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Honolulu Advertiser Homescape
Homescape May 2008 Rare Finds: Green gifts, gadgets & gizmos


By Dennis A. Olkowski

Mother Nature deserves a hug. And you can help pamper the planet with any of the six earth-friendly items featured in this month's collection of Rare Finds. Go green, Hawai'i. Do it for the 'aina.

Germ zapper Germ Zapper

Kill germs without toxic chemicals. The cell-phone-size Nano Ultraviolet Disinfection Scanner employs the same technology used in hospitals to sterilize surgical instruments. A 10-second swipe can eliminate 99 percent of bacterial/viral surface germs on kitchen/bathroom surfaces at home, work or hotel rooms. Two AAA batteries provide the power.

Available through Neiman Marcus Neiman Marcus (1-800-888-4757). $80.

Book Climates

Journey to six climate zones in search of sustainable architecture. "The Green House" by Alanna Stang showcases dozens of eco-friendly homes in waterfront, forest, mountain, tropical jungle, desert and urban environments.

Hardback, 196-page editions at Borders and Barnes & Noble. $45.

Pitcher Solar Power

What's old is new again. Hawaii's tutu saved precious energy by "brewing" tea outdoors and you can too. Just plop a few tea bags into an Aqua Bubble Tea Jar filled with water and let it steep in the sun on your lawn or lanai. Before you know it, you'll be quenching your thirst the old-fashioned way. Each gallon container has an easy-pour spigot.

Available at Wal-Mart. $4.89.

Chair Shabby Chic

Get creative with castoff furniture. Splash a little color onto an old nightstand, cabinet or chair ... and you'll have the makings of designer artwork. Find inspiration at yard sales, thrift stores or even in your own garage.

Cost: Minimal or free.

Bird feeder Pecking Order

The organic shape and glazed finish of the Egg Birdfeeder is sure to attract the attention of birds and humans alike. As one of Fortune Magazine's top 25 products, this handmade earthenware feeder stands 9 inches high and has four spun-aluminum perches.

It's available in red, yellow and robin's egg blue at Design Within Reach in Ala Moana Center (941-2112). $150.

Soil Rare Earth
Get your hands dirty by building a backyard oasis. Plant tropical ferns, flowers, shrubs or young seedlings on plots of land that need a little tender care. It's good for the environment, and being outdoors will put you at peace with nature.

Visit Koolau Farmers (263-4414), Star Garden (973-1688) or any garden nursery. $2 and up.

HS


Resources:
    Hawaii's Homes
    Real Estate/Rental Classifieds
    Hawaii's Homes Sunday
    Hawaii Home Finder
    Featured Homes
    Hawaii Renovation
    Hawaii's Developments



List of Advertisers

The Air to Water Co.
Aloha Power Equipment
Allen T. Canter
Assist2Sell Island Homes
Bali Aga
Big Rock
Carrier Hawaii
Century 21 Hawaiian Style
Choate Hawaii Real Estate
Custom Countertops, Inc.
Custom Flooring
Closet Systems of Hawaii

Coastal Windows
Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties
Dream Closets Hawaii
Escape Club
The Fan Shop
Fina Home Accents
Hawaii Granite Co.
Hawaiian Island Homes
Homeworks
Kirkland Cabinetry
The Kitchen Bath & Closet Showroom
The Maids
MarbleHaus Hawaii
Murakami's Roofing
Pacific Style Construction
R&J Yard Maintenance Service
RSVP Style Design Workshop
Ruth Haruko Kam
Selective Stone, LLC
Sky Lights of Hawaii
Stoneworld Enterprises
Sue Ann Lee
T. Oki Trading
Town & Country Builders
TOTO
Tropical Serenity
Urban Real Estate Company
V.Eng Construction
Vinyl Tech & Masonry
Wesley Harada Remodeling & Repair Co.



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