Recycled Mother Boards...Going Green

Recently, at San Francisco's Green Festival, they had some really neat ideas to recycle "Mother Boards" Here are a few pictures from the event.

I really like this journal, with the unique "Mother Board" cover on it. It would probably make a unique gift for anyone that is a webdesigner, or someone that is a eco warrior.

These coasters would fit into any decore, and be a real conversation starter too.

This clock is rather unique, and will definitely appeal to the eco green people on your Christmas List. This clock will set you back $30, and all of the products can be found at Motherboard Gifts

Motherboard Gifts, started in 1991, and creates many gifts ranging from picture frames to key fobs and everything inbetween. As the company states, "These products capture the intrinsic beauty of technology while providing an environmentally friendly alternative to the circuit boards being disposed of in landfills. Each product may vary by color and pattern making every item unique - virtually one of a kind." Yes, they are unique, and I am sure there are many people that would enjoy a one of a kind gift like this.

Go Green and Breath Clean Air with ANDREA Air Filter

ANDREA air filter, which was invented by French designer Mathieu Lehanneur with Harvard professor David Edward, has finally become available for purchase. This is one very unique and needed product. It transforms household plants into air cleaners, which effectively rid indoor air of toxins and pllutants to purify any room in the house.

ANDREA air filter is 40 times more efficient than HEPA or activated carbon filters. and it requires no filter changes, as it naturally purifies air by drawing it into the filter with a shisper quiet fan to propel it through the leaves and root system of a plant, then out through water and soil filtration and back into the room environment.

The plant's natural metabolic activity performs a biochemical transformation of waste which eleminates pollution. Any house plant can be used in the ANDREA Air Filter to absorb and metabolize noxious chemicals, bu the best performing carieties include Spath or Peace Lily, Red edged dragon tree, Spider plant and Aloe Vera. ANDREA Air Filter retails for $199.99 US.

Renewable Energy Experiment Kit

WOW there is now a new toy that children can learn more about how renewable energy works. This mad scientist looking device teaches kids about different types of renewable enrgy sources, and how effective each type of energy source is, as well as energy storage, and how to effectively reduce energy consumption at home. The kicker is, that it runs on batteries. One would think, that the makers Hammacher Schlemer, would continue along the lines of saving energy and use the energy made from playing with this unique toy, and use it to power the toy.

This Renewable Energy Experiement Kit, features a wind turbine, solar cell, electrolytic cells, and a hand operated dynamo generate electricity that is stored in a rechargeable battery and then is distributed through the integrated circuit board to power a motor, LED's and buzzer using wiring terminated with alligator clips.

The built in voltmeter shows the kids just how effective their energy sources are at collecting electricity. There is no more than 3 volts total. The kit's source book explains different methods for reducing energy costs at home while providing a primer about the world's enrgy sources. It retails for $49.95 US.

Very Sleek & Sexy iPhone charger by Regen

Take a look at this, very stylish, and very useful. Regen ReNu has designed a solar panel charger that is eye appealing, and fits in with your decore. The solar panel can charge several electronic gadgets including your iPod & phone. What is new though, is that it will alert the user to how much electricity they have generated, and how much is currently stored in the battery, so that you know when you need to move the solar panel into the window to recharge.

Unfortunately, this great charger will not be available until 2010, just missing the Christmas season. It is expected to sell for around $199. US plus any additional accessories you may want.

Water Geeks New Filter Water Bottle

WaterGeeks has a new water bottle that filters the water as you drink it. Very Cool!!

http://www.thewatergeeks.com/Water-Bottles-More-p-1-c-3.html These bottles are made from stainless steel, so there is no need to worry about BPA leaching into your water, and then your body. They are specifically designed to filter out lead, chlorine, and heavy metals, odors, and other potential contaminates from TAP WATER. That is the catch, you can NOT use these in the woods when your camping, and decide to get your water from a near by stream.

They come in a couple of curvy designs with 60 different color combinations - something for every discerning taste. They retail for about $11. US and would make a great gift for just about everyone on your gift list.

VIOlight Toothbrush Sanitizer

I know several of you are wondering what a toothbrush sanitizer has to do with going green, but it really does. Any time you can prevent disease from spreading, you are helping the environment...thus it is green.

This is a really neat little toothbrush sanitizer, so please go to their website http://violight.com/. It claims to even work on H1N1, and they have the scientific proof to back it up.

A study* performed on the VIOlight Toothbrush Sanitizer by Dr. Philip Tierno, Jr., PhD, Director Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Associate Professor, Departments of Microbiology and Pathology, New York University Medical Center, found that the VIOlight eliminated up to 99.9% of bacteria tested on toothbrushes.

Another study* by Bureau Veritas, a global independent testing laboratory, also found that the VIOlight Toothbrush Sanitizer eliminated up to 99.9% of germs tested on toothbrushes.

The Violight countertop sanitizer works with all electric toothbrushes, including Sonicare, Oral-B, and other brands. You can insert just the heads, or the entire electric brush and handle. The unit also works with battery operated brushes like SpinBrush and other popular models...so it is perfect for EVERYONE.

The Violight Countertop sanitizer has a special UV bulb that needs to be replaced every 12-18 months depending on how often you use your Violight. This ensures the maximum level of germ-eliminating power.

All of our other Violight products, including iZap and the new Zapi, use a LIFETIME bulb! These bulbs are similar to long-lasting fluorescent lights, which is why they last so long, especially since your sanitizer is only used for several minutes each day.

Christmas is coming, and this is a really great gift for anyone on your list, especially anyone with a compromised immune system, or anyone that is worried about H1N1. Order early, so you get the model and color you want.

"Fun Theory" project for Stairs.

Well this is a little different, but it definitely belongs here. In Odenplan station in Stockholm, Volkwagen did this Fun Theory Project, to see if they could get more people taking the stairs.

They installed pianio keys on the stairs, and tuned them up, then started filming. What they discovered was when you make something fun to do, then more people want to do it. They increased people taking the stairs by 66%, which is pretty impressive. They don't just walk up the stairs, they dance, jump, hop, and enjoy themselves. Taking the stairs is better for the environment, as it does not use electricity to move between floors, thus it saves on pollution.

The amount of electricity used to generate the pianio stairs is minimal. They also noticed that even the elderly and frail people, wanted to join in on the fun and take the musical stairs. Enjoying yourself and life, makes people happy, and getting some good exercise can improve your health, thus prolonging life.

I wish Volkswagen would come here and do this in Calgary. Perhaps all those C-Train stations could be transformed into a thing of beauty, and music to our ears with a project like this. If you want to watch the video click here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lXh2n0aPyw&feature=player_embedded

Check out the fun theory website for other projects http://www.thefuntheory.com/

NatureMill XE Series of Automatic Composters

Nature Mill has gone back to the classroom, and redesigned their brand new automatic composter. I saw Nature Mills automatic composters back in 2005, but what they have come up with is really great.

They now have a two in one composter, tables scraps and animal waste. For all of us that have a pet, this is great, as it means we don't need two composters. They are a great size, and fit comfortable under a sink with their great new sleak design and colors. The machine can comfortable handle 100 pounds of food scraps per month, then you just toss the nutrient rich compost back into the garden.

The Natures Mill composter has to be plugged in, but it uses a minimal 5 kWh of energy, which can be lowered even more in its energy saver mode. Althought Nature Mill does make composting easier, it still needs to 1 cup of sawdust pellets for every five cups of food waste, as well as baking soda, but in my opinion this sure beats the heck out the old method using worms.

Copper Sinks - great at killing bacteria

Heare is a really beautiful copper sink, and it is great at killing 99% of the bacteria within two hours. Copper is also used for countertops, evetroughs, and lining rain barrels for the same reasons.

This sink is hand hammered, and made from 100% recycled copper by Native Trails. With the winter season coming, so are the bugs, and a sink link this would help tremendously in cutting down on those bugs. Please note, you can not just leave the dishes in the sink, and hope the copper does the job...LOL. You must actually wash the dishes in hot water and use soap.

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre in New York City, is looking at using copper in different applications throughout the hospital, because copper kills 99% of bacteria within two hours. I am sure there will be more hospitals looking at doing the same thing.

Brilliant Earth - Conflict Free Diamonds - Go Green

Brilliant Earth is based out of San Francisco, and grew from a marriage proposal. When Eric Grossberg could not find a reliable source that could guarantee conflict free diamonds, he and Beth, his fiance decided to start Brilliant Earth, as an alternative to current diamond industry practices.

Brilliant Earth is dedicated to tracking gems, to ensure that every single gemstone is mined, cut and finished in a socially and ethically responsible manner. All their diamonds come from Canadian mines that follow environmentally sustainable practices and are committed to delivering high quality diamonds. They also promote sustainable practices by using environmentally responsible gold and platinum. The precious metals used for these gorgeous rings come from secondary sources and are re-refined in order to ensure that they are identical quality to newly mined metals.

They also believe in giving back by dedicating 5% of its profits to directly benefit local African communities that are normally harmed by the diamond industry. When you're ready to buy a beautiful diamond ring, go to http://www.brilliantearth.com/

Organic Soy Candles

I love candles, especially in the winter when it is cold outside. I just love the warmth they give and the ambiance the room has when candles are all a glow. Now, there are organic soy candles by Malie. They have some really beautiful scents too, like organic mango nectar...sounds divine. I also enjoy ginger, as it adds a nice spicy scent to the air.

The Malie candles are made from clean-burning waxes and are petroleum-free with 100% cotton wicks, unlike Paraffin candles, which are the most commonly burned candles worldwide, and are the most dangerous to our health.

Paraffin is an inexpensive sludge waste by product of the petroleum industry that has been bleached, and then texturised with acrolyn, a known carcinogenic product. Supposedly an inert substance, if you have any faith in our government/industry released information. However, once these candles are burned they release toxins that are known carcinogens such as benzene and toluene which are inhaled and linger in the areas they are burned in. Not to mention the soot that leaves its residue on walls, drapery, fabrics and ceilings. Soot from paraffin candles contains many of the same toxins found in diesel fuel. Paraffin candles are just as dangerous to our lungs as second-hand smoke and even more so if you are burning many candles at the same time. It is also a non-renewable resource.

When you're ready to replace your paraffin candles, take a look at http://www.malie.com/ and choose a scent that is the most delightful to your nose.

ORGANIC SHAMPOO

About one year ago, I decided to go green and switched to Jason's Organic Shampoo & Conditioner. You can find their website here www.jason-natural.com

I like wearing my hair long, as it is naturally curly, and the length and weight of the hair, helps to hold it down and stop it from looking frizzy. I have tried many hair care products that are suppose to help with naturally curly hair, but so far I have found they do nothing for my hair.

Anyways, since I switched to Jasons Organic hair care products, my hair is absolutely beautiful. I do not have split or dry ends, and even my hair dresser is very impressed. It is a lot easier to control the curls, and I no longer have frizzy bad hair days.

I give Jason's Organic hair care products the thumb up!

Now, if someone could recommend a really good Organic hair dye, that lasts longer then 2 to 3 weeks, that would be great - I refuse to grow old naturally and am fighting it every step of the way.