Author Archives: Debra Atlas

Full Name: Debra Atlas Website:
Info: Debra Atlas is a freelance environmental writer and eco-enthusiast based in Northern California, and is the Red Ferret’s Ecological Editor. Debra looks for the upside of eco-change - what’s positive, making a difference. She hunts down those interesting things cooked up by creative minds, especially if they’re strange and eccentric.
nice idea... November 14, 2009 posted by Debra Atlas

The Eco 7 – the take-anywhere folding bike

Though still a concept, the Eco 7 Folding Bike is an appealing idea for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. Designed by Victor Aleman in Mexico, this bike folds up to become luggage and is easy to assemble and dissemble. All of its six expandable modules – the wheels, the frame, brakes, crank, handlebars and chain – folds up. Each contains double pivots in the joints and are collapsible and removable. No word yet when it will hit the market, but this…

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hmm..interesting November 13, 2009 posted by Debra Atlas

New Color Iris – change your eye color permanently

Don’t like the color of your eyes? Change them with NewColorIris, an intraocular implant that lets you change your eyes to blue, green or brown permanently. Created for patients dealing with congenital iris defects and other eye problems as well as folks who want a change of pace (and natural-looking color), the website says this eliminates “the limitations, risks and annoyances of contact lenses.” NewColorIris is a diaphragm that covers the iris and takes only a few minutes to implant…

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but is it art? November 12, 2009 posted by Debra Atlas

Bus Stop Shelter – A bus shelter made of school bus parts

If you’ve ever been nostalgic about those bright yellow school buses we all rode, take heart! Now they’ve been recycled into yellow Bus Stop Shelters. Made from recycled parts of old school buses that would otherwise have ended up in the scrap yard, these unique eye-catching shelters even look like a school bus, at least part of one. Located in Athens, Georgia (not far from Atlanta), pieces of decomissioned buses from 1962, ’72 and ’77 were welded together, along with…

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cool tech November 9, 2009 posted by Debra Atlas

YoGen – Hand-powered charger does it all

The newest YoGen Hand Powered Gadget Charger is a leap forward in draw-and-release charging.The latest release by Easy Energy this YoGen will charge any mobile gadget you’ve got. Just pull and release the string. This drives the internal generator, charging anything from an MP3 player, camera, cell phone, PDA’s, Bluetooth headsets, even GPS units. The LED indicator shows when it’s charging via its mini-USB port. With no batteries needed, it’s great for camping, hunting, fishing, travel and emergencies. A must-have,…

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Eco Friendly November 9, 2009 posted by Debra Atlas

Collapsible Rain Barrel – a take-it-with you wonder

This Collapsible Rain Barrel gives water conservation a new perspective. Made of laminated, flexible polyester, this tear-resistant container can be stored anywhere when not in use. With its zippered wide mouth and mesh screen, makes debris-free rainwater collecting simple. At only seven pounds when empty, move this handy rain catcher anywhere with ease. Connect a hose to the pre-installed nozzle, then reuse your catch during the hottest growing season. Priced at $70 from Greenhome. This 34 gallon collapsible rain barrel…

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Eco Friendly October 27, 2009 posted by Debra Atlas

Ecolectric PerformAir 1000w Bagless Upright – A vacuum that’s great for the plane

Known as the Morphy Richards ecolectric bagless, the Ecolectric PerformAir 1000w Bagless Upright has a 1000W motor (half that of conventional uprights), for a 50% energy savings! Weighing a little over 13 pounds, It’s 4.4 quart-size capacity needs no bags and features a HEPA filter and specially designed brushes to pick up pet hair. Packaged in recycled and 100% recyclable materials, the Ecoelectric is also made from recycled materials and can be fully recycled at its end of life. For…

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Recommended October 24, 2009 posted by Debra Atlas

Dosun J-1 Safety Pedal – helps keep bicyclists safe

The Dosun J-1 Safety Pedal is a bicyclist’s best friend, especially if you have to ride after sundown. Powered by micro generators in the pedal, with eight LED lights per pedal, you’ll be sure to be seen in nighttime traffic. These cool-looking pedals will flash for 90 seconds after just 30 seconds of pedaling and they’re rain proof, even in a heavy downpour. A word of caution. Some countries could have a problem with them where the law says the…

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Eco Friendly October 23, 2009 posted by Debra Atlas

Candy Futura Eco 10 – the dishwasher that gives you more with less

Italian appliance people Candy have released the Futura Eco 10 dishwasher which uses less water – barely over 10 litres (2.5 gallons) – and is part of Candy Line’s Ecological Energy-Efficient Kitchen Appliances. With room for 15 place settings due to innovative adjustable baskets, you can even wash large pans, pots and salad bowls easily. Candy’s revamped hydraulic system means awesome cleaning with minimal water, and a high pressure wash that reaches every corner. The extra large basket on top…

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cool tech October 15, 2009 posted by Debra Atlas

Helio DAB Radio – a colorful flashback to the 60’s!

For an awesome blend of color, design and technology, you can’t beat the Helio DAB Radio concept. The Helio is a DAB digital radio powered by an array of Gr�tzel solar cells. The cells provide the power and make it a very colourful addition to any room. Gr�tzel cells are dye-sensitised solar cells that can be made with organic dyes including some of the ones associated with chlorophyll and can be made in various colours. With the range of colours…

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Eco Friendly October 14, 2009 posted by Debra Atlas

Precor EFX Range – Self-powered elliptical machines

Anyone who’s ever worked out in a gym knows the elliptical machine. It works your muscles til you beg for mercy. Well Precor have devised the EFX Range of commercial elliptical machines and made them self-powered. You’re the one to make it work. It stores the power you generate as you huff your way through your workout. Your burned calories drive its electronic display while it measures your heart rate, keeps your time and calculates your distance. A great idea…

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Gadgets October 13, 2009 posted by Debra Atlas

OrigAudio – Fold ‘n Play Recycled Speakers

As the next level of recycling, this one’s pretty cool. The OrigAudio Fold N’ Play Recycled Speakers, by OrigAudio (the self-styled origami of audio), is a set of two 1-watt speakers made of recycled materials like recycled craft paper, old newspapers, phone books, and pizza boxes! These self-powered speakers fold up for easy storage or travel, and need no batteries. Just plug them into your favorite cell phone, laptop, MP3 player, anything with a headphone jack, Choose from 6 unique…

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cool tech October 7, 2009 posted by Debra Atlas

The Powermat – look ma’, no wires!

The new ultra-thin Powermat takes the hassle and the wires out of charging your favorite electronics. Now charge up to 3 devices at a time. Clip them into a Powermat-enabled receiver, drop them onto the mat, then listen for the electronic sound that tells you it’s working. It charges at least as fast as a standard charger. Not near a wall socket? No worries. Each mat comes with a USB port for stand-alone charging. Currently the Powermat can be only…

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nice idea... October 6, 2009 posted by Debra Atlas

Solar Oak Effect Post Lights – brightens any pathway

Check out these Smart Solar Oak Effect Post Lights, a great addition to any garden. Made from wood effect plastic with a plastic frosted lens, these cool looking light posts come with stake and deck-mount options. Available in packs of 4 with replaceable rechargeable batteries, these resemble real wood and automatically light for up to 8 hours each night. Measuring 15 inches when staked, these solar powered posts need no added wiring and are sure to add a touch of…

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Eco Friendly October 2, 2009 posted by Debra Atlas

Solar Powered Rainbow Maker – Indoor light shows made easy

If you love indoor floating rainbows, then the Solar Powered Rainbow Maker is a must-have. A simple solar cell powers and turns a genuine Swarovski crystal – world-renowned for its clarity and sparkle – refracting sunlight into brilliantly colored rainbows. You don’t need tons of sunshine to enjoy the light show and this lovely bauble is easy on the electric bill too. Measuring 151 x 50mm x 25mm, this endless display of color is available for around $25.00 on Amazon…

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Eco Friendly October 1, 2009 posted by Debra Atlas

Solar Powered Courtesy Light – great for security

The Solar Powered Courtesy Light is a great stand-alone fixture for those dark areas near garages, walkways or front porches. No more fumbling for keys in the dark! With solar panels to charge internal batteries the LED light gives over 26 feet of bright light, equal to a 60 watt bulb, and provides 60 seconds of light when triggered by walking in its 100 degree infrared motion detection field, or turn its 3-way switch to “on” for all-night security. Easily…

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