Archive for the ‘Accessories’ Category

Green Tech and CES 2010

Thursday, January 7th, 2010

CES, one of the largest consumer electronics shows is being held in Vegas this week, and Green Tech is one of this year’s big themes. The 2010 International CES will feature the Sustainable Planet Spotlight, the largest exhibition of green products ever on the CES show floor.

I’ve been following the CES green product announcements with interest. There are netbooks made from recycled CDs and plastic bottles, home energy management systems to monitor and reduce your energy usage, and one I found rather exciting, the MiniPAK portable electronic device charger from Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies.

“The MiniPAK portable electronic device charger is designed to meet the needs of users who want more portable energy in one package, at a lower cost than existing rechargeable battery-based options,” as described on Horizon’s site.

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The MinPAK uses refillable, eco-friendly hydrogen cartridges, and it can power a variety of devices including mobile phones, gaming devices and GPS systems.

But here at CREDO, green is nothing new. We have always been committed to protecting the planet. We are the only U.S. phone company that has donated over $10 million to groups like Greenpeace, Rainforest Action Network and Ocean Conservancy, and we were the first carrier to offer solar powered phone chargers.
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Solio Solar Chargers are a greener way to power up your phone, and they’re also convenient extra battery packs to keep my kids’ ipods charged up on long flights – and me sane. You can order one from the Credo Mobile website.

I resolve to reduce my carbon footprint in 2010 – what are your New Year Resolutions?

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More mobile activism for cyclists

Friday, December 11th, 2009

Back in June, I posted on how cyclists can use their cameraphones to clear the bike lanes of cars. I am happy to announce that the City of Belmont has just made parking illegal on Ralston Avenue (thank you!). Hopefully, this means no more cars blocking the bike lane. A victory for cyclists and mobile activism by cameraphone!!!

Our work is not done, sadly. Cyclists with cameraphones have moved on to yet another very important goal – improving conditions for cyclists on Caltrain.

Caltrain is the main commuter rail service between San Jose and San Francisco. Caltrain has special bike cars where cyclists can store their bikes. This makes it easier to get to and from the station sans gasoline. As interest in bike/train commuting has grown, however, cyclists have faced challenges in using this service – 1) cyclists still get “bumped” from trains when the bike cars are already full; and 2) cyclists are often forced to sit on the floor, stand, or sit away from their bikes as there is insufficient seating in the bike cars.

My CREDO Mobile Blackberry Curve is again a great tool for documenting and drawing attention to problems. I can take pictures or videos of bikers forced to sit on the floor. I can then post them to our “Cyclists for a Better Caltrain” group on Facebook and share them with other activists, decision makers, and the press. I can also point out when the conductors have done something fabulous that makes bikers more comfortable and helps the trains run on schedule.

If you are a cyclist who rides Caltrain, please join our group on Facebook. IF you are looking to join up with other bike activists, make sure to join the incredible San Francisco Bicycle Coalition. Strength in numbers!

Bikers sitting on the stairs and standing due to a lack of seats

Bikers sitting on the stairs and standing due to a lack of seats

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Supporting Your Favorite Nonprofits Via eBay, All From Your BlackBerry

Thursday, December 3rd, 2009

eBay, the online marketplace known for its auction-oriented transactions and overwhelming variety of wares for sale, is making a beta auction app available for BlackBerry smartphone users. This free app, co-developed by both eBay and RIM, allows users to search for, track, and purchase an item from their BlackBerry handset. In addition to now being able to bid on eBay auctions from your phone, did you know that you can also support your favorite nonprofit with your eBay purchase?
ebay-logo

Through the eBay programs “Giving Works” and “eBay for Charity,” eBay bidders can support causes they care about by purchasing items in auctions that dedicate a percentage of the sale to progressive nonprofits like Greenpeace, Feeding America, Oxfam, NRDC and one of my favorite nonprofits, Farm Sanctuary.

In addition, eBay’s “World of Good” program, featuring items from more than 70 countries, directly connects socially responsible consumers to thousands of underserved producers around the globe.

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The eBay app can schedule reminders about your auctions in your BlackBerry calendar, as well as notify you if you’ve won or lost a auction. This new beta eBay app is available via BlackBerry App World and it’s free – so whether you’re looking to bid on a Mickey Mantle rookie card, recycled fair trade jewelry, a new toaster or handcrafted bamboo tablewear you can now win your eBay auctions and support your favorite nonprofit while using your CREDO BlackBerry.

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