Green gadgets
We like Shiny things around here, and all the better if they don't create any noxious gases to do their 'thing'.
The Firewinder ticks all boxes: taking the virtues of a spiralling, pretty wind chime or lantern, it harnesses the power of the wind to provide a sparkling glow for your garden. Simply attach it to a tree, roof terrace or wall using its hanging kit and wait for the wind to blow. The stronger the wind, the faster the spin and the greater the intensity of the light. I can see this going down a storm at small festivals and campsites this summer (but don't take that too literally, as using it in a real storm would not be good for your new toy, even though it can withstand strong winds of up to 40mph!)
Follow the jump for a video of the Firewinder in action.
Continue reading >>
Outdoors & games
I think this solar-powered parasol is a great little invention, that would be ideal for outdoor dining, parties or trips to the beach. The parasol does its job of protecting you from the sunlight during the day, then stores up energy for use at night in a solar panel screwed on to its top.
When night falls on your dusk soiree, the energy is converted to light, via a sprinkling of LEDs mounted on the umbrella's spokes. This creates a beautiful, star-like light effects that wil be bright enough for those crucial activities like opening the next bottle of wine. $99 at Lowes. [Via Alternative Consumer]
Outdoors & games
Spring is nearly here, and to celebrate the longer days and warmer nights, why not get yourself some of these cheery, colourful recyled lanterns? The story behind the lanterns starts in aerosol and soda-can production factories in India, where mis-printed pieces often get discarded. Who would have thought a typo could look so pretty?
The lanterns hold a standard votive or tea-light candel for a gentle glow to add oodles of ambience to your garden or patio. If you want extra greenie points, why not replace standard candles with soy-based ones? You can find them in the right dimensions here. Lanterns from £16.95 at Ecoutlet.
Green gadgets
It's this time of year that we all start to get a bit bored of being cooped up and think about al fresco living...
Whether you've got camping trips planned this year, festival adventures, or just a nice garden to spruce up, outdoor lighting is a little luxury we can all enjoy. And it doesn't come greener or more stylish than Oliver Heath's portable low energy mood lights for use indoors and out. The relaxing Luau lights give a modern twist to hurricane lamps and use LED technology for gentle, eco-friendly light. Each lamp runs for 6-10 hours per charge.
£180 at Ecocentric.
Related: Oliver Heath's eco friendly LED fairy lights
Kids stuff
Seasalt is a great place to go for organic and ethically-made clothing, but they also have some really nifty eco-friendly toys and accessories, like this recycled plastic frisbee.
Enjoy carefree days in the park this spring, throwing the classic shaped frisbee which is made from recycled retail packaging made using only UK recycled materials. Available in red or white, it's a steal at £2.70
Green News
The fight for allotment space has become so frantic, it seems, that some are having to resort to getting their fix online. At least, that was what I assumed when I first discovered Growveg.com
On a closer inspection it is not, in fact, a playground for frustrated would-be allotment owners: it's more a tool for those who want to take their real vegetable plot to their desk. The site lets you draw a virtual model of your garden, selecting fruit and veg you want to grow, and it gives you heaps of info on how to care for those particular crops, including how much space they need, feeding, natural pest control advice and much more. It's a great idea for a site and playing with it is a lot of fun even if (like me) your 'garden' amounts to a neglected balcony.
Liking the idea of presiding godlike over your own plantation? You can sign up for a free 30-day trial here!
Outdoors & games
With the summer holidays seemingly months ago, it's only apt to start thinking about next year's break (my camper van continues to call me from the roadside, despite the fact that the rain is falling). But these wood cabin Wigwams by All Round Buildings have given me hope that winter might be short this year. Not only can you rent them as an alternative to camping, but you can also buy them for your garden or even set up your own campsite with the company.
Designed and built from renewable homegrown timber resources, they look stunning out in the wild, and although they do require concrete pads to sit on - nobody's perfect, are they?
We like Shiny things around here, and all the better if they don't create any noxious gases to do their 'thing'. 
digg this | del.icio.us this
| 
Stumble It!
