Greener gifts for dads and grads
Here are six different ideas for eco-friendly gifts to make your June graduate, or a dad, very happy.
For an eBookworm, a new Kindle
When it comes to reading books, the Kindle DX is cheaper and lighter than the iPad, has crisper type, and a much longer battery life. The Kindle’s battery runs for several days, not just a few hours. An added plus: the Kindle’s e-bookstore also has more titles for now. So overall it’s better for your pocketbook and the planet. Learn more
Eco-friendly cell phones
Consumer Reports conducts continuous testing of smart phones and conventional cell phones from all of the big names for all of the major carriers. Overall most do well in our tests. The LG Remarq (Sprint is the carrier) is a new model that is eco-friendly and free after rebates. LG says the case is made from 19 percent post-consumer recycled plastic, and the handset and packaging are 87 percent recyclable.
Other models that claim greener features include: the MOTO W233 Renew from Motorola, which was introduced a year ago. See our review; the Samsung Reclaim from Sprint; and models from Nokia and Sony Ericsson.
Bamboo accessories for cell phones and computers
We found some green goodies at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show.
A bamboo iPhone case looks sleek and is a green alternative to a plastic style. Models are available from iWaveAudio’s Grass Roots collection from $9.99 to $39.99 at www.iwaveaudio.com
There’s also a fun-looking bamboo computer keyboard and mouse from Impecca ($80.00 for the pair; www.impeccausa.com)
For younger grads, ECONATION offers foldable, self-powered, portable speakers and boom boxes made from unused snack wrappers. Eco Boom Box $19.99; Eco Speakers $14.99 at: www.merkuryinnovations.com
For a yoga fan
Yoga is an excellent activity for practically anyone and yoga kits that combine items, such as a mat, bag, and block are often a good deal. A good place to shop for basic kits starting at $39.99 is the website www.YogaAccessories.com
For a mat that’s 100% biodegradable and PVC- and latex-free, check out the Kulae tpECOmat at $39 from kulae.com. It’s lightweight compared with other popular mats and also it’s sticky to help stop sweaty hands and feet from slipping. It’s made from material that is said to resist germs, bacteria and odor. The 3-mm thickness is enough padding for most, but if you have bad knees or want more cushioning, there’s a 5-mm thick plus version at $49.
Fuel-saving GPS accessories for serious drivers
Garmin’s EcoRoute HD at $150 is an accessory that can help you get better fuel economy and even tell you what’s wrong with your car. Garmin makes some of the top-scoring GPS devices in our tests. The new accessory is able to give real-time gas mileage and directions using fuel-saving routes. For more information, check the Garmin website at www.garmin.com
A USB flash drive
If you can’t visit dad for Father’s Day, load up a bunch of photos onto an inexpensive 2GB flash drive and send it to him. It’s an easy way for a parent to enjoy a slideshow of loved ones. And think of all the carbon you won’t be sending up into the atmosphere by driving or flying.
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