There have been plenty of solar bags and backpacks in the past, but looking like an eco-friendly Ninja Turtle was about the best you could hope for in terms of style.
The Diffus solar handbag is different. Designers from the Alexandra Institute and the Swiss embroidery specialists at Forster Rohne integrated 100 miniaturized monocrystalline silicon ‘sequins’ onto each bag in a way that transforms the solar panels into a stylish pattern. And, like the ugly bags before it, the Diffus can store energy for recharging portable devices.
No details on pricing or availability have been announced so far, but you know that the ugly bags are still going to be your best bet in terms of affordability.
(Diffus via eCouterre via OhGizmo)
Swedish designer Maria Westerberg earned this year’s Green Furniture Award for a design that recycles old shirts and other fabric by weaving it into a wire chair frame.
In addition to the earth-friendly design, the chair is also intended to tell a story using fabric that’s worn out but has some sort of meaning or sentimental value—like Grandma’s curtains, your favorite pair of jeans, or those Frankie Says Relax t-shirts you wore in the ’80s.
(via Treehugger)
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These OAT Shoes not only look halfway decent, they are also completely biodegradable. So, when you step in poop just toss em out or compost and crack open another pair. No need to feel guilty about how terrible you’ve been to the environment because you’re too squeamish and/or lazy to get your hands dirty.
Unfortunately, OAT shoes are still in the prototype phase, but we hope to see a product on shelves sometime soon.
(Oat Shoes via Treehugger)
The first prototype from Catalytic Clothing, a collaborative effort between the London College of Fashion, University of Sheffield, and the University of Ulster, is a dress that can purportedly absorb airborne pollutants thanks to a space-age concrete mixture.
Apparently, a thin layer of this pollution-absorbing concrete is sprayed onto the “Herself” dress – meaning that you could theoretically help save the environment simply by walking around looking good.
Granted, pollution-absorbing concrete does exist, but it’s application to clothing seems sketchy at best. We shall have to wait and see whether or not this concept actually has some merit.
(Discovery via Gizmodo)
Earth Day is this Wednesday, April 22nd—a day that we all should celebrate. Not an eco-fan? Consider this—Darth Vader cares about wildfires. AT-ST drivers try to avoid knocking down trees. Shocking? Yeah, I know. All six designs are available after the break.
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Looks like even Batman is getting wrapped up in this eco-friendly craze. Too bad Morgan Freeman couldn’t figure out a way to make the Tumbler more fuel-efficient.
Product Page ($27)
The answer is CFL’s! Why didn’t I think of this before!
Product Page ($15)
