Bag 'O Sun

When I was down in New Orleans this March for CGI U, I met this guy who had a back pack that is called a Juice Bag. Using a standard car adapter, you can connect your phone, iPod and PDA other small electronics and charge them using using clean energy. I think this would really be handy while traveling and sightseeing. Would have been great down here. Seriously, I know my friend Kathryn is digging this carbon conscious tote.

As I looked at the prices I was reminded how expensive it is to try and lead an environmentally friendly lifestyle. Unfortunately the bags are around $200 and up. However, I did discover instructions on a blog that give you step by step instructions (with pictures for people like me) on how to make your own bag at more than half the cost. When I get some time I plan on finding a cheap bag and giving it a go. You can even use a battery to store the energy and use when you are out of the sun. Good for a pale face like me.

If you don't want to pay for a bag or the hassle of making one, you can always just buy a solar adapter like ones here on Ebay. They range from $9-$$50. Of course you can find others from websites as well. I've heard good things about Solio.

I say make the bag...make a conversation piece and remember what it is like to create something useful yourself. Remember that wooden toolbox you made in elementary school?