Violetta Solar Charger
This great little charger from Violetta can be used for phones, iPods and Gameboys. Extremely portable and durable, it fits in your pocket or hangs off your backpack and charges as you walk around town. Also charges AA or AAA NiCad batteries. Available at Tokyu Hands or online at www.violetta.com. Price: ￥4,995
Hand-Powered Flashlight
No more looking for batteries when the lights go out—this flashlight never needs them. Powered by easy hand-squeezing action and five bright LEDs, it’s great for cars, backpacks and emergency use. Available at Don Quixote, Shibuya, (second floor): Price: ￥1,400.
Mominoki House – Food Concept Shop
A great little organic restaurant with a gourmet Japanese/French fusion feel. Mostly vegetarian with an offering of organically grown perch. Be sure to try the organic wines, beers and cocktails as well. Only a five-minute walk from Harajuku Station, it is a great place for a lunch or a dinner date. Open every day 11:00 – 23:00 (last order 22:30). Tel: (03) 3405-9144. Map and menu at www2.odn.ne.jp/mominoki_house.
Zephyr Wind Power
Wind-generated electricity is finally affordable—and silent—with Zephyr’s patented designed latest model: The Owl. The compact size (less than 1.5m diameter) makes it perfect for homes, weekend cabins, boats, RVs and even Japanese-size apartments. These units are selling more and more every year and solving the energy crisis one home at a time. Available with hybrid solar panel systems as well. See the Japanese website at www.zephyreco.co.jp or e-mail info@earthembassy.org to order.
Toyota Prius Hybrid Car
Currently the unlikely favorite among Hollywood stars, the Toyota Prius is the first eco car to establish itself in the transportation market, and with good reason. It features an extremely comfortable interior, great acceleration and handling, stylish lines and Toyota’s revolutionary Hybrid Synergy Drive. Prius doesn’t compromise any of the features you need in a car. The semi-electric hybrid engine significantly reduces your fuel consumption (city 52 mpg. / hwy 45 mpg.) and emissions, but perhaps most importantly, it makes a statement that we have options to be more eco-conscious in our lifestyle choices. Leonardo DiCaprio and Cameron Diaz already have theirs—how about you? Website: www.toyota.com/prius
Tengu Natural Foods: Online Order, Home Delivery
Organic products from soup to nuts, jams to coffee, teas to pancake mixes, soaps and cleaning products, Tengu-Alishan has been serving the Japanese and ex-pat community for almost 20 years. Prices are reasonable and all the foods you thought you’d never find in Japan are here. Everything you need for healthy living delivered to your door. Real peanut butter anyone? See the online catalog at www.alishan-organic-center.comwww.alishan-organic-center.com.
Jacob Reiner is an Eco Architect and director of Earth Embassy and the Solar Café. For more information on sustainable lifestyles and eco living, visit www.earthembassy.org.
