In Japan,  there’s an aquarium with an electric eel in it. And the eel’s electrical power is being used to energize the lights on a Christmas tree. It’s clean energy right? Each time the electric eel at the Aqua Toto Gifu aquarium touches a copper wire in its tank, it sends power that lights up globes decking a Christmas tree.

Officials expect the “eel Christmas tree” to be a popular attraction for dating couples in the lead-up to Christmas Day, when the tree will be removed. There’s no word on whether the electric eel feels unduly drained by the whole scenario. Electric eels are capable of generating electricity in their bodies. They have notoriously poor eyesight and use electric shocks to stun prey so they can catch and eat them. Via Ecofriend and Mainichi Daily News.

A “Furoshiki” is a traditional Japanese cloth used to wrap gifts, clothes, and other goods. Recently this practice has been revived in Japan. The appeal of this form of wrapping is that the cloth is reused for other purposes, and it is an eco-effective technique in this regard. Furoshiki means “bath spread” and it derives from the practice of bundling clothes at public baths in the Edo Period (1603-1867). Over time, Furoshikis were used protect goods when transporting and decorating goods for presents. You can see some Furoshiki wrapping techniques on this page, and Furoshiki cloths can be found on eBay and in Japanese specialty stores. Story via: Eco-product Navigator (Japan)

This curious sink from Elkay has its faucet positioned on an “island” in the center of the sink. Interesting idea — but it seems like the faucet would get in the way of washing. The only advantage we can think of is the 360° access to the faucet. Trendir reviews other curious fixtures for the home like this one.

Elkay via Trendir

This solar powered GPS unit was well reviewed by UberGizmo. GPS units are good match with solar, because they are always being used outdoors, usually during the daytime. The manufacturer says the solar panel increases the battery life by 8-30 hours. See the full review at UberGizmo.

The H-2 is an advanced surfboard fin, that is designed for hydrodynamic efficiency, and better speed and manoeuvrability of surfboards.

It features a specially-designed fin geometry and is constructed with an ultralight, flexible material. It was designed by Surf Hardware, and was awarded the 2005 Australian Design Award.

Yanko Design has more information. They also have many other intriguing products by various designers on their site.