When Hurricane Sandy hit last week and the power in my lower Manhattan apartment went out, my first thought, as I dug around for candles and LED lamps was “Well this will be a fun little off-grid adventure!” I naively harbored some romantic notion of the coziness of eating dinner and playing board games with my family by candlelight, and even actually enjoyed the first 24 hours without electricity for the chance to disconnect. However, when my gadget batteries started to die one by one, the water dried up, the food in the fridge started to spoil, and contact with the outside world began to shut down, the novelty started to wear off and the reality of the situation finally began to hit me. First my computer battery died, then iPad, then finally my phone, and I think I never fully realized until that moment how much of a lifeline these mobile communication devices are. Without even a working cell phone – my last vestige of communication – to call my family or look at the news, I had no idea what was going on around me, how much longer the power outage was supposed to last, and whether there was any help available, and I started to get desperate.

Read the rest of How The Nokero SunRay Pro Power Solar Charger Saved My Skin & My Sanity During Hurricane Sandy

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Post tags: blackout NYC, charger for power outages, compact solar chargers, compact solar power chargers, cord free lamps, designs for power outages, disaster relief designs, emergency lamps, emergency lighting earthquake lighting, emergency lights, emergency relief designs, flood lighting, humanitarian relief designs, hurricane new york, hurricane relief, Hurricane Sandy, hurricane sandy blackout, hurricane sandy knocks out power, jill fehrenbacher, new york blackout, new york goes dark, new york power loss, nokero, Nokero Crestone, Nokero Crestone Solar Light Bulb (N200), nokero Solar Battery Chargers, nokero solar charger, nokero solar charging unit, nokero solar products, Nokero SunRay Pro Power Panel, powerless new york, powerless nyc, sandy new york, sandy nyc, sandy storm, solar batteries, solar battery, solar charger, solar charging stations, solar gadgets, solar lamp, solar light, solar light bulb, solar lighting, solar power charger, solar power designs, solar power emergency gadgets, storm new york, sun chargers

A vibrant and modern interpretation of the classic 1950s Bakelite-style telephone, the Moshi Moshi POP Handset by David Turpin is a colorful new design that can cut cellphone radiation by 99%. The handset was created specifically for use with iPhones & iPads, but is compatible with all smartphones, mobile phones and computers, including BlackBerrys. The Moshi Moshi POP also features a one-touch button for convenient operation and is fitted with advanced noise reduction technology. We also dig the design, which is a throwback to the classic landline – something we’re sure will garner its fair share of smiles and chuckles.

+ David Turpin

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Post tags: Bakelite-style telephone, cell phone radiation, David Turpin, ipad handset, iphone handset, Moshi Moshi POP Handset, radiation reducing handsets, reducing cell phone radiation, smartphone handset

Addicts of today aren’t turning to cigarettes or alcohol — instead, they turn to Twitter. A new study by Wilhelm Hoffman of Chicago University’s Booth Business School has found that checking email or tweeting is even harder to resist than smoking or drinking. The study showed that the willpower to resist tuning into online news and connectivity proved to be much more difficult than resisting urges like tobacco, coffee, or other activities.

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Post tags: Blackberry Addiction, Chicago University Booth Business School, Facebook, social media addiction, social media addiction study, social media more addicting than alochol, twitter, Twitter addiction, Wilhelm Hoffman

Landscape designer Margie Ruddick is in the running for the 2011 Cooper-Hewitt National Design Award, and ironically, she’s also faced with fines for the landscaping of her own yard! Ruddick’s ecological ‘Garden of Eden’ was found to be unkempt with “weeds” by authorities in the City of Philadelphia.

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Post tags: Cooper-Hewitt National Design Awards, eco design, extreme gardening, green design, home gardening, margie Ruddick, natural irrigation, rainwater collection, sustainable design

At the most recent Frankfurt auto show, Renault unveiled their new 100% electric concept car, the Frendzy. Like several other modern concept cars, the Frendzy takes on the challenge of multi-faceted lifestyles, trying to meet the needs of people who work and communicate from their cars, and to serve them as their lives change over time. The Frendzy features a flexible interior with fold-down back and front passenger seats, a fabric roof that literally flexes to adapt to bulky objects transported in the vehicle, an asymetrical interior with family-oriented features on the left and work-oriented functions on the right, plus a Blackberry Playbook that docks near the driver’s seat and controls an exterior 37-inch widescreen that can be used for entertainment or advertising.

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Post tags: alternative transportation, concept car, electric car, electric vehicle, flexible concept car, green automotive design, green transportation, Renault Frendzy

Since they were first released last year, iPads have become extremely popular all over the world. But for the owners who may worry about a loss of power in transit, these iPad enthusiasts can rest assured that their devices will continue on without fail with Voltaic System’s new solar charger – the Spark Solar Tablet Case.

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Post tags: ipad green energy, ipad solar case, ipad solar charger, ipad spark solar tablet case, spark solar tablet case ipad, voltaic spark solar tablet case, voltaic systems, voltaic systems spark solar tablet case

Today the World Health Organization announced that radiation from cell phones could possibly cause cancer as they categorized exposure to electromagnetic fields alongside known carcinogenic hazards such as lead, auto exhaust, and the pesticide DDT. The announcement is based upon a series of studies that have been peer-reviewed by a group of 31 scientists from 14 countries working with the International Agency for Research on Cancer. The team found that non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation emitted by cell phones is “possibly carcinogenic to humans – a reversal of the WHO’s previous assertions that no adverse health effects have been established for mobile phone use.

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Post tags: cancer mobile phones, cell phone radiation, cell phone signals cancer, cell phones cancer, cell phones cause cancer, cell phones could cause cancer, cell phones safe, mobile phone radiation, safety health cell phones, world health organization reports cell phones may cause cancer

Read the rest of Andy Goldsworthy’s Massive Clay Alderney Stones Conceal Found Objects

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Post tags: Andy Goldsworthy found materials, Andy Goldsworthy installation, Andy Goldsworthy time art, Art, clay art, Contemporary environmental art, eco-art, England Contemporary art, environmental art, found objects, Guernsey Arts Commission

There’s nothing more adorable than seeing a smiling kid – but when that same tot gets in one of his or her terrible moods, even the most darling child can start to look like the spawn of the devil. Luckily if you have a smartphone, one quick way to quiet down that munchkin is to distract them with one of  the many innovative, toddler-shushing apps available today! Check out our list of the top 5 entertaining and engaging apps that are sure to keep your little one entertained, educated, and most importantly, extra-quiet!

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If you’ve ever been on a roadtrip with a kid in the car, you know that the key to keeping them quiet (and yourself sane) is to distract them with something fun to do. Well, if you’ve got a smartphone, you’re already equipped with some of the most innovative toddler-shushing technology – fun mobile games! Check out our list of the top 5 colorful, engaging apps out there that will keep the little ones entertained so you can finally get something done!

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Post tags: apps to keep kids entertained, blackberry, green technology, iPhone, kids apps, mobile apps

Read the rest of Rebaroque: Upcycled Speaker Frames Showcase the Art of Noise

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Post tags: eco homegoods, eco speakers, frames, green design, green home goods, green speakers, Mikal Hameed, rebaroque, Rebecca Paul, speaker art, speaker frames, speakers, sustainable design, upcycled furniture

There’s no better way to ensure your getting the freshest fruits, veggies and other products, than buying local. But buying in and around your ‘hood is goes beyond the benefit of avoiding pre-mature spoiling – going local with your goods also reduces the fuels that goes into carting products across country or overseas, and above all, supports your local community across the board. So if you’ve been looking for a simple way to streamline your local buying experience, then look no further! We’ve got 5 smartphone apps that are sure to reduce your carbon footprint and give way to a healthier, happier, more sustainable you!

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Post tags: apps, blackberry, buying local, green technology, iPhone, local, smartphone

Even if you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard the news that many people are opting to buy local these days. Aside from reducing the fuel that goes into carting products across country or overseas, purchasing from merchants in your area supports your neck of the woods and often means healthier, fresher food for you too. If you’re looking for super simple ways to locate your best local bets, we’ve got 5 smartphone apps that will make it a cinch for you. Check them all out here!

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Post tags: apps, blackberry, buying local, green technology, iPhone, local, smartphone

Is texting, twittering and surfing the web on your cell-phone making you stupid? Quite possibly, according to journalist Nicholas Carr, and a whole host of other articles that have been published this year about the deleterious effects of communicating in 40 character bites of information. So, how so we put the ‘smart’ back into ‘smart phone’ and put those devices to work for your brain? Instead of spending all of your smartphone time texting and twittering, it’s worth checking out some other cool apps you can use on phones that can help you exercise those neurons. If you’re a person who understands the importance of keeping your mind sharp through mental exercise, then you’ll love our latest round-up featuring five awesome apps geared at boosting brainpower. From Sodoku to Wiki Hunt, to a even few sessions with Dr. Kawashima, we guarantee you’ll find more than a few exercises that’ll make your brain sweat!

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The daily grind can have even the brightest of us feeling about as sharp as a sponge. So why not take a few moments on your daily commute or while having a cup of joe to juice up your brain power with these 5 mind boosting smartphone apps? From fun puzzles to engaging brain teasers, check out our 5 favorite apps to boost your brain power!

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Post tags: blackberry, boost brain power, brain power, green app, green technology, iPhone, smartphone, smartphone app

With consumer interest in greener gadgets on the rise, Apple has refused to include the iPhone in a far-reaching green ranking system for mobile phones in the UK. The rankings convert manufacturers’ answers to a 63-question survey into a ranking of 1-5 for each device, factoring in energy use and materials among other things.

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Post tags: "energy efficiency", apple, forum for the future, green materials, iPhone, mobile phones, o2, sustainability ratings, sustainable design

Apps, apps, apps! Smartphone apps are getting a lot of attention these days and for good reason: new, innovative applications are allowing us to make connections between the virtual and physical worlds we never thought possible only a few years ago. But while most of the attention is focused right now on the hot new apps (ahem foursquare) that make life more connected and convenient for you, there are also several great new smartphone apps that can help you fight to make the world a better place. Read on for our favorite smartphone apps that can help you save the world.

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Post tags: blackberry, foursquare, green apps, green design, green technology, humanitarian design, iPhone, smartphone apps, social design, social media

So you’ve changed your lightbulbs, installed energy-efficient windows, smart insulation, and solar panels on your roof. What more can you possibly do to save energy? Simple: use your smartphone to manage home energy consumption! There’s an incredible array of energy-saving apps out there that allow you to do everything from tracking your home’s energy use to turning off the lights and adjusting the thermostat – read on for five of our favorites.

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Post tags: control4, energy conservation, energy management, energy saving smartphone apps, energy ufo, green design, home energy use, iPhone, meter read, power meter, power monitor, renewable energy, sunpower, sustainable design, wiser

This year’s Consumer Electronics Show is over, but there are still a number of nifty devices trickling into our inboxes. One of our favorites is the RCA Airnergy, a USB-connected device that converts Wi-Fi antenna signals into usable power for your gadgets. The device is completely self-sustaining — it automatically charges whenever a Wi-Fi signal is close by and stores the power in a lithium-ion battery.

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Post tags: airnergy, Electricity, green design, power, RCA, renewable energy, sustainable design, wifi, wireless charging

The 2010 edition of CES is in full effect in Las Vegas and with it all of the latest gadgets, gizmos and technologies ranging from automotive to internet and wireless. Walking the floor it was clear that green tech is definitely making its way into the mainstream consumer companies more and more. There is an entire pavilion here at CES dedicated to sustainable technologies and products, but peppered throughout the wireless world and innovation areas of the show greener products and services were being demonstrated. Read on for some of the cool green tech that caught my eye on this first day of the show!

Read the rest of CES 2010: Greener Gadgets Unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show!

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Post tags: ces, consumer electronics show, green design, green electronics, green products, Greener Gadgets, iphone accessories, Recycled Materials, sustainable design