Many electronic devices use unnecessary power when idle, in standby mode, or even when turned off. A Department of Energy study shows that 15 percent of the energy an average household uses is for standby current. The GreenGenius Smart Surge Protector, made by Accell, automatically turns off the power to idle devices, plugging that energy leak and reducing the electric bill.

GreenGenius works like this: Say, you want to use it in your home office. Plug your computer into the Master Outlet, then plug the peripheries into the Switched Outlets. When you turn off the computer, the surge protector senses the reduction in electricity flow and shuts off all components plugged into the Switched Outlets. No more leaks. There are additional outlets for devices not connected to your primary device. So even when the computer is off, your desk lamp still works.
GreenGenius is available in both six- and 10-plug surge protectors. Manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $34.99.

Annie Leonard’s Story of Stuff Project and the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, 2010, www.storyofstuff.org/cosmetics

Who needs 3D animation when the simply drawn stick figures of Annie Leonard’s The Story of Stuff pack such a power punch? Since 2007, the 20-minute film has enlightened millions worldwide about the impact of runaway consumerism on the planet’s resources.

Now, in The Story of Stuff Project’s newest film, made in partnership with the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, The Story of Cosmetics revisits the indisputable natural law of “toxics in, toxics out,” and explores how personal care products and makeup are currently manufactured by a  system that depletes natural resources and leaves us with dangerous substances (lead in lipstick, mercury in skin cream, coal tar in shampoo) and lots of trash.

The film’s summer release coincides with the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010, introduced to Congress in July and calling for tighter regulation of chemicals used in cosmetics and skin products.

The 7-minute video is available on the website www.storyofstuff.org, as is The Story of Stuff and The Story of Bottled Water, released earlier in 2010. Next on Leonard’s schedule is The Story of Electronics, coming out by the end of the year. It promises to expose yet another ugly truth of a consumption-driven economy.

Green Travel

For its Indiana neighbors, Chicago is a close-enough destination to justify a carbon-consuming  journey. And now, one more reason to visit one of the greenest cities in the country: The Climate Change exhibit at the Field Museum in Chicago remains open through November 28, 2010.

The exhibit explains the science behind climate change, and focuses on solutions—the many  actions needed from governments, businesses, and individuals. Along with the expected dioramas about vehicles of the future, melting ice caps, and the ubiquitous polar bear (this one dumpster-diving rather than drowning), there may be surprises even to those well-versed in climate change. (Who knew that increased CO2 makes poison ivy grow faster and itch more?)

The Field Museum
www.Fieldmuseum.org
Exhibit admission is included in Discover and All-Access passes, and requires a timed-entry ticket. Advance reservations recommended; tickets can be purchased online. $23-29 adults; $19-24 seniors and students; $16-20 children 3-11; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Open every day except Christmas.

Amish craftsmen in Ohio make Berlin Gardens, Adirondack and other outdoor furniture out of polylumber made of recycled milk jugs. The color is through and through on this high quality, extremely durable furniture, assembled with aluminum hardware. Items include gliders, tables, patio and bar stools. Available in many single and two-tone colors, including tropical and natural hues.

These bags are made of seat belt webbing that was rejected because of slight flaws or color variations. Made in Tennessee, the material creates high quality shoulder bags, clutches, totes, laptop bags, diaper bags and backpacks.