While many of us sleep in, take to the streets, or catch up on TiVo in celebration of Columbus’s debarkation, I thought I'd share an interesting tidbit that I bet you didn’t know: the entire month of October is Solar Energy Month (at least according to the California Energy Commission). Additionally, then-President George Bush proclaimed October as Energy Awareness Month back in 1991. Learn something new every day, eh?

 

If you’re not ready to make the leap into installing photovoltaic panels or a solar thermal heating system at home, celebrate the sun this month by checking out these nifty solar-powered home accessories that I’ve featured on my blog over the last year. With the change of seasons, sunlight might be more fleeting this month, but that’s no excuse not to partake in a little eco-friendly consumerism. 

 

SUCK UK Glow Brick @ Greener Grass Design ($36)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Solar Shoji Lanterns @ Gaiam ($79/3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Oooms Solar Birdhouse @ Oooms (approx $90)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Solar LED Flashlight @ Lehman's($49.95)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Solar Clock by SUCK UK @ Ethical SuperStore (£24.95)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Surfer Chef Deluxe Solar Cooking System @ Amazon.com ($39.99)