Cellphones with eco-inspired touches are nothing new; there’s the Samsung Blue Earth, Motorola Renew and the Sony Ericsson Greenheart (just to name a few), but there’s been little, if anything, you could do to green your existing cellphone. That’s about to change, however—provided you have an iPhone. Solar technology company Novothink has developed a line of skins for iPhones and iPods that include solar panels for on-the-go-charging via sunlight.

The Surge Solar Cases keep your Apple devices safe from bumps and bruises while charging up through the solar cells on the back of skins. While they’re not the first cellphone and MP3 player solar chargers available to consumers, the Novothink cases are the first Apple-licensed solar charger cases to hit the market and are poised to quickly become popular. The line already has many pre-release fans who are looking for a convenient way to tap into solar that doesn’t interfere with their iPhone or iPod use (the Surge cases don’t inhibit screens, speakers or plugs). Just don’t expect sleek lines and subtle styling with these solar charging cases, which add significant thickness to the device inside (expect your iPhone to double in width). Click here to read more

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A new survey shows that Americans are all for being more eco-friendly, as long as it doesn’t make them uncomfortable or inconvenienced. The Shelton Group polled 1,006 American households about their buying habits. Sixty percent want green products, but most don’t want to give up their favorite modern conveniences like iPods and air conditioning. In fact, over one fifth of the respondents said they wouldn’t give up anything despite the harm done to the environment.

The survey showed that 62 percent of Americans wouldn’t give up their iPods, 65 percent wouldn’t stop using their dishwashers, 75 percent couldn’t part ways with their microwaves, 79 percent would rather hang on to their cell phones than be green, 86 percent said air conditioning was a must and 87 percent had to have their televisions.

So what’s the takeaway, other than the fact that Americans are a little spoiled and selfish when it comes to saving the planet they call home? Click here to read more

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