Last week saw the launch of the much-awaited Apple tablet (with the questionable moniker iPad), but it wasn’t the only Apple news that had techies—and eco-activists—buzzing. Equally intriguing was an Apple patent (made public by Patently Apple) that shows what Apple might be working on next is solar power for their iPods, iPhones, and even the new iPads.

Solar power would be a fitting step from the electronics giant, considering that the last two years have seen them working for a greener reputation and more eco-friendly gadgets, first with their campaign for the “greenest laptops”, then with renewed commits to reducing toxic waste, and more recently with another patent that suggest they’re going to venture into home energy management systems. Their push to get planet friendly has even helped them jump from 13th place in last year’s Greenpeace Guide to Greener Electronics to 5th place this year. But successful solar technology for their most popular devices could solidify Apple’s standings as the most eco-friendly electronics company around. Click here to read more

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Wind turbine made in Australia:

Ken Morgan, the founder of Helix Wind introduces the Helix Wind Turbine, a grid tie or off grid power system:

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They’ve got a couple Grammies under their belt and more than their fair share of radio play, but one of the things we find coolest about the band Maroon 5 is that they were going green before it the “in” thing to do, thanks in part to their very eco-aware keyboardist, Jesse Carmichael. Carmichael has been making sure that all Maroon 5’s travel is offset–an important act with their heavy touring schedule–but recognizes that offsets are not the perfect solution and, ideally, they would be able to avoid airplane travel altogether

The band recently attended Al Gore’s Green Inaugural Ball as part of their continuing green endeavors and spoke about some of the steps they’re taking to make their rock star lifestyles more environmentally-friendly. Carmichael has decided to take his efforts to the next level by overhauling his house for healthy planet functioning, with solar panels being installed, new water systems and a greenhouse for growing his own food. Guitarist James Valentine is starting smaller and going for the little green changes that can have a big effect; he’s unplugging appliances to stop vampire power (the power drained when an appliance is turned off but not unplugged) and, whenever possible, wearing a sweater this winter in place of turning up the thermostat. He says he learned the tips from his father, whose money-saving ideas happen to be earth-saving ideas, too. Valentine foresees the current economic crisis in the U.S. having a similar result, with more people trying to save energy because of the financial savings.

Part of what we really dig about Maroon 5 and their “go green” message is that they want people to know that a more sustainable lifestyle doesn’t have to be a constantly-sacrificing downgrade from their current lifestyles. They’re big believers that you can continue enjoying the things you love but in eco-friendly ways–which is exactly what we at Greenzer believe. Click here to read more

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