The pictured MSolar (Portable Solar Power Solution) devices by Solzar look like a metal tool box; but, there's some design going on. They come pre-wired with the appropriate solar panels, balance of system electronics, and batteries. The MSolar product line is suggested for emergency services communication power backup, recreation, emergency power relief, and temporary lighting. Look below for TreeHugger links to 12V, 16V, and 24V application ideas.

Solzar sells via Amazon Webstore. The smallest MSolar version, a sweet looking 20W juice box, goes for US$676.40. They also have 50W and 100W versions, selling for $1,292.00 and $2,452.90, respectively. Look below the fold for a copy of the specs table.

I like the idea of solar power. Yesterday, we introduced the stylish Sanyo eneloop solar light. But generally, the designs aren't exactly moving my heart yet. Why do they all have to be square? Black, well, maybe that makes sense, if you are an engineer. Where are the artists? The photo above is from the Panasonic Center in Tokyo. They call it the Wind Seagull, because (obviously) it works on cloudy, windy days as well. I'll give it a 3 out of 5 for good intentions. More ratings below the fold!

Sarah Palin's office in Anchorage. Love the sofa, not certain about the Alaska king crab on the table. ::New York Times

Victorian Bedcurtains are back, as Sun Frost introduces the Sleep Genie, a tiny air conditioner just big enough to keep you comfy while you sleep in your insulated bedchamber. They note that it runs at 72 Watts, and can be powered by a 280 watt solar array. It is so logical, to reduce the load to reasonable amounts for solar simply by reducing the area cooled to the minimum. ::Sunfrost

But as Allison Arieff says in the New York Times: "Great. You may be cooler, but now you’re claustrophobic." She continues: "its execution speaks to a larger issue: a general lack of innovation. Instead of re-imagining what an air conditioner could be (something portable, something that took a different form, something that ran on an alternative energy source), they simply took the existing form and shrank it."

Everybody likes choice and openness. TerraPass, one of the more successful players in the US carbon-offset selling business, has introduced a new management system, commensurate with that preference. Current choices for new places to invest income from the sale of carbon offsets are described on the TerraPass website. Customers and onlookers have 30 days to offer comments; after which, staff makes the selections.

This public comment technique offers what green investment portfolio managers call a "positive screen." Instead of picking investments as a closed business matter, and then taking a drubbing for any faults that may surface, TerrPass is publicly jurying the choices up front. It's not perfect, of course, but certainly a step in a positive direction.

Take, for example, the manure digester project located on Scenic View Dairy farm in Michigan (pictured). This one happens to be at the top of the current TerraPass list of projects under consideration for portfolio addition. We read the TerraPass project summary, and then, using the Internets, grabbed some more secondary intel.

Companies are turning up the thermostat or even turning off the air conditioning to save energy, as well they should; but some of them still want you to wear ties to work. Here is the answer, from Japan of course: a stylish clip-on tie with a fashionable big knot with built-in fan to keep you cool at your desk, tethered as you are by the tie's USB connection to your computer. Keeps you comfortable and tied to your desk all day long; your boss should hand them out to everyone. Made of easy-to-clean silicone, never have a stain on your tie again. ::Thanko via ::SciFiTech

Sock monkeys are a classic do-it-yourself homemade toy. Traditionally they are made of red-heeled socks, in order to use the red heels for the luscious red lips. However changes are a happening and while the red-heeled socks still rule - sock monkeys are now coming in all shapes. The picture above is a Mr T sock dude, check out the life size anatomically correct sock monkey, the meditating pregnant sock monkey and the totally cool pirate sock dude.

The great thing about sock monkeys (apart from their classic styling) is the fact that they are supposed to made from 100% recycled re-purposed socks. Directions available online, you can use up your old socks or find some from a charity shop, of course if you are not into DIY you can always get online and buy someones handmade creation. Sock creatures have been called one of the top 50 greenest products ... not into cutting up odd socks, why not find an unusual way to stash them.

Via USA Today , Kimberly Clark Corporation has a website where you can upload your photos and purchase oval-shaped Kleenex boxes with the images printed on the sides. First analogous object that comes to mind? Those Grecian urns with the erotically posed human figures dancing around the edge. The more innovative we get, the more things stay the same. USA reports:- “… the brand is embracing personalized products. In a world where consumers can customize their Nike shoes, M&M candies and even their Heinz ketchup labels, the Kleenex box is jumping into the fray” Cost is $4.99 plus shipping. Per company policy, no hate messages, violence, nudity or unapproved company trademarks. So much for my Grecian urn idea. Before you jump to a comment, please qave a look at our questions, pros, and cons list, below the fold.

Recent Comment by Jay : "Glue sticks and ten minutes can get you a personalized tissue box filled with whatever ..." [read]