Innovative soccer balls seem to be the hottest thing right now in the world of green news. They’re popping up everywhere and making headlines. Of course, these aren’t just any old soccer balls. These are soccer balls that serve a dual purpose.

For example, there’s the Swirl which isn’t just a soccer balls but also a way to do your laundry. tI’s being used in developing nations as a great green way to get your clothes washed while also having some fun. You fill it up with dirty clothes, soap and water and then close it up and play your game. It’s hard to say if this is as effective as a true washing machine (or as solid as a real soccer ball) but it’s a great green idea isn’t it?

And then there’s the Soccket ball which stores the kinetic energy that is created while playing soccer and then allows people to use that energy for power. It’s also being used in developing nations where steady electricity for charging mobile phones and other small items is hard to come by. Just send the kids out with the ball and have them bring it back fully charged!

Who would have thought soccer balls were a key to being green?!

Tags: eco-friendly, green innovation, Green Living, soccer balls green, world news

People who are concerned about green issues may wonder if there is any area of their life which they haven’t gotten green enough with yet. Even if you’re really eco-friendly in your home, you can probably find new areas for green improvements. Maybe one of those areas is in your reading. Are you a green reader?

Here are some tips for getting greener with your reading:

• Buy or borrow used books instead of buying new books.
• Recycle or re-gift your or books instead of throwing them away.
• Treat all books kindly so that they last a long time.
• Use damaged books to create cool book art.
• Support writers and publishers who are green in their work.
• Always use recycled wrapping paper and shipping materials when sending books as gifts.
• Purchase eco-friendly reading glasses if reading glasses are something you need.
• Use low-energy reading lights with eco-friendly light bulbs in them.
• Always use eco-friendly transportation when going to bookstores or literary events.
• Read more about green issues so that you’re on top of being green.

Did I miss any important green reading tips here? What would you do to be a greener reader?

Tags: books, eco-friendly, environment, green, green issues, green reading, kathryn vercillo, readers, real words, writers

It’s St. Patrick’s Day – let’s be green!!

Earlier this week I wrote about making your own carpet cleaner at home which isn’t just a way to save money but also a way to be more eco-friendly in your home. I submitted that post to the All Things Eco blog carnival where it was included along with loads of other posts that might interest you if you’re into being green.

Some of the other important topics that were covered in this blog carnival included:

• Saving energy without spending a fortune
• Green issues in entertainment (like in Wall-E)
• Living off the grid
• Green technology (like the self-winding cell phone)
• Vegetarian living topics including a great recipe for fruit filo pastry and cheap green cooking
• Recycling and donation topics
• Thoughts on renting any items that you need
• Nature posts on Sheshnag Mountain
• Green politics and business
• And general green tips for frugal green living (like greening your reading and cheap eco-shopping)

Generally, this blog carnival was all about what we can do to make a difference in the world around us by being green. Hope you’ll take a read at some of those other posts.

Tags: blog carnival, blogs, carpet cleaner, eco carnival, eco-friendly, green, links