Going to any festivals this summer?

Going to any festivals this summer?

27 June 2008

COME RAIN OR SHINE...ENJOY FESTIVALS WITH ECO IN MIND

With Glastonbury just round the corner and several hundred other festivals lined up for this year, there is likely to be a rush for the number one festival accessory – a pair of wellies! But we believe eco-friendly products should also have a firm place at the top of the list of things to take with you. Especially when festival organizers, usually faced with the chore of clearing up acres of beer cups, broken tents and God knows what else, are pledging to make festivals more eco sound.

That's why I love the idea behind Myhab – an eco friendly alternative to a normal tent – inspired by the thousands of tents, left behind at every festival, that end up on a dump somewhere. If you fancy hiring Myhab, check out their website www.myhab.com for more info, and really enjoy yourself in eco style. Please remember to add eco products to your festival packing list, to make your festival experience even greener.

Pack products like a solar powered charger, a battery free torch, a wind up or solar powered radio and, you'll likely eliminate or at least reduce your need for batteries, and make sure you don't get annoyed when the juice runs out on your digital camera, usually just as your favourite group begins crooning!

With that in mind, we have put together a list of eco products that I think would make your festival experience a whole lot more eco friendly.

Free your radio from battery servitude!

Eton Fr250 Wind Up Radio Flashlight And Mobile Phone Charger - no kitchen sink!

Stay informed and prepared for emergencies with this self-powered 3-in-1 radio, flashlight and mobile phone charger and no batteries required. The Hand-Crank Power Generator gives you unlimited power for AM/FM Radio, 7 International Shortwave Bands, Built-in Flashlight and mobile phone battery life when you need it most. So the FR250 is not only perfect for emergencies, but also for camping, hiking or anywhere you need to stay in touch. See all radios.

Make dead batteries a thing of the past

Freeloader

Don't let a flat battery on your digital camera ruin your festival weekend! Freeloader is an advanced portable charging system that can power any hand held device anywhere, anytime. Freeloader takes power from its solar panels or via a supplied charge cable that plugs into a computers USB. Once charged, Freeloader's internal battery can power an iPod for 18 hours, a mobile phone for 44 hours, a PSP for 2.5 hours, a PDA for 22 hours and much much more. Supplied in a tough and stylish pink aluminium body, (also available in brushed aluminium) Freeloader is ldeal for festivals, camping, backpacking or at the beach. See all chargers here

Battery free torches

Waterproof Solar Charging Torch with LED Bulb

Forget battery powered torches, they are so last season! This solar charging torch with an LED bulb is a brilliant eco alternative. Fully waterproof and UV-proof, this torch is a great all-weather gadget. It charges in approximately 4 to 5 hours if left in direct sunlight.

Wind up PowerPlus Nighthawk Wind Up LED Torch

And for the weather sceptic in you, invest in a wind up LED torch like this one. Nighthawk uses the latest LED technology to produce a really powerful beam of light. It has 2 settings so you can choose how bright it shines. This torch also comes standard with a Nokia cable to so you can charge your mobile phone by using wind up power - it'll give you up to 8 minutes talk time for 60 seconds winding. See all torches

Cut down on paper cups

I'm not a paper cup

Who says that cutting down the amount of coffee cups given away could be a challenge? Not when this witty, eco friendly alternative is around! For your morning fix after a night's dancing around, enjoy it from this reusable, double walled, thermal ceramic mug that comes with a resealable silicon lid and reduce your need for paper cups - your coffee or tea will taste so much better.

Ditch disposables to enjoy a green shave

Solar Powered Electric Shaver

If you feel like having a clean shave, choose this eco alternative to throw away razors. The solar powered electric shaver is great for travelling and being away from mains power is no reason to compromise on the way you look. Slim and compact, the razor's power comes from the integrated solar panel, so remember to leave it in the sun to charge first!

Staying green on return no brainer with EcoBalls

Eco Balls

And when you come back from your travels, EcoBalls will wash your clothes sparkling clean. The great thing about them is that they last up to 1,000 washes, saving about 50 boxes of washing powder. Each EcoBall contains mineral salts that produce ionized oxygen, penetrating deep into clothing, lifting dirt and grime away. They are hypoallergenic and the kit includes free refill pellets and a stain remover.