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)
Kudos to designer Dave Rittinger for coming up with a creative way to bring attention to environmental causes with these Zero Footprint Leaf Series shirts—but if we all have to dress like the Green Giant the Earth is screwed.
(Dave Rittinger via Designboom)
This shopping bag saves a tree in two ways. Obviously, it is a reusable shopping bag, but it also features a detachable pouch that doubles as a grocery list. Apparently, you can even stick it on your fridge through what I can only assume is some magical magnetic process.
Product Page (via Holycool)
I’ve seen totes made from recycled suits before, but most end up just looking like bags with pinstripes. These versions from Poketo retain that dressed up look. Hell, you might even be able wear one around your neck and get past dress codes at fancy restaurants.
Product Page ($250 via Holycool)
If you don’t mind looking like a Teenage Mutant Ninja Solar Panel, these Soular Power backpacks might be just the thing you need to need to keep your gadgets charged on the go. There isn’t much in the way of details just yet, but it appears that the solar panel on the Capsoul backpack above can be removed and the bag itself can be re-configured into a shoulder bag or carrying case.
Neon Green, the company behind the bags, also offers a Piggy Back solar panel that is much smaller and can be attached to any standard backpack.
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Indeed, this necklace says a lot about the wearer. The silhouette says “I like to read”, The vinyl material says “I’m into retro stuff”, the fact that it’s recycled vinyl says “I’m into the environment” and the expression on her face says “stop staring at my boobs.”
Product Page ($40)
Rudolph may have lit the way for Santa through a driving blizzard, but the inefficiency of his nose is also a huge energy waster. Someone who lives at the North Pole knows about global warming better than anyone, so Santa did the right thing and switched Rudolph to a compact fluorescent.
Product Page ($10)
