Simplicity touches our hearts like nothing else. Especially in a world full of myriad designs, multitudes of complex patterns and hi-fi stuff brought daily into our homes, one definitely longs for the simple joys of life! However, sometimes making simple things requires complexity as well Gregory Siegal’s Coffee Clock is an example of a simplicity and complexity working synergistically. This eco-friendly clock is recycled from three different things: a discarded French press, a coffee mug and a small alarm clock.

“Inspired by the simplicity of the interaction of a French press, my aim was to create a product of equal spareness in both form and interface. The whole in the woven metal aligns with one of the twelve holes of the metal plate behind it on every hour”, said the designer and clock maker. This eco-friendly idea was undertaken to explore the meaning of the form of products in relation to their function.

Thus discovering how complexity of structure might give rise to simplicity of form and vice versa. Whatever be the philosophy of Siegal, in my notion, the recycling of old, and discarded junk to create a new functional product is simply eco-friendly indeed. Also, it seems to be the need of the hour!

It’s the ultimate style statement for your iPod. The name is Shades by ShadesCases Inc. Body- extremely thin, stylish and light iPod cases; protects your new iPod from the harsh elements during handling and revitalizes your older model! With such near zero sizes and lightweight material, you won’t be lugging extra pounds while you are working out or running with Shades.
Girth - just .4mm thin.
Weighs - only .42 ounces.

Feasibility Factor- Shades gives you a unique feature by allowing easy access to your iPod’s click-wheel and/or screen interface while still providing complete protection like a mother cuddling a child! Green Factor- Shades is 100% recyclable! Made with 100% soft and durable polyurethane, a fully recyclable plastic that retains its shape, repels water and is resistant to wrinkles, dirt, grease and water stains. Each Shade is very easy to clean with a damp cloth. (Unbelievably Green)

How many Shades then? - Aqua, Rosy Red, Cool Blue, Serene Green, Sunrise Orange, Midnight Black, Ultra Violet or Hot Pink, and yeah , standard colors Black & White are available as well!

Shades for whom all? - Available worldwide for iPod models- iPod Classic, iPod nano, iPod Touch, iPod Video, iPod Photo and iPod 4G/CW. Coming soon for iPhone and iPod 3G also.

Affordability- $14.95 to $16.95 each

Via ThreeGirlsMedia

The land of rising sun- Japan brings a new fluorescent lamp. This one’s not the run-of-the-mill kinds for it is made in a manner where the bulb of the lamp can be separated into lighting circuit unit and an arc tube unit. This bulb-shaped lamp is an outcome of JV between Hitachi Lighting Ltd and Seiyo Company Ltd. It truly represents that joint ventures between two biggies of the industry can be so eco-friendly! The USP of the product is its power saving feature. The design being such that it requires approximately 1/5th of the amount of copper used in lighting circuit in previous bulb-shaped fluorescent lamp produced by Hitachi. Less copper and more lighting. Wow!

Other features include a shelf life of 10,000 hours. Since the arc tube unit is replaceable, the lighting circuit unit can be repeatedly used. This unit has an overall life of about 30,000 hrs. What’s more? The arc tube can be replaced three times for one lighting circuit unit.

According to the company, CO2 emissions during production can also be reduced by about 70%. One sincere step towards a greener and brighter tomorrow I must say! You can obtain this lamp by spending ¥1,500(country wise price variation is applicable) at the highest. For the replacement arc tube unit you might be required to spend ¥500 or lower. However, this product will be launched on Oct1st, 2008. So, while you are waiting to lay your hands on it follow other simple DIY tips and tread on the green path towards future.

Via Techon

Today a new feather has been added in the cap of Japan’s innovativeness with the commencement of shipping of “Zero” (line of eco-friendly products) by Strapya World. The company believes in the concept of sustainable society and has thus launched a range of cellphone cases, cleaners and straps that are recycled from tyre tubes!!!

Tyre tubes are tough & durable; so the products emerging from them resist shock & friction and are waterproof. Hence, Zero products are perfect for daily-use, rough handling! These latest cellphone accessories are smart-looking aswell and come in seven color variations – flame red, forest green, sky blue, cosmo black, sunset orange, snow white and moon silver. Each “Zero” product is unique in appearance since it is handcrafted and not stamped out in factory-style. The cellphone case has an inside pocket and attaches with either a belt loop or a stylish carabiner clip in polished chrome. Many of these cases and straps still bear the marks of their previous lives as they are still emblazoned with the names and logos of tire manufacturing companies.

Amazingly attractive, green and a style statement in themselves, these cleaners, cases and straps can be directly shipped from Strapya today onwards.

Prices are: 2,625 yen (about $25) for a cellphone case, 1,260 yen (about $12) for a carrying strap and 893 yen (about $8.50) for the cellphone cleaners. Can’t wait to place my order now!

Via InventorSpot