidets are very popular in Japan and parts of Europe. You can actually install a “bidet seat” quite easily, in place of your existing toilet seat. Bidet… [Continue Reading]
Soybu: A Bamboo and Soy Bathrobe
December 7, 2005 by Leave a Comment
The Colorado Trading Company has created a fabric they call “Soybu” which is a blend of bamboo fiber and soy fiber. The fiber feels like cashmere — it’s soft and buttery. I haven’t tried Soybu, but I have a bamboo fiber blanket. I’m impressed by the warmth and texture of the material. Two Soybu products… [Continue Reading]
New Soft Helmet Turns Hard in Crash: The RibCap
December 5, 2005 by Leave a Comment
The Ribcap is a soft, flexible cap that hardens on impact to protect the head from damage. The secret lies in the use of an elastomeric compound called d3o. It was discovered by researchers at University of Hertfordshire. It’s a shear thickening material, which is flexible when moved slowly, but when it is compressed by… [Continue Reading]
Handmade Toys
November 30, 2005 by Leave a Comment
This Baby Elephant toy is handmade by artisans in rural Kenya. The octopus is created with natural wool yarn treated with natural vegetable-based dyes. It’s filled with acrylic (kapok would haven been better). The price is $22 from Branch. The also have a number of other non-toxic toys available.
Yaktrax Ice and Snow Shoe Grips
November 30, 2005 by 2 Comments
Here’s something that allows you to get traction on snow or ice while wearing your regular shoes. These Yaktrax grips are essentially a thick rubber bands, equipped with steel coils, that fit over the sole of your shoes. Apparently the idea was borrowed from the Tibetans. Priced around $20 per pair, available from Amazon.
Efficient Material of the Year: Bamboo
November 28, 2005 by 4 Comments
Well, this year bamboo takes the prize as efficient material of the year. We’ve got to hand it to the grass that is showing us yet another side of its efficiency. Since bamboo products are still sometimes difficult to locate, we had to track down these items from a number of different sources. First on… [Continue Reading]
iT House
November 28, 2005 by 1 Comment
Inhabitat reports on the iT House — a prefabricated housing system that uses glass and aluminum frames as its basis. Created by Bosch, the house is only 1000 square feet, and is designed to be constructed in 8 weeks. It makes use of radiant heat flooring and solar panels on the roof. Homeowners can customize… [Continue Reading]
Knock-Down/Drag-Out Bed
November 26, 2005 by Leave a Comment
This bed can be assembled with nothing more than a screwdriver. The quickly collapsible, and transportable, queen size bed is the latest in knock-down construction — something for the modern nomad without skimping on design.
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