The Moshi Moshi Handset while at first glance looks like a quirky blast to the past you might pick up on a lark just to get a laugh from friends may actually be a lifesaving device. The debate about long term cell phone radiation effects has been going on for quite some time. Whether or not you believe you need to be worried about radiation damage from your cell phone is a debate for another time, I for one would rather not take the chance.

The contradiction between the seriousness of radiation and the playful retro look of the Moshi Moshi handset is a bit ironic, or perhaps a deliberate marketing attempt to get your attention about a serious issue with cell phone technology in a non threatening way. Regardless the Moshi Moshi retro handset is much more than a quirky retro gift to get attention.

Moshi Moshi Handset: Fashion Fad or Life Saving Gadget

Have you seen the photo of Orlando Bloom strutting around town with his Moshi Moshi handset? When I saw that photo I chalked the Moshi Moshi up to another celebrity endorsed earth friendly fad - I mean who wants to wear an old fashioned phone around their neck like a throw back to the full sized clock jewelry that was briefly popular in the '80's - well besides Orlando Bloom of course.
After doing a bit more research on this crazy new gadget I actually discovered it is being highly rated for the sound quality, functionality, and even to my chagrin overwhelming adoption of its retro looks. Native Union, the makers of the retro MoshiMoshi handset suggests it "combines high style with high functionality…The chic design combines classic style with modern elegance". Honestly I snorted so loudly at that I almost blew my socks through my nose. Since when is an old fashioned corded phone high style or chic?

You've got to hand it to them for their marketing prowess, but it turns out the functionality of the Moshi Moshi Handset is actually getting some much deserved attention.

Here are the overwhelming comments in favor of the Moshi Moshi Handset

• Can be cradled comfortably between shoulder and chin (remember when you used to be able to do that with your phone?
• Doesn't get hot like cellphones do. If you use your cell phone a lot this is a biggie
• Sound quality is better than other wired (and wireless) headsets or phones
• Looks and feels good in your hand - the feel is not slippery like hard plastic phones of old
• Customer support is excellent - if you need and adapter for you particular device Native Union is quick to send one out

And of course one of the crucial benefits to the Moshi Moshi Handset is that it is up to 99% free of radiation compared to direct use of your cell phone. Granted this isn't because of some magic radiation blocking technology, but simply that you aren't putting your radiation emitting cell phone right to your head. Give Native Union more points for effective marketing.

If you want to give the Moshi Moshi Handset a try check out these fun retro styles for sale on Amazon.

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Native Union Moshi Moshi Retro POP Handset for iPhone, iPad, iPod, and Android Phones - Soft Touch - Black List Price: $29.99 Sale Price: $16.51 You save: $13.48 (45%)   Eligible for free shipping!

Native Union MM01H Moshi Moshi Retro POP Handset for iPad 2, iPad, iPhone 4G, 3G/3GS, iPod Touch, HTC Android EVO, Blackberry, Samsung Galaxy S, and Droid - Soft Touch Red List Price: $29.99 Sale Price: $16.51 You save: $13.48 (45%)   Eligible for free shipping!

Moshi Moshi Retro Handset Features

• Compatible with all 3.5mm jack mobile phones and computers, including iPhone, BlackBerry, iPad and latest MacBooks
• Luxurious soft-touch finish for ultimate comfort and feel
• Noise-reducing technology for a crisp and polished sound
• One touch button for convenient pick-up/hang-up directly from the handset (not all mobile phone support function)
• Eliminates up to 99 percentage of the radiation absorbed compared to a direct use of mobile phones

What is your take on the Moshi Moshi Handset, is it just the latest fad or will it take the world by storm?

Your Moshi Moshi Handset: A Retro Fad or Life Saving Technology is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies

Voltaic Systems Says: The Voltaic solar backpack is a mobile solar power generator designed to charge virtually all handheld electronics. Voltaic bags also use 600D fabric made from recycled PET (soda pop bottles). Recycled PET fabric is lightweight, extremely durable, UV and water resistant. Most importantly, it uses significantly less energy to produce than nylon. Voltaic solar backpacks are both eco-friendly and fashionable!

He Says: Ok, when I came across my first solar backpack in an issue of Popular Mechanics magazine I was thinking "now that's a good idea!" I mean it's such a simple idea - we all spend time outside in the sun hiking, camping, walking to class whatever - why not take advantage of the sun to power all our gear? In the reading I've done the Voltaic Solar Backpack is one of the most popular out there and the real deciding factor for me was the recycled PET material (Polyethylene terephthalate in case you were wondering - in other words plastic bottles). The fact that you can save money by recharging all your gear with the sun and the actual backpack is made of recycled material won me over - I picked this backpack over others that were more stylistically impressive (but functionally inferior).

One thing to note when considering to buy this solar backpack is that, while it has the capacity to carry your laptop it doesn't have the power to charge it. Voltaic does have a solar laptop bag that produces nearly 15 watts of power that would do the trick, but then you are paying double the price. For us eco-tech-geeks what's a few extra dollars for being the first to get a new toy right?

She Says: The Voltaic Solar Backpack is perfect for college students or anyone who spends a lot of time walking outside. If you are one of those people who are into the latest tech gear this backpack should make your list of new toys to try. This backpack is one of the top rated solar backpacks on the market. Stylistically there is room to grow, but this solar backpack is gender neutral so guys and girls can feel comfortable with this bag. I do like the orange tinted solar panels which give it a bit of life (they also make green, silver, and black). The biggest appeal for me is it's functionality - I mean who couldn't use free solar energy to power their gear - sounds like a win win to me.

Voltaic Solar Backpack Features and Specs

• 4 watts of solar power from three waterproof solar panels for fast charging.
• 3.6 volt, 4,400mAh Li-Ion battery pack which stores power until you need it, when not in the sun, the battery can be charged using the AC travel charger or DC car charger
• 11 standard adapters for easy connection to handheld electronics including a car charger socket and a USB adapter so you can use a standard charger for your device
• Fully padded laptop sleeve for up to a 17" laptop
• Wire channels throughout the bag for headphones and bladder tubes
• Adjustable phone / MP3 pouch on the shoulder
• High density padding in the shoulder straps and back
• Mesh backing material for better air flow

Find the Latest style of Solar Backpack for Sale on Amazon

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Premium Solar Charger - Ultra Thin Solar Powered Backup Battery and Charger for Cell Phones, iPhone, iPod, and Most USB Powered Device - Also Includes Built-in LED Reading Light and Window / Windshield Suction Cups List Price: $59.99 Sale Price: $27.99 You save: $32.00 (53%)   Eligible for free shipping!

Eclipse Solar Backpack Sale Price: $179.95   Eligible for free shipping!

Since this post Voltaic Systems has released an updated version of this solar backpack called the Voltaic Systems Off-Grid Solar Backpack with updated solar technology.

This review of the Voltaic Solar Backpack is part of our He Said She Said review series, look for more eco-friendly backpack reviews in the series.

Voltaic Solar Backpack: A Solar Backpack for Commuters and Hikers is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies

This 15-watt solar charger plugs into your vehicle's 12-volt lighter socket so when you are out in the boonies becoming one with nature you can still have the luxury of bragging to your friends on Facebook that you are on vacation. Intended to work to charge your car, boat or RV battery but many inventive folks are using these Sunforce 15 Watt Solar chargers mounted on their homes or elsewhere for some extra free energy.

These originally list for $129.99 but thanks to the Amazon Lightning Deal you can grab one (or several) for only $70! (Amazon's regular price seems to be $92.72 but with the Lightning Deal it is down to the $70 - if you make the deadline the price will be shown in the cart - good luck!)

Update: This Lightning Deal is gone but the price on solar charging kits are dropping as new technology comes out. This Sunforce 50032 15 Watt Solar Battery Charger is now on sale for $79.95 or you can grab the newer model Sunforce 50033 for even less.

Check out these other Sunforce solar charging kits for sale at Amazon

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Sunforce 50048 60-Watt Solar Charging Kit List Price: $599.99 Sale Price: $279.95 You save: $320.04 (53%)   Eligible for free shipping!

Sunforce 50033 15-Watt Solar Charging Kit Sale Price: $90.63   Eligible for free shipping!

Sunforce 15 Watt Solar Battery Charger on Sale is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies

Goodhope Says: Travel in eco-savvy style with this solar powered Goodhope Solar Backpack. Fully charged, the G-Tech 5260 Solar Backpack provides 8 hours of power. Includes an AC adapter, USB adapter, and 6 popular cell phone attachments to power them up. Goodhope goes green with Ecoline, our newest range of Earth Friendly products that are stylish, functional and durable.

He Says: Goodhope bags is actually a supplier and usually deals with large orders with your business' custom graphics - they have a large number of options for custom graphics including debossing, embroidery, 3D rubber patches, and Lextra (a 3D build up of fibers into a rich logo).

So what does that mean for the rest of us who don't have the patience to track down a retail store selling these eco-cool Goodhope solar backpacks? Well, fortunately they do sell one off backpacks without graphics to individuals. Or, an even better option is to keep an eye out on eBay (click the photo above for current Goodhope solar products for sale on eBay). The last few times I searched for them on eBay they had at least one being sold by an enterprising individual who buys in bulk and offers them to us for a nice little profit - good news for us though is that we can pick one up for less than we could direct from Goodhope. Another place to buy a Goodhope solar backpack is Amazon, and I'll provide current Amazon listings for Goodhope Solar backpacks below, but Goodhope also has solar messenger bags as well as other cool solar products for sale.

She Says: The Goodhope Solar Backpack looks like a regular backpack but with high tech super powers that can run your cell phone, iPod, iPhone, iPad, ereader, digital camera, GPS, PDA or MP3 player all for free! Now that's a backpack everyone needs, am I right? This solar backpack has plenty of pockets for all day trekking or around town hiking. This is a great bag for all of us who get lost in the woods and need to phone home. (to brag that we are calling on our fully charged cell phone from our walk in the sun of course) This Goodhope solar backpack may not have as many high tech features as the Voltaic Solar Backpack, but in my opinion it is way more stylish - the contrast between the blue solar panels and the white and black nylon is very eye catching.

Goodhope Solar Backpack Features and Specs

• Made of super strong 1860D ballistic nylon
• Laptop sleeve inside the roomy main compartment
• Zip compartment up front with a full organizer
• Small zip pocket for a phone, keys and small items
• Mesh water bottle pocket, and a side pocket
• Ultra-padded, breathable back & adjustable straps
• Overall Dimensions: 18" H x 12.75" W x 7.75" D
• Highly innovative Solar Charging System (SCS) which can be charged using an A/C adapter, or with direct sunlight to supply 8 hours of power

Find a Goodhope Solar Backpack for Sale on Amazon

Goodhope 5260 Solar Backpack Backpacks,Black Sale Price: $158.95   Eligible for free shipping!

Solar Computer Brief/backpack (Eco-friendly) Sale Price: $129.00   Eligible for free shipping!

Goodhope Solar Backpack: G-Tech 5260 Solar Backpack is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies

Well, ok maybe not the free dusting/vacuuming but it does come with Enhanced Delivery, a slick option I wasn't aware of where a representative of the delivery company will bring your TV to any room suitable for testing, unpack it, and ensure that it is working properly to guarantee no damage occurred during transportation. That's a pretty sweet deal!

Samsung LED HDTV Eco-Friendly Features

Now this may not be on your top list of features in this sweet little magic picture box but the Samsung LED HDTV Exceeds ENERGY STAR Standards. (hey this is an Earth Friendly blog and I had to justify writing about sweet new tech somehow didn't I? Maybe Samsung will send me a free LED TV so I can give an in-depth review... fingers crossed)

LED HDTV's are so Energy Efficient they use up to 50% less energy than the latest ENERGY STAR specifications! Not only is it cool to be green these days but it means you are saving money while you stay up all night watching your favorite TV show marathon on your free Blu-ray player.

Check out these bestselling Samsung LED HDTV's for sale below

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Samsung UN46D6000 46-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LED HDTV (Black) List Price: $1,299.99 Sale Price: Too low to display   Eligible for free shipping!

Samsung UN40D6000 40-Inch 1080p 120Hz LED HDTV (Black) List Price: $1,099.99 Sale Price: Too low to display   Eligible for free shipping!

I didn't get any moolah from Samsung to toot their horn (I'll accept a free TV though - doesn't hurt to try) but if any kind soul buys something from an Amazon link within this site I will eventually make a enough to buy myself a Samsung LED HDTV - well ok so it would have to be a massive amount of people but it could happen - if you are one of those people thank you kindly.

Samsung LED HDTV Now Comes with Free Room Cleaning is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies

As you might imagine in a city with a population of 17 million people who are developing bad Western fast food habits the issue of "where do I put my burger bag" is a problem. If it were just a burger bag a piece it may not be an issue but Beijing-ians are tossing out 18,400 tons of waste every day which is 7000 tons more than the landfills can handle.

So to prevent the Toxic Avenger from taking over the city, as reported by the Guardian.co.uk, "Beijing is to install 100 deodorant guns at a stinking landfill site on the edge of the city in a bid to dampen complaints about the capital's rubbish crisis."

So a giant can of "let's look the other way and hope the problem goes away" is going to be sprayed over the landfill while the other 200+ legal and illegal dumping sites around Beijing are bursting at the seams. Sounds like a plan.

Less than 4% of Beijing's trash is recycled (compared to a substantially better, but still pretty pathetic 35% in the UK and US) and 2% is burned, but the rest is dumped and buried with the hopes that Mother Earth likes stinky socks and broken laptops for lunch.

The second faze of the plan was to increase the incineration rate to 40% by building 82 incinerators between 2006 and 2010 which as you can imagine has had a little less than agreeable public support - a close second to "I don't want no stinkin' landfill in my backyard" is "I don't want no toxic waste incinerator in my backyard." With the dangers associated with burning the toxic chemicals in plastics and other waste materials the people of Beijing have good reason to protest.

So what is a good tirade without a solution? About as useful as a giant deodorant stick gun loaded with questionable "its better for you than the alternative" aerosol. Maybe they should load up those deodorant guns and shoot the trash to the sun.

Ok, my tirade is over - I'm going to do my part to save the planet and go fish a rubber ball out of the pond I've looked at every day for the past week, but did nothing about. And if I get lucky I'll find a plastic bag or two that I can send to the landfill where it belongs...

This Post Stinks, But Not as Bad as Beijing’s Landfill Problem is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies

Why is the Samsung Reclaim Eco-Friendly?

The Reclaim is made from 80% recyclable materials and even sports a case made from 40% corn instead of petroleum - so if you have a corny sense of humor (oops did I just say that?) you'll have bragging rights, and a great conversation starter.

Best news though is that you can get the Samsung Reclaim for cheap - only one penny at Amazon! (well ok you have to get a new service contract but isn't that how it always works.) There are plenty 'o Samsung Reclaim for sale for cheap on eBay of course but you'll have to fight for 'em.

Bottom line though is how does the Reclaim compare to other non eco-friendly cell phones? Pretty well based on some of the reviews I've looked through. Here's the basics:

Samsung Reclaim pros and cons:

Pros:
The battery life is awesome - very energy efficient
Very clean menus and navigation
Fast internet and bluetooth compatible
Easily customizable quick link buttons (Facebook, Google Maps, MySpace, Twitter, YouTube etc...)
Plenty of Samsung Reclaim accessories
And best of all of course is that it is Eco-Friendly!

Cons:
Qwerty keyboard is small so if you have big hands it may take some getting used to
The GPS feature only works with Sprint Navigation
Some have complained the LCD is fragile

If you dig eco-friendly products and want to give this green beauty a try take a peak below for a cheap Samsung Reclaim for sale from eBay or if you need a service plan your best bet is to get one for a penny on Amazon (although last I looked they were sold out, but they do have a huge selection of cool Samsung Reclaim cases for sale.)

My Corny Phone Tastes Like Butter: Samsung Reclaim an Eco-Friendly Phone is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies

I reached for my trusty Maglite to protect myself with its hot bright glow to throw off the specialized thermoreceptors on the bats nose, only to find to my horror the Energizers were dead - as I soon would be too if I didn't find another means of escape.

Fortunately for me I had planned ahead - I reached for my PowerGenix NiZN rechargeable batteries loaded my Maglite like a wild west gunslinger and blasted myself out of trouble faster than you can say Environmentally friendly 100% recyclable 30% more powerful PowerGenix Rechargeable AA Batteries!

Well, ok fine you caught me, I wasn't spelunking in South America surrounded by hungry vampire bats this morning but I was trying out some very cool new rechargeable batteries from PowerGenix. These Nickel-Zinc (NiZN) batteries claim to be 30% more powerful than Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) rechargeable batteries and equivalent to standard 1.5v disposable alkaline batteries. That simply wasn't true - the nickel-zinc batteries hands down beat out the name brand alkaline batteries as well!

I did a side by side comparison with two of the same flashlights one loaded with a fresh package of Energizer Max alkaline batteries and one with PowerGenix Nickel-Zinc rechargeable batteries (freshly charged in the included 1.5 hour quick charger (which took closer to 3 hrs for the first time charging) - the PowerGenix batteries were brighter and had a larger light radius than the Energizers. I even switched the batteries between the flashlights to make sure there wasn't a difference and the PowerGenix still came out ahead.

The next round of tests matched up the PowerGenix NiZN rechargeable batteries against Energizer 2500 mAh NiMH rechargeable batteries and this is when the PowerGenix really shined - yes pun intended. While I'm not sure without using a light meter the difference was at least the claimed 30% brighter (probably more like 31.475% but I'm just guessing). I didn't have time to test my Duracell rechargeable batteries since Brandi claimed the NiZN batteries right quick for her camera.

The only downside to my cool rechargeable battery review experiment and negative mark against the PowerGenix batteries was when the plastic cover on the battery scraped against a sharp edge in the flashlight and tore. Possibly a rare fluke but my new toy now has an imperfection.

Popular Science magazine honored these PowerGenix Nickel-Zinc batteries with a Best of What's New Award in the Gadgets category recently and I can see why - they are the best rechargeable batteries I've tried so far. I only wish I had my old digital camera that refused to work with standard batteries - I'm guessing I could have used that camera for a few more years powered by PowerGenix Nickel-Zinc rechargeable batteries - or perhaps I really will tackle those Desmodus rotundus after all as long as I have my new PowerGenix batteries.

"Nickel-Zinc is the most recyclable battery chemistry on the market. Unlike many other materials, both nickel and zinc can be recycled again and again while maintaining their physical and chemical properties. Plus the zinc electrode contains no lead, cadmium or mercury.

PowerGenix batteries are certified as recyclable by the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Coalition (RBRC), a nonprofit public service organization dedicated to recycling rechargeable batteries. The batteries can be recycled at more than 50,000 RBRC collection sites in the U.S. and Canada."

PowerGenix NiZN Rechargeable AA Batteries Saved Me From Vampire Bats! is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies

As winter grows closer and closer these days thoughts of square foot gardens and fresh herbs have to be put on hold until next spring. I feel somewhat sorry for my basil plant as it struggles inside and if it had eyes I'm sure they would longingly gaze outside and yearn for warmer days and fresh air.

I was perusing the latest Amazon email of great Holiday shopping ideas today and stumbled upon the AeroGrow AeroGarden - I could almost feel my basil plant's leaves rustle in excitement. If you haven't heard about the Aerogrow it is a home growing device about the size of a bread box that uses Aeroponic technology which means the plants grow in air and water, not dirt. My basil plant stirred with excitement as I read to him that plants grow five times faster using this method of eco-friendly growing.

Reading over the 200+ positive reviews of the AeroGrow was exciting as well. Hearing professional chefs rave over the quality of the herbs and plants had my basil plant nearly knocking me over to get to the "add to cart" button. And when I got to the part about the AeroGrow nutrient tablets being organic, according to American Association of Food Control Officials standards my basil was almost weeping with relief. (not to mention glaring at me that I wasn't reaching for my credit card yet).

I researched further to find that the AeroGrow can grow a wide variety of salad greens, tomatoes, herbs, chili peppers, flowers, and even catnip for those frisky kitties. The AeroGrow even comes with a free aerogarden seed kit to grow fresh Italian Basil, Purple Basil, Chives, Dill, Mint, Parsley & Thyme - you can just imagine what effect this had on my basil. Images of a bounty of fresh friends and perhaps the promise of a bit of Italian romance flitted through his head - I can hardly blame him for what came next...

There must be a secret language spoken between cats and herbs because before I knew it my scrawny little basil plant was waving distractedly in the air while my cat with a catnip crazed look in its eyes pounced on the "1-Click ordering" button - the deal was sealed I had a new AeroGrow AeroGarden on its way.

I can hardly blame them as I said, the thought of fresh healthy herbs and salads year round does give one a bit of a euphoric tingle.

Update 11/28/11: If you are keeping an eye on Amazon's Black Friday Week Lightning Deals then you may be interested in this news... it would appear that the AeroGrow AeroGarden is due for a huge Black Friday Sale discount at 2pm PST. Here is their tantalizing text... "Upcoming Deal:
Grow herbs, greens, and vegetables faster and indoors" Sounds to me like the AeroGrow - keep your clicking fingers nice and limber so you can snatch them up.

Find AeroGarden Seed Kits for Sale for Your AeroGrow AeroGarden Below

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AeroGarden Gourmet Herb Seed Kit (6-7-Pod) List Price: $19.95 Sale Price: $17.95 You save: $2.00 (10%)   Eligible for free shipping!

AeroGarden 800507-0208 Universal Seed Kit, Italian Herb Sale Price: $17.95   Eligible for free shipping!

Beware of Catnip Crazed Cat: An Herby AeroGarden Overthrow is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies

These custom hand made USB flash drives sold by "buygreenonline" at eBay's earth friendly World of Good are sure to strike up a conversation at the local coffee shop or library plus you get to show off your eco-friendly nature. (or if you are in a pinch you can play fetch with good 'ol fido - caution data loss may occur)

They have 256Mb, 512Mb, 1Gb, and 2Gb sizes available each sporting a unique real all natural twig. These eco-friendly memory drives are even shipped with Carbon neutral shipping so you feel good and green all around.

Eco-Friendly Hand Made Wooden USB flash Drives is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies