SUNWHISPER/24 SOLAR POWERED MULCHING LAWNMOWER $695.00 from Freepowersys.com

Gasoline lawn mowers are slowly on their way out. Not only are they loud and obnoxious but are also a significant source of air pollution. According to one study, cutting grass for an hour with a gasoline powered lawn mower is about the same as that from a 100-mile automobile ride. The 50 or so million people mowing their lawns each weekend in the US with gas-powered mowers can contribute as much as five percent of the nation’s air pollution, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It would be great if everyone would come to their senses and get rid of their gas-powered mowers today in favor of a push mower, which is the ultimate in green mowers, which not only doesn’t pollute but also gets folks to exercise more.

Sadly, we may have a bit of a wait before that happens. However, many of the new electric mowers are not only significantly less polluting but are about the same pricing as a good gas-powered mower. Better still, check out the solar powered electric mower from Freepowersys, their sunwhisper model, which is in essence a cordless electric Black & Decker mower modified with a small solar array to turn sunlight into power. It is claimed to be easy to use and set up, is quiet, can use anytime of day, has a rear bagger for mulching lawn clippings and best of all uses solar power.

If you are inventive and good with tools you can convert one of these rechargeable electric or even a gas powered mowers to solar power on your own. Here is a good link that can explain how.
Here is another link that explains how someone converted their electric mower to solar - also here a link to a video by the same person that goes into great detail. Finally, we wrote an article last summer on green lawn mowing that is worth a peek.

If you spend all day spelunking in some deep cave and never see daylight this LED headlamp may not be your best choice as you need to recharge the solar cells for at least 2 hour in full sunlight to get 6 hours of full brightness. But for the rest of us it seems like a great source of light that doesn’t require batteries that you can use camping, hiking, or emergencies. It could even work for spelunking but considering how fragile most caves eco-systems are it is probably better from an environmental view to do some urban exploring instead.

For an extra $12.00 You can also get optional charging devices that will allow you to charge you cellphone or iPod.

Everlite Solar Headlamp from Gaiam $59.00

Are you tired of your kids leaving lights on in the house when you repeatedly tell them to turn them off when they leave a room? Are you tired of wasting electricity by turning the lights on and off according to the sunlight? Perhaps it’s time for the Aube Solar Timer Switch. This handy gadget is easy to install and runs on solar power, so it doesn’t expend any more energy than needed. You can set the timer to allow the lights to go on and off at a certain time of the night and turn off during the day. Because it is solar powered, it will allow the lights to go on and off when programmed in an eco friendly way. This could be a great way to save energy!

$39.99 at Smarthome

Why waste energy with electric lights when you can go solar and save energy? When looking for sensor lights for the outdoors, try the Solar Powered Motion Sensor Outdoor Light. Instead of worrying about wiring, this motion sensor light works on solar power. The batteries that make the sensor light work are charged by solar power, saving energy and money as well. Sensor lights make everyone safer and what better way to be safe and save energy at the same time than with solar powered motion lights? These lights work well and are earth friendly - you can’t ask for more than that.
$54.99 at SmartHome

Set of two solar garden lights that change through six different colors. The Colors turn themselves on at dusk and off at dawn, and change from red, dark blue, yellow, purple, aqua, lavender and green adding a magical colorful light to any dark pathway. Stick them in the ground, turn on the sun light and your are ready to go! …no wiring required.
$22.95 at Amazon

Hang this little heifer in a place where its noggin gets the sunlight and you have a street number sign that is highly viewable in the dark of night.
On sale for $14.95 at Amazon

These solar powered lights are nice for outside decorating. It is so much easier when you don’t need to worry about extension cords and outlets. Not to mention, of course, that you get to save money and energy.
$19.98 at Amazon

Solar powered holiday lights are available in red or white lights. Charged by the sun all day, will provide a nice festive look to your house all night.
$89.00 - $109.00 at Gaiam

Beads that change color in the sun. Great for getting girls into science and teaching them about sustainable energy. Accompanying educational materials describe tons of cool project and experiment ideas. Beads will change colors over and over.
$10.99 at Entertainment Earth

SolSisters Solar Chimes 64.99 at eco-gardening.com

Unique Solar Chimes in the form of singing sisters will transform your garden or home with meditative and melodious tones that are generated by solar power alone, doesn’t require batteries, electricity or even wind. It will work in direct or indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight makes the brightest tones. These handmade SolSisters Chimes are individually colored so no two are alike. Uses high quality suction cups for ease in hanging.