Having a survival pack makes sense, especially if you are going to be out in the elements. One thing to consider packing in your kit is the Eton Scorpion. This splash proof, drop resistant unit even attaches itself with a built in aluminum carabiner.What does the Scorpion offer? In its handy package you will find a USB charger, AM/FM/NOAA radio, and of course an LED flashlight. ... [More]

Given the current every crunch, no doubt you have seen a lot of solar powered devices here on the Beach, including cars, bikes, trains, and even a rickshaw.  But now, dear readers, I have seen it all - a solar powered camel! Well, technically it isn't really a solar powered camel as it is a camel with a solar charging system located, poetically enough, on its humps. ... [More]

Solar cell technology keeps moving forward, and Day4 Energy is the latest to present an improved solar energy solution.  Their design utilizes a unique Day4 electrode that does not block out light like conventional silver contacts.  This gives their cells a 19 percent efficiency versus a typical 14 percent (or in other words, an impressive 35% increase). ... [More]

Metabolix is not manufacturing plastic, they are growing it.  The company has discovered a way to mix genes of different species and have switchgrass actually grow its proprietary bioplastic.  The bioplastic, known as  polyhydroxybutyrate (PHA), can be used to make a variety of common plastic items, including credit cards and packaging materials. ... [More]

Tables are handy pieces of furniture to have around, since it allows you to work on them , sit things on them, and generally are a helpful domicile attribute.  But now, the table is gaining another useful notch in its belt, and that is as a power source. ... [More]

Giant wind turbines are in the news a lot these days, and they are a relatively effective way to gather energy from the wind. But giant kites, which man has used to extract power existed before the turbines existed, could prove to be an effective means of gathering energy as well. ... [More]

 Water flows into a household, and waste water flows out - that simple scenario is repeated every day in millions of households across the country.  But that moving water requires energy to move it, and the Benkatine Turbine is a device that lets you reclaim some of that energy. ... [More]

Have a room that has sunlight streaming in, casting shadows across the floor?  Well, Tokyo-based Nihon Telecommunication System Inc. thinks you should put that energy to work instead of just letting it lay there. The company has developed window panes that not only generate power with an efficiency of 7 to 8%, it also cuts down on 90% of sunlight, making it easier to cool the room. ... [More]

W2 Energy Development Corp has introduced their WindWing, and they claim that it is more efficient than typical wind turbines. Basically the WindWing (not unlike an aircraft wing) uses sensors to adjust an airfoil to the wind, and by tiling it up the wing rises, forcing down a pump. ... [More]

The energy conglomerate GazProm in Russia is building a new St. Petersburg office tower, but there is something unique abut it - the building could be one of the most efficient buildings in the world.  Not to mention it is strongly reminiscent of a rocket on the launch pad. ... [More]