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The sustainable building practices shown in Greensburg are undoubtedly innovative, but what you see on the show is just the tip of the green technology iceberg. Take solar power, for example - we can now use it in our everyday lives in some pretty extraordinary and surprising ways. These five solar powered products are fine examples of the ever-expanding frontier of green technology:
- Solar Powered Backpacks: Never run out of juice for your iPod or cell phone again! These puppies sport a stark and stylish look, have special pouches for your cell phone and laptop, and they'll charge up your gadgets' battery power every time you walk to class or set out on a hike.
- Radio/Flashlight: Just running a flashlight with solar power isn't enough these days, so someone decided to throw an AM/FM radio into the mix. Combos like the Freeplay Companion are great, affordable alternatives to loading up a boom box with disposable AAs for a day at the beach. What if night falls and you've run out of charge? Grab the handy crank (pun definitely intended) and you'll be ready to shine in no time. And if you just want a sun fueled flashlight, you can even buy one and get one donated to charity.
- Solar Powered Lighter: Certainly the most low tech item on the list, this lighter uses solar power in a decidedly old school way: it's a curved mirror that reflects and focuses the sun's rays into a super hot point. Compact and convenient, it's an ideal survival tool for hiking or backpacking.
- Motion Sensor: Mention the Solar LED Motion Sensor Light in passing, and people will think you're talking about some device from a sci-fi film. But it's very real - and very useful. Attach it to your garage, shed, patio, or whatever. By day it'll go unnoticed as it soaks up energy. By night, it's ready light up whenever you're near.
- Solar Powered Fan: Keeping cool indoors doesn't have to mean hundreds of dollars in air conditioning bills. Just set up this Solar Fan, and watch it reduce the temperature in the room by up to a whopping 40 degrees. It automatically starts working when the sun is on its accompanying solar panel, so when it cools off outside, it takes the hint and does the same.
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