5 Things

To Go Green

Solio Solar iPod Charger

Just fan this ingenious, pocket-size creation from Better Energy Systems and let the charging begin, during the daylight hours, of course. In the sun, it charges as fast as a wall plug-in device and charges cell phones and PDAs, too. It also can plug into the wall, just in case Paradise gets, say, 40 days of rain. Nah, that could never happen. $89.95, solio.com

Voltaic Messenger

With three sets of slick solar panels, this bag can charge your cell phone, camera, PDA or MP3 player among other small devices. It has a standard car-charger plug inside, but also a slew of adaptors in case you don’t have a car charger. Plus, you can choose black solar panels for a chic look that allows you to be a tree hugger without looking like one. $239, voltaicsystems.com

Sony PRS-500 Reader

Sony’s next-generation reader can store nearly 100 e-books, has a paperlike display that doesn’t tire your eyes, and has a rechargeable battery that lasts for 7,500 page turns. Best of all, not one tree died to make it. $349, sonystyle.com

Travel Mug

According to nonprofit Kanu Hawaii, if you use a 16-ounce travel mug for your java fix “1,000 times, you will eliminate 405.26 pounds of greenhouse gases, prevent 61.9 pounds of solid waste and save $642.50 worth of cups.” Saving the earth never tasted so good. Plus, Starbucks gives discounts for recyclable cups. $6.99, Longs

GE Spiral

Part of GE’s new line of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), the Spiral lasts 10 times longer and uses 70 percent to 75 percent less energy than a standard incandescent bulb. So let it shine. $6.99, local hardware stores

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