Naturalpath

A few months ago I ordered and received my new solar powered cellphone and iPod charger and I forgot to mention it here. Although it normally resides in our emergency “bug out bag” for earthquakes and the like, I take it out at least once a week to charge up my Treo without having to pay the electric company anything. It works beautifully and always fully charges my phone to full capacity within a few hours of sitting on the windowsill.

I am thinking of ordering another one that I can leave in the window 24/7 so I never have to plug my phone into an outlet and can always charge it for free. Having one in the emergency kit makes me feel good because in case I need to leave my house and cannot find anywhere to stay, at least I will always have my phone charged up and ready for use, so I don’t want to keep it out of the bag all the time.

The Union of Concerned Scientists posted an interesting "greentip" today on "green" roofs.  The rage these days, and the first of two options they presented, was literally going green on your roof -- covering it with soil and growing grass, flowers, shrubs (perhaps even vegetables!).  Benefits can include lower energy costs, providing shelter for wildlife (I couldn't help but think of the rats that got into our attic not too long ago...), and (counterintuitive to me) a longer lasting roof (because you shelter it from the elements).  Of course, you'd need a strong, well supported roof to do that.  I have a feeling most conventionally built roofs wouldn't last a day under that kind of weight.  I looked up in our own attic at the trestle roof we've got.... hardly any support at all.  UCS's estimated costs for a green roof:  $10-$25 per square foot including installation.  Check out Green Roofs for Healthy Cities' website for more and some cool photos of what your roof could look like.