Mable's Unique Shopping Blog » Alternative Energy

Bicycle Cargo Trailer

Sean — Sat, 02 Dec 2006 00:52:18 +0000

Using a bicycle for trips around town is the ultimate in environmentally friendly transportation; so promote the use of their bike by giving this easy to use and install cargo trailer. Although this trailer says its made for the eGo Cycle (electric bicycle) it looks like it will fit any bicycle with at least 20′ wheels (most do). This bicycle cargo trailer features a low profile for better visibility or lights and reflectors, can attach in a snap, and can carry up to 100 lbs of additional weight. When not in use this trailer folds up flat for maximum storage efficiency.

$169

Gaiam also offers gift certificates so recipients can find their own perfect present.

Solar Backpack: The Juice Bag

Lauren — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 02:21:59 +0000

Turn free sunlight into clean electricity without moving parts, heat or sound. The Juice Bag represents the latest in flexible solar technology with an incredible 7 Watt flexible solar panel that’s made up of 52 solar cells. These bags come in a couple different colors and include a built-in Car Lighter Adapter (CLA) to easily charge your portable devices as soon as the sun hits the built in solar panel. The newest version, the ES series, comes in backpack, day pack, or messenger bag styles, and features materials that are fully recycled from soda bottles.

$210

Once you get one of these for yourself, or someone else, make sure to take pictures of where in the world you traveled with your solar powered Juice Bag. See other people’s photos here.

Solar Portable Device Charger

Sean — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 22:17:43 +0000

Charge almost any portable device on the go with this solar powered battery charger kit. Whether they enjoy hiking with their GPS device, relaxing outside with their iPod, or are always on the go, they can charge their portable device as long as there is some sun out. Made by Coleman this iSun Solar Charger Kit has a built in battery pack plus radio and lantern/flashlight combo. The kit includes plugging accessories that will enable you to run over 90% of all small electronics and what they call a BattPak. When connected, the BattPak enables the iSun to charge AA and AAA rechargeable batteries with only solar energy. The kit also includes a CLA (female cigarette lighter adapter) for anything that has a standard 12 VDC CLA connector (think laptop).

$88

A similar and more compact option is the Solio Solar Charger. The Solio is available at UnbeatableSale and comes in many different colors, but our favorite is pink.

Water Powered Alarm Clock

Sean — Sat, 25 Nov 2006 20:47:58 +0000

Inspire someone to think of alternative energy every morning as they are awakened by their water powered alarm clock. Just fill up the H2O battery in this multifunction clock and put it’s clock, alarm, countdown timer, or thermometer to good use.

This multifunction clock changes from one mode to another by a simple 90° rotation. Just rotate it to set the alarm, or view the temperature of the room, then rotate it back and it’s telling time again. The water normally powers the clock for 2-3 months before you have to refill it again. This would also make a great camping item as it requires no batteries, is compact, and rotates easily to tell you the temperature, in °C and °F, of your tent or camper.

$19.99

Protect Your Wheels Bike Registry

Lauren — Fri, 24 Nov 2006 23:33:04 +0000

For some of us, adults and kids alike, our bicycles are like good friends. They provide us with eco-friendly transportation, a healthy hobby, and many miles of outdoor fun. Many people receive bikes as gifts (particularly birthday or Christmas presents), and with a bike being stolen every 30 seconds that means a lot of heartbroken gift recipients. It’s estimated that over 1.5 million bicycles are stolen every year, and it only takes about 7 seconds to steal one! The odds look stacked against bicycle owners, but the National Bike Registry has an excellent tool to assist in the recovery of your stolen bike or scooter.

How does it work? With their bicycle registration service, you you can register your bicycle by serial number in their national database and apply the tamper-proof label you receive to your bike. If your bike is ever stolen, it can be identified and you can prove ownership. Law Enforcement anywhere can access our database, they advise NBR that your bike has been recovered, and you can be notified immediately. For a single bike the cost is just $10 for 10 years, and a family of 5 can register all of their bikes for just $25 for 10 years. The cost makes it economical for even a mid-priced bicycle, and an absolute steal if you have an expensive one.

Solar Powered Address Numbers

Sean — Thu, 23 Nov 2006 22:42:44 +0000

Collect the sun’s rays during the day and use them to power your LED back-lit address numbers at night. These solar powered address numbers are bright, easy to read, and simple to install. The number plate itself is spaced 1″ from the wall causing the LEDs to provide a back-lighting effect. The numbers are made from anodized aluminum and the entire unit is weather resistant. The LED lights run on for about 8 to 10 hours with direct sunlight producing the best results. These are available @ $19.99 per number via Think Geek. View more photos.

$19.99 each number

Other solar powered address sign options include Solar Rock Illuminated Address Sign @ $29.99 and a Solar Address Display Mailbox @ $259.00

Think Geek also offers gift certificates in case you can’t decide on the best present.