Rechargeable batteries are great, but you still have to use mains power to refill them. Well, not now – this solar-powered charger make rechargeables really eco-friendly by using sunlight instead. It works with both Ni-MH and Ni-Cd batteries.

The charger costs $31.99 from SmartHome.

The Eco Kettle saves water and power by keeping a reservoir of water separate from the heating compartment. Instead of boiling too much water every time, you just press a button to release the right amount (measured on a scale on the side) and no more.

The kettle is available for £29.95 (UK) from the Ethical Superstore.

Although we love nature, some yard-invading parts of it are less welcome. This sonic deterrent for gophers, moles and other burrowing creatures does no harm, but irritates them and encourages them to move home. It’s powered by a built-in solar panel.

The deterrent costs $17.95 from SmartHome.

Light and compact enough to fit in a pocket, this solar charger can connect to mobile devices and charge them in 2-3 hours. It comes with the necessary adapters and is available in black or white.

The charger costs $89.99 from GreenGadgets.

The smallest, lightest and most portable charger ever made. It generates power by hand-cranking – wind it up for a couple of minutes and it’ll charge your phone for 5-6 minutes of talk time or 30 minutes on standby. It even has a built-in emergency LED light for use in the dark.

The SideWinder costs $29.00 from Amazon

Next time you’re headed out into the wilds (or the park) on a picnic, why not take along a hamper that’s 100% compostable? Tree- and petroleum-free in manufacture, everything in these party sets can be recycled and spread on the garden.

Party set pieces start at $5.00 from Real Goods.

Relying only on a battery to remember its settings between refills, this smart clock actually draws all the power it needs to maintain perfect time from water and a squeeze of lemon juice. Not only is it eco-friendly, it’s also a vegetarian!

Available for $16.00 from bedol.

Not only are these clever little dryer balls designed to soften fabrics without the use of chemical-laden softeners, they also reduce drying time by up to 25%. They’ll even make ironing easier and reduce lint production.

A pack of 3 sets of boxes of 2 balls costs $48.00 Amazon

Camping need not necessarily mean leaving behind all the comforts of home. This 6-person tent includes a solar panel that provides battery power to run the tent’s built-in lighting. Here is a link to a previous post we made on another model of solar tents that was more comprehensive.

Available for $249.99 (Canadian) from Canadian Tire.