Green is, of course, any product, service or practice that is mindful of preserving our environment. For example, you may count yourself as green (or at least greenish) if you fill a reusable water bottle when going to gym; if you pack your grocery shopping into a cotton carry bag; if your lighting is energy efficient; if you drive a low-petrol-consumption or a hybrid car…
The list is long, but for those who have exhausted it we bring some more unusual green merchandise spotted on the internet.
Green shoes
You can fold them, twist them, stretch them, and even wear them on your feet. The made-in-Spain biodegradable 01M One moment shoes may not be pretty, but they look like a delight to wear. They are incredibly thin, one millimetre around the foot and two millimetres at the sole. They fit snugly like a glove and provide superb ventilation. They are made from polymers extracted from vegetables and quickly dissolve into soil when you cast them away. Some suggested uses: at the gym, on a boat, on the beach, at home.
The cost? Only 10 Euros (about R105).
SoftBowls
These $39 (about R315) decorative bowls are manufactured in Philadelphia, the USA, by – they say – one of the last millineries in that country. They come in three different shapes (Beehive, Swoop and Wobowl). Use them as storage containers, planter cozies or decoration. SoftBowls are made from a renewable resource, wool felt that is harvested from sheep. They are also biodegradable. When you have no more use for them, shred them and put them in a compost bin, or bury them directly into soil.
Watch SoftBowls in action in this Vimeo video.
Electree
You may mistake it for a wok of art, but the solar bonsai Electree is actually an ecological charger for mobile devices. And it is ecological because – you’ve guessed it – it uses solar energy. The tree’s 27 solar panels can be rotated individually to catch the sun’s rays to the best effect (and to vary its decorative appeal). The first time you use it, the battery placed under the bonsai panel will need to absorb the sun’s energy for about 35 hours before it is ready to charge your cell phone, MP3 player, digital camera, etc. via a USB connection. Subsequent re-charging of the Electree takes only a couple of hours.
Brain child of French designer Vivien Muller, Electree is manufactured by Mister Ecologie and costs 299 Euros (about R3100).
What’s your take? Are you more likely to buy eco-friendly than eco-wasteful merchandise? Sellers, what is your experience with green products? Tell us about it!
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