The Solar Tiki Torches Challenge

Looking at the solar patio lighting options on Amazon it looks like there are two contenders for the solar tiki torches challenge. In one corner you have the Moonrays 91206 Solar Powered Tiki Torch Path Light which uses one amber LED and one flickering amber LED to simulate that raging ball of fire that excites and tantalizes our senses - but in a much more subdued way and without the sooty smoke and kerosene smell.

In the other corner is the Paradise Lighting GL23922 Solar Bamboo Look Tiki Torch which uses two flickering LED lights instead of the one fixed and one flickering and has a round top vs a more square top on the Moonrays Solar Tiki torch.

Moonrays Solar Tiki Torches vs Paradise Lighting Tiki Torches

Other than the difference in the lighting style both solar tiki lights are pretty much the same, both run on Rechargable Ni-Cd batteries (included), both stand at 59 inches tall on bamboo tiki torch poles, both have a frosted lens, and both use eco-friendly solar charging panels to power them at night.

Based on the research I've done and the reviews of these solar tiki lights you may want to get different NiCd rechargeable batteries as the one's included don't last very long. Keep in mind that these are NiCd batteries and not the more popular NiMH rechargeable batteries, or new more powerful NiZN rechargeable batteries - I don't know if NiMH or NiZN batteries would work or not - but best to stick with the NiCd unless you really do want that flaming ball of fire atop your new tiki light. Just to be safe.

Check out these solar tiki torches for sale from Amazon and have a flaming ball of fire good time by your pool or patio in no time.

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Paradise Lighting GL23922 Solar Bamboo Look Tiki Torch including Ground Stake, 2 Flicker Amber LED Bulbs, Frosted Lens and Rechargable NiCad Batteries List Price: $26.99 Sale Price: $13.32 You save: $13.67 (51%)   Eligible for free shipping!

Adamax TTLED4 Bamboo Solar Flickering Tiki Torch with Rechargeable Batteries, 4-Pack List Price: $59.99 Sale Price: $58.82 You save: $1.17 (2%)   Eligible for free shipping!

Solar Tiki Torches: Solar Patio Lighting with Pizazz 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: $92.46   Eligible for free shipping!

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

When I think about high boots I think heavy, clunky and uncomfortable. We put up with them for fashions sake and not because they are very functional. The Jambu Colorado Vegan high boots are a break from that assumption.

I noticed right away how comfy and flexible they were - not something that needs to be broken in. The Memory Foam footbed feels like a soft pillow for your feet and the unique back mesh ventilation kept me from getting hot and sweaty even on hot days or all day shopping at the Mall of America.

Knee high boots are all the rage this season. Keen, Merrell. Teva they all have a line of ladies knee high boots and if you are familiar with these brands known for their high quality I bet you'll love Jambu Colorado-Vegan high boots. Imagine the rugged outdoorsy feel you get with brands like those and mix in a dash of feminine style with a unique creative sole (or should I say soul) and a touch of color here and there - Jambu boots stand out from the rest.

Walking through the forest of high boots at a trip to the Mall of America I felt one step ahead of the high boot trend seeing all the swarms of people checking them out. Since last spring when I fell in love with my first pair of Jambu Planet Vegan shoes at Nordstroms I have really become a Jambu fan and I look forward to all the creative new designs they will come up with.

If you are looking for a stylish comfortable pair of high boots this season take a look at the Jambu Colorado Vegan boots, you'll feel like you have a secret that is just burning to get out. You'll know in your heart that you are staying true to your vegan lifestyle but no one else will - they look and feel like real leather.

You can find Jambu Colorado Vegan boots for sale at a number of specialty retailers including Amazon, Endless.com, and PlanetShoes.com.

Have you gotten your hands on some great high boots this season? Share with us some of your favorite things to wear with them in the comments below. (I could use some new ideas too)

Find more Jambu footwear styles for sale on Amazon below.

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Jambu Dragonfly Mary Jane (Toddler/Little Kid/Big Kid) Sale Price: $55.00

Jambu Ladybug Backstrap Sandal (Toddler/Little Kid/Big Kid) Sale Price: $55.00

No Animals Were Harmed in the Making of this Vegan High Boot Review is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies

My feet stopped unable to leave the mall. They had to know how they'd fit - these soft raspberry pink suede Jambu sandals with rugged black partially recycled rubber soles and cool feminine details. My feet slipped into the Contoured Memory Foam footbed and immediately relaxed. These Jambu shoes are the high heel equivalent for a hiker chic - flashy and stylish yet I could climb a mountain in a fuchsia pink minute or dance down Broadway with no blisters.

It was a match made in shoe heaven - they will sit proudly next to my Keens and Merrels only just a bit more prominent, eagerly awaiting a warm Spring day.

These Jambu Planet Vegan shoes are available for sale at Amazon, Endless.com and PlanetShoes. (PlanetShoes, Endless and Amazon all offer Free Shipping)

From Jambu: A sporty take on the Mary Jane, the Jambu Planet Vegan is a casual shoe with some kick. The cut-out designs through the leather upper give breathability. Heel and toe bumpers provide added protection and the adjustable Mary Jane strap provides a snug fit.  Unlike other outdoor brands, Jambu shoes are designed by women for women, therefore, details such as floral motifs, contrast stitching and materials keep Jambu a step ahead creating an outdoor fashion feel. With its Memory foam footbed, Jambu will cradle your foot and keep you comfortable all day. Shoes use partially recycled rubber outsoles and recycled and recyclable packaging.

Find more Jambu footwear styles for sale on eBay below.

Check out these Jambu footwear styles for sale on Amazon too.

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Jambu Dragonfly Mary Jane (Toddler/Little Kid/Big Kid) Sale Price: $55.00

Jambu Ladybug Backstrap Sandal (Toddler/Little Kid/Big Kid) Sale Price: $55.00

My Raspberry Pink Jambu Shoe Love Affair is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies

Teak is such a beautiful wood with such a soft whirling grain and smooth warm feel. These teak window boxes are even better because they are crafted from teak grown from reforested areas throughout Costa Rica by a producer that adheres to the principles of the Forestry Stewardship Council. Diamond Teak has 12 plantations that protect more than 1000 acres of jungle and provide safe haven to diverse flora, fauna and 70 species of trees, including mahogany, purpleheart and cocobolo rosewood. These hardwoods make wonderful furniture but have a bad reputation because these rare forests are being logged to extinction, not to mention logging contributes to habitat destruction, water pollution, and the displacement of indigenous peoples. The Forestry Stewardship Council strives to make sure these forests are maintained in a sustainable and safe way for the environment.

What this all means is by supporting companies who follow these strict guidelines you can feel proud to know you are getting a beautiful product in the most environmentally friendly way. I also love to hear companies going one step further... Goods For The Garden is committed to preserving America's historical gardens, landscapes, green spaces and mother earth! They contribute 5 percent of the purchase price of every product to an organization of your choosing or to their 1 Percent For The Planet Fund.

Now that's an Earth Friendly wood window box that will keep on giving year after year - plus you can get an early start on that Spring planting. As for me, I'm going to go kick some more snow into the driveway and think about what I want to plant first!

Below you'll find teak window boxes for sale from Goods for the Garden

Fair Trade Teak Window Boxes: Beautiful and Sustainable is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies

It's always fun finding new photos for Earth Friendly Photo Friday especially when you find a new artist when you aren't even looking. This gem of an artist was a delightful surprise while I was looking for featured photos for yesterday's post on ending rural hunger.

This month's photo comes all the way from the Northern Utrecht region of the Netherlands. The Dutch, world famous for their tulips and windmills have been utilizing wind energy way before alternative energy was the craze it is today. This beautiful misty morning photo is stunningly vivid as is all of Jeroen van Daal's work. If you love Dutch windmill photos or fantastic landscape photography in general swing by his site and immerse yourself in some very earth friendly photos.

If you'd like to share a windmill picture or other earth friendly photo leave a comment below, till next time have a fairly fun earth friendly photo friday.

Earth Friendly Photo Friday: Morning Mill in Oud Zuilen is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies

Welcome to another edition of Earth Friendly Photo Friday, and what better way to celebrate Friday the 13th than with a spooky iridescent photo. I love the lighting in this photo and the spooky vibrant green. It is certainly reminiscent of any number of those classic horror films like Friday the 13th. (Hello, Anybody there...) You'll have to give some great feedback to Sylvain and check out his other earth friendly Flickr pics.

Until next month, have a very lucky Friday the 13th! and remember if you would be interested in contributing to Earth Friendly Photo Friday (with the potential of contributing to a Mr. Linky style photo share) please leave a comment below.

Earth Friendly Photo Friday – Spooky Style is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies

Actually it begins with an "E" and a lichen licking leaf, but who's keeping score anyway? Welcome to the first ever Earth Friendly Photo Friday! Frankly that's a fantastic fandango of "f" sounds, but I digress as I look for an egress under duress perhaps from a little stress. Oh-boy don't get me started.

What is Earth Friendly Photo Friday?

Well, an earth friendly photo is any photo that celebrates the earth - whether that be nature or a picture of your recycling bin - it really is open to a broad interpretation. And Friday, well that is the day after Thursday and before Saturday.

I was pursuing a random blog trail the other day and I happened upon Earth To Holly a fun little photo blog with a plethora of pleasing photos. I was inspired to create my own photo feature here at Earth Friendly Goodies since long ago in a land far far away I played the 'ol photography game. I don't get out enough these days to play with the camera but I do enjoy the beautiful images captured by my fellow artists.

Thus Earth Friendly Photo Friday is born. I'm not sure as of yet where it will go, but I'm hoping it will be a regular feature - let's say on Fridays perhaps? I could open it up to a Mr. Linky type Blog Carnival, or just find and feature my favorite photos from around the web or have artists submit their photos for consideration - or maybe both, the possibilities are earth moving. In a friendly way.

I'll take your suggestions below, and next Friday we'll see just where we sit, or stand, or sit and stand it really is up to you.

First let me Leaf you with a photo - one of my own from early Spring taken at Taylor's Falls, MN. I had a rare day to enjoy all to myself so I went for an early Spring hike on a crisp cloudy morning.

This photo may not be an award winner but I love the subtle green lichen contrasted with the striking orange leaf that was left over from last Fall. I'm also a sucker for lovely texture and this photo certainly has a very tactile attraction for me. I hope you enjoy it - come back next month for Earth Friendly Photo Friday to see what treasure we'll un-earth.

Have a mighty fine Friday from Earth Friendly Goodies.

Earth Friendly Photo Friday Begins with a Bang is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies

These Earth Portsandals have the comfort and ease of a slip on with the option of going off road by adding a back strap – now that’s a useful sandal. Add the fact that it has the fancy sounding Kalso® Negative Heel Technology® that beefs up the muscles in your legs and you have a high tech sandal that looks good and makes you feel even better. Haven’t heard of the Kalso® Negative Heel Technology®? Well, the fore mentioned slight incline of Kalso® Negative Heel Technology® Earth Shoes lets you feel as if you're walking on an inclined treadmill, and can contribute to a fat-burning effect up to 4x that of regular shoes. (That’s a fancy way of saying the more you walk the sexier your bum gets and that's a lot of registered trademark symbols in one paragraph too )

So bottom line is you pay a bit more for a great looking sandal that helps you tone and lose weight and you get to drop that expensive gym membership that you don’t use anyway. (We don’t recommend you really stop going to the gym though – where else will you meet that guy or girl of your dreams with the sexy bod – certainly not the frozen food section of the grocery store – except maybe the organic frozen food section)

Oh, yah and they are on sale – did I mention that? I don’t know for how long but you can check out all the sales at Planet Shoes HERE Kapow up to 70% off just like that (I should get some cashola for referring you – so thanks in advance from the bottom of my empty wallet).

Have a rootin’ tootin’ good ‘ol day, from the overzealous eco-friendly ad guy!

Earth Port Sandals: Cool Eco-Friendly Sandals Free Sexy Bum is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies

Golf courses get a bad wrap, just mention one to a hard core environmentalist and watch out for a barrage of obscenities. I can’t help but think these courses if built right can be a model of conservatism and an inspiration for eco conscience land management. Prime example is Justin Timberlake’s Mirimichi, a multi-million dollar sustainable golf course re-built from the ground up. Another course along the same lines in Panama is The Isla Viveros Resort's golf course due to be completed in 2011. But what about the little guys, public and semi-private courses that don’t have 16 million to renovate their course, is your favorite local course doomed to be the “bad guys in golf?”

Not necessarily it seems. I was out on the links the other day in one of my bi-annual attempts to pretend I know how to play golf when I noticed (on one of many scavenger hunts for a sliced ball) a simple little sign stating something to the effect of “No Carts – Step Carefully.” The Sawmill golf course in Stillwater MN was maintaining a major grassland restoration project along the fairways of its course. Not only does this save the course money in water usage, it provides a natural habitat for wildlife of all kinds – so the Tiger Lillies and the Tiger Woods will be happy at the Sawmill.

These kinds of sustainable golf initiatives can go a long way toward cleaning up the earth as well as your environmentalist friend’s sailor mouth, but what can you do to help the environment and still enjoy your favorite summer pastime?

Eco-Friendly golf balls and biodegradable bamboo golf tees

I did some digging and discovered a couple of possibilities for greening up your golf game. The first is Dixon Earth eco-friendly golf balls. Dixon Earth claims to make the first 100% eco-friendly golf ball that actually performs on the course. Delivers the distance & spin of a high performance golf ball while being 100% recyclable. You can also send back used Dixon Earth balls for a discount on your next purchase.

If you are like me you practice the ultimate in conservation on the tee box by re-using whole tees left by others, but if you golf more than a few times a year you’ll probably need to buy some golf tees. Well, I also discovered an eco-friendly 100% natural and biodegradable golf tee from an Australian company Cane-It. Cane-It tees are made from bamboo which is a very strong sustainable plant that grows quickly, unlike trees which according to their site the simple wooden tee is responsible for the destruction of hundreds of thousands of trees annually.

The organic formula within the tees assist soil rejuvenation by way of mulch when mown over, Cane-It tees shred into grass like fibers without damaging mower blades. But the bottom line is always how do they work? In an independent study I discovered performed by an avid golfer and blogger it was found that Cane-It tees are much more durable than wood tees, break less often and add 50 yards to your drives… ok, just kidding about the distance but they are stronger tougher tees that are also eco-friendly and that alone makes me want to search the next tee box for some Cane-It bamboo tees.

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Frogger Green Monster Bamboo Tees Sale Price: $3.76 - $13.25

Bazooka Hybrid Tee (White) List Price: $16.29 Sale Price: $5.89 You save: $10.40 (64%)   Eligible for free shipping!

Green Golf Courses, Eco-Friendly Balls, Biodegradeable Tees What’s Next? is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies