Invention: Eco-Flares
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada 
on 08. 2.05
Flares are mostly used during emergencies, so we can understand why their environmental characteristics have always taken a backseat to their effectiveness. Until now, that is. A police officer from California has invented a new flare that doesn't emit toxic fumes (usually inhaled by rescue workers), doesn't leave poisonous chemicals on the ground and isn't a fire hazard; the new eco-flare is called the PowerFlare Electronic Beacon, it's about as big as a hockey puck, uses LEDs and can withstand being run over by a truck. Many models are even rechargeable. We think that it is an excellent invention and we encourage any of our readers that work for emergency services to inform decision-makers at their workplace about them.
::Powerflare Corporation, via ::ENN, ::Other Company that Makes Eco-Flares
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There are like four companies suddenly making these.
I'm not sure how a piece of plastic is eco-friendly.
"I'm not sure how a piece of plastic is eco-friendly."
Eco-friendly in the absolute sense? No. But then, if we were eco-friendly in the absolute sense we wouldn't have cars, so we wouldn't need flares in the first place.
Friendler than one-use toxic chemical flares? Absolutely.
Cool product! According to their website, there are many other applications. How about all of the non-vehicle uses, such as bike or hiking/walking safety light, that support green modes of transportation?
Also, I think that the poisoning of ground water resulting from incendiary flare run-off is far more serious than most know. According to research done by the Santa Clara Water District (following an acute ground water contamination situation), the run-off from a single flare can raise approx. 700,000 gallons of ground water beyond current safe levels for perchlorate mandated by the state of CA.
This could lead to eco-firework displays on the 4th of July and Bastille Day!
Anychance there is aplace i can find more info?