These pretty solar lanterns are wonderful for creating a romantic atmosphere in the backyard, for entertaining or just for every day satisfaction. They glow a golden harvest moon colour and look magical hanging from the branches of trees or from the porch eaves. They look like paper lanterns but are actually made from a durable weatherproof nylon, so can be left out through rain and weather. They have a solar recharging panel on the top of the lantern. This works well when they are hung in a sunny postion, but if they are in full shade you will need to take them down to charge, which could be a nuisance if you want to hang them high in a tree. They fold flat so it is not a problem to charge them when they are not hanging.

Priced at $79 for three or $29 each at Gaiam

If you’re truly green maybe you put up with bugs as a vital part of the eco-system… the rest of us who want to be green, but can’t cope with being chomped alive on beautiful moonlit nights, can use these cleverly designed solar insect zappers to deliver a green and eco-friendly doom to those undesirable biting dusk visitors. The solar panel charges by day, to power the UV light and zapper for up to 8 hours at night. It turns on automatically at dusk and starts zapping those mosquitoes immediately. A great way of getting free of chemical bug sprays and strong smelling insect repellants so that you can enjoy the moonlight in peace.

Costs $99.95 for a set of four at Hammacher Schlemmer

Decorating your home for the holidays can send the electricity bills soaring and can trouble the eco-conscious with all that energy use wasted just on decorations. Now you can enjoy the holiday season in sparkling style with these solar powered lights. For outdoor use only, you simply plant the solar screen in a sunny spot and it charges during the day, to shine your glimmering, glittering lights at night. It comes in white or multicolored lights.

Cost $24.99 for an 8 ft length at Sears.com

When you are cutting your energy use around the home, it makes sense to use as much solar power as possible. This solar powered security light uses a dedicated solar panel to charge a powerful LED floodlight. Set off by movement within a 35 ft, 180 degree detection field, it will provide a bright blaze of light to deter unwanted visitors. It has a 15 ft cord linking the light to the solar panel making its position quite flexible and has daylight sensing and motion sensitivity controls which are easily adjusted. It may not be a terribly pretty and atmospheric choice in your backyard, but will give you peace of mind if you are concerned about security.

Costs $129 at Real Goods

This lightweight device can be clipped on the edge of your book or the bed frame. Perfect for you types who fall asleep with the light on….remove all guilty feelings of wasting energy. This can be a great gift and engraved with your thoughtful wishes.
$29.95 at the Ultimate Green Store