DODOcase iPad cases are made by hand in San Francisco, CA ($60) using a traditional bookbinding process. The case features a shell made from faux leather, inside cover, elastic closure strap, and a bamboo tray. The bamboo tray is perfectly milled to hold your iPad using four corner mounted rubber bumpers. While it’s been argued that the iPad and other e-readers are more environmentally-friendly by saving paper and reducing the number of books published, we consider this case green as well. The bamboo tray is a good starting point for sustainable materials, but the company is also socially conscious, keeping production of the cases with a local bookbinder based in San Francisco as well. According to the website, the success of the DODOcase has also revived a once struggling bookbinding business. [Image: dodocase.com]
As we mentioned, the DODOcase is built by hand, so availability is limited. Be sure to visit the DODOcase website and order your case today. Your iPad, the environment, and a local business we be very glad that you did!
As a little extra, check out Kevin Rose’s review of the DODOcase below:
Handcrafted iPad Cases by DODOcase
Moving? Rent a Green Box.
Just like the name implies, Rent-a-Green-Box provides a rental service for reusable plastic shipping boxes. Called “Recopacks,” the green boxes are made from recycled HDPE plastics. Instead of using cardboard boxes to pack up your home, Rent-a-Green-Box will drop-off your recopacks at your door. Once you’ve packed, moved, and unpacked, the company will pick-up your recopacks and prepares them for their next big move. The company offers recycled green boxes, shipping materials, and even a recycled aluminum moving dolly.
Learn more about Rent-A-Green-Box on their website. They currently offer services in California but they’re expanding nationally, so keep an eye out for them in your town soon.
The Conserve Valet by Belkin
The energy saving USB charging station from the Conserve line of energy saving products by Belkin ($40). The Conserve Valet can charge up to four devices through a USB charging hub, eliminating the need for plugging four bulky adapters into the wall outlet. The green aspect of this charging station includes its ability to shut off after all of the devices have finished charging, preventing the devices from continuing to draw energy while all of the batteries are fully charged. The charging valet comes with a cord management area, USB charging cables, an AC power adapter and a User’s Manual.
Find the Belkin Conserve USB Charging Station online at Amazon.com
Recycled Glass and Concrete Countertops by IceStone
IceStone® combines recycled glass and concrete to create solid surface countertops free from harmful substances such as plastics, toxic resins and VOCs. The slabs are manufactured in Brooklyn, New York and are available in a variety of color patterns (Cobalt Ice and Denim Moss shown). The countertops are cast into standard slabs that are 52.5 inches wide by 96 inches long and 1.25 inches thick. The company distributes the slabs through fabricators located across the US. Finishing touches to the slabs, including custom edges and joints, are made in similar methods to granite and other solid surface countertops. The recycled glass countertops are cradle-to-cradle gold certified and rated for use in food service areas.
Visit the IceStone.biz website for more information. Find a showroom and fabricator in your area. [image: icestone.biz]
Greenzys Eco-Friendly Plush Toys by Kids Preferred
These plush animal toys ($29) are part of The Greenzys book collection written by Danielle Mentzer. The book is designed to educate young readers on environmental conservation and green living. Greenzys is an eco-friendly brand for children. A portion of sales of Greenzys products benefit the Environmental Media Association and the Arbor Day Foundation. Manufactured from soy fibers in socially responsible factories, the plush toy collection is available in four lovable animal characters; “Peat the Penguin,” “Violet the Giraffe,” “Willow the Elephant” and “Yew Yew the Panda.” Pick-up the book and your favorite eco-friendly plush animal toy at FAO Schwarz.
Recycled Billboard Vinyl Bags from Gorilla Sacks
Gorilla Sacks are stylish bags designed and manufactured from recycled billboard vinyl ($20-68$). The bags are made in Atlanta, Georgia from locally sourced used billboard vinyl. The material is carefully analyzed and cut into fabric pieces based on the overall billboard image and the final product design. After careful selection they head over to local sewmasters who transform the vinyl pieces into final products. The result is a one of a kind product with a distinct look and feel based on the original billboard. We really like the Classic Messenger bag ($48) which is large enough to carry a notebook computer and other files. But it doesn’t stop with the messenger bag, the company offers a full line from small accessories to handbags and totes. Gorilla Sacks are available in select retail stores and through the GorillaSacks.com online store.
Upcycled Drinking Glasses by YAVA Glass
YAVA Glass creates unique, one of a kind pieces of art from upcycled glass bottles. Raw materials of choice include bottles with screen printed or etched labels. The recycled bottles are upcycled into drinking glasses, coasters, and other products by carefully cutting the bottles down to size and sanding/rounding over the exposed edges. The process creates a smooth rim on the glass and protects your lips in the process (this might just be the most important step in the process). The final product preserves the unique label of the original beverage bottle and creates a very unique piece of art in the process. Check out all of the bottles and products from YAVA Glass on their Etsy storefront.
Thermal Leak Detector by Black & Decker
The Black & Decker Thermal Leak Detector tool ($50) will help you reduce the air leaks in your home by helping you perform a do-it-yourself home energy audit. By combining an IR thermometer with LED lights, you can set the reference temperature and the unit will identify areas with temperature changes of 1, 5, and 10 degrees. You can use the thermal leak detector to find air leaks from around doors, windows, electrical outlets, plumbing fixtures and more. The tool comes with a companion manual that offers suggestions for plugging those air leaks once you’ve determined where they are located. Pickup up your Black & Decker Themal Leak Detector and start sealing your home.
Tesla Motors Introduces the Roadster 2.5
Following the recent announcements of a partnership with Toyota Motor Company and a successful initial public offering, Tesla Motors announced the launch of a new version of the electric roadster. Dubbed the Roadster 2.5, the new version receives a new front fascia and rear diffuser, directional forged wheels, new more comfortable seats, more sound insulation, and an optional 7-inch touchscreen display. Roadster 2.5 will feature a hand-built carbon fiber body and aluminum monocogue chassis supporting all new power control hardware that is said to perform well in hot climates. Combine this with an electric motor capable of generating 288 peak horsepower and 295 lbs-ft of on-demand, instant torque and you’re in for one extremely fast ride. The roadster boasts a top speed of 125 mph and a 0 to 60 time of 3.9 seconds or 3.7 seconds depending on which version you choose.
The new Roadster 2.5 is currently available for order from Tesla Motors.
Recycled Milk Jugs Given New Life As Toys
Have you ever wondered what happens to that milk jug after you put it in the recycling bin? If it’s a really lucky milk jug, it might just end up as part of a line of children’s toys made by San Francisco basedGreen Toys ($6-40). They are built in America using local labor along with recycled milk jugs and environmentally-friendly packaging to create a unique line of eco-friendly toys. The products are tested by third-party labs so you can rest assured that these toys are as safe as they are green. The toys range from vehicles to tool and tea sets. Green Toys just released their newest green toy, the Fire Truck. They are currently accepting pre-orders for this new release. Green Toys are available in stores and online at select online retailers or purchased directly from the Green Toys online store.
