Hemp T-Shirts: Durable and Efficient

These shirts by Good Hemp are a blend of 55% hemp and 45% organic cotton. They are sweatshop and pesticide free, fairtraded and priced at $9.95 to boot. We’ve worn these shirts and they are very soft and feel quite durable due to the hemp content — we’ll probably have these for a while before… [Continue Reading]

(Partially) Biodegradeable DVD Player by Sony

The Sony DVP-NS955 DVD player, recently released in the UK, has 50% vegetable-based plastic parts. The parts are made of a biopolymer called polylactic acid (PLA). The biopolymer was created by Cargill/Dow, and they have been criticized for using GMO (genetically modified) corn to create the biopolymer, because GMO crops could potentially have devastating effects… [Continue Reading]

Riverside Design Group: SeaForm Tableware

Riverside Design Group produces elegant tableware, handcrafted in western Pennsylvania from post-industrial / pre-consumer recycled glass. Despite their crafted appearance, the pieces are highly durable and intended for everyday use, and are dishwasher and microwave safe. The pieces range in price from $26-88.

Toshiba Develops One Minute Rechargable Lithium-Ion Battery

Toshiba who have developed a high energy density lithium-Ion battery that recharge 80% of its capacity in one minute. This is sixty times faster than typical lithium-ion batteries (which among other applications are commonly used in cellphones).

MEC Organics

The Mountain Equipment Co-Op (MEC) is a Canadian outfitter that offers a range of organic clothing. Pictured here is their “Matawin Organic Cotton Short Sleeve Shirt“, made of 100% organic cotton, and sold for $38.00 CAD. Also available: organic cotton mens’ and womens’ pants, hoodies, hats and socks. Available from: MEC

Ergonomic Mice

We’ve collected a selection of ergonomic mice designed to reduce fatigue and RSI (repetitive strain injury). If you are in front of a computer for long periods, these mice might be worth considering. The Evoluent VerticalMouse2 has a patented shape that supports your hand in a relaxed handshake position, eliminating forearm twisting. The manufacturer says… [Continue Reading]

Attractive + Renewable = Metaoptimal

Attractive clothing that is also produced in co-ordination with our natural systems is metaoptimal. These are styles made from organic fibers and natural dyes. Benefits: Organic farming practices improve soil fertility, safeguard farm workers, health, and preserve the quality of the environment for future generations. Regular cotton is grown on roughly 3% of all cultivated… [Continue Reading]

Book Review: Field Guide To Sprawl (De-Metaefficient)

Who would have thought sprawl could be so entertaining? I guess its the combination of Dolores Hayden’s extensive collection of sprawl coinages and the aerial photography by Jim Wark that makes this book an intriguing coffetable read. By glancing through the pages you see examples of curious sprawl phenomena such as “Pork Chop Lots”, “Boomburb”,… [Continue Reading]

A Lightweight Water Bottle that Doesn’t Leach

Yes — a water bottle that does not leach plastic or any other compound into the water its holds. Klean Kanteen is a reusable, lightweight stainless steel container. Plastics containers tend to leach unwelcome compounds such as BPA during regular use, exposure to heat, and especially after cleaning. Klean Kanteen is made from 304 L.N.… [Continue Reading]

Upside-Down Tomato, Flower and Vegetable Planter

An interesting idea. This planter can used to tomatoes, other vegetables or even flowers from a small area. Hang on decks, patios, porches, balconies, or even from a tree. The manufacturer claims feeding and watering is easy: you pour water or nutrients into the top of the funnel. Web Site: Clean Air Gardening ($19.95)