Spark is a musical instrument that harvests kinetic energy when it's shaken, storing it in a battery for powering LED lights.

From record investments in energy investments made by US states, to East Africa's largest wind power project, Chicago's smart gridization, to Chevron's huge fine being upheld, here's what we're reading today.

A UK offset company launches a world-first partnership to finance Life-Straw water purifiers in Africa.

Now in its sixth day, the forest fire threatens critical habitats and precious water sources.

The estimated 80% of Kenyans that are not on a grid rely solely on kerosene to light their homes. But a pay-as-you-go home solar system promises to deliver clean, affordable lighting to rural areas.

The approved measure ups fines from $480 to $120,000, and jail time from 2 years to 15 years.

Building her first tiny home meant enough financial freedom for this tiny house builder -- enough to build another off-grid tiny vacation home in Hawaii.

Decommissioned buses are getting a second useful life as mobile shelters for Honolulu's homeless.

The new species endemic to the marine protected area expanded by Obama was named in honor of his efforts to protect and preserve the natural environment.

Many sunscreens contain chemicals that are devastating to sensitive coral and other marine life.

There is so much in their new strategy that I can't get it all in the title.

And put away your phone if you are on vacation.

Also a look at smart phones for boomers and for refugees, and making the Raspberry Pi higher.

Over the course of three months, previously clean mussels picked up a slew of contaminants from the waters of Puget Sound.

Greenpeace's annual survey of national retailers' progress on sustainable seafood reveals the leaders and the losers.

Scientists hope the technology that filmed it can make fishing more sustainable.

George Monbiot is at it again, causing controversy by saying "Environmentalism may be emotional but it should always be based on science, not like the wishful thinking behind natural remedies."-Environmentalism must be fact based and there is no room

I get the design part, but is it really sustainable?

These spikes might be intermittent. But they are getting bigger and more frequent.

Fortunately, that's not the only change in their building regulations.

Mandatory solar panels are not the biggest deal here.

By 2030, 70% of the country's electricity could come from renewables.

From tracking and data to emergency walkie-talkie capabilities and where to find gas, these apps can help weather the storm.

The new study shows that drones can handle longer aid delivery trips than previously thought.

In our hyperconnected and always-on culture, stepping away from our gadgets for one day can be a move in the right direction for slowing down and connecting with people, not screens.

Capt. Neill's Seafood Inc. said its blue crab meat was American-grown, but it was imported from South America and Asia.

The Swedish travel industry is woefully under-prepared for a changing climate, says researcher Stephen Gössling. Tourism to and from Sweden contributes 10 percent of the country's total measured CO2 emissions,

We are at the end of our LostGen2 quest for the world's best city

With daycare costs rising, perhaps ditching the building is not such a crazy idea.

You are going to hear a lot about this. It makes everybody's problems go poof. Just don't mention the CO2.

The light-filled interior of this well-insulated and cleverly designed tiny home imparts a sense of relaxation and well-being.

This versatile small dwelling can be customized as a mobile office, guesthouse or "living wagon."

This solar + battery + LED light combo aims to be the future of portable light & power.

When is the last time that a $5 gadget literally changed your life?

This mobile solar power station offers a lightweight high-capacity lithium-ion battery with all the bells and whistles.

The Jenni solar charger and battery pack aims to make it easy to begin going solar at home, starting with your portable electronics

Report accuses wood burners of being naively careless when they should be worried

It's counterintuitive, but this prefab panel system from Messana makes a lot of sense.

Everything you need to know about building a proper blanket fort.

The bin-sized device would turn household waste into fuel for heating hot water.

Previously titled "4 reasons why heat pumps are not going to save the planet" which was mean to heat pumps.

Do the green thing and resist reaching for the thermostat.

It's a smart thermostat for hydronic heating systems and is not such a dumb idea.

A study suggests we should turn up the heat; it's not so simple.

A weekly wrap up of green and socially minded business news from the gang at TriplePundit.com.

Fiji, probably the least favorite in an already disliked industry, is the target of a class action lawsuit alleging the company has profited from greenwashing. Specifically, from greenwashing claims that its products are

Scientists call it a remarkable discovery in an area where butterfly wildlife was thought to be well known.

It's a win-win all around as K-cup users on both sides of the political divide find reasons to smash their Keurigs.

Due to security issues, the date has not been released yet, but we are happy to announce that Middle East environmentalists are putting political pet peeves aside to focus on one goal: preserving the environment.

Despite the fact that representitives from Iran and the U.S. agree on virtually nothing else in the world, representatives from both countries at the U.N. Conference on Climate Change in Bali are among those pointing out the need for increased