Changers: Not Just Another Solar Charger

That is what Changers.com would like you to believe. Their solar cell not only charges your electronic devices, but according to a recent article in the New York Times, it “gives consumers the ability to track the amount of money and CO2 they save by using solar power rather than a standard home or office outlet.”

The Starter Kit, which is available for pre-order with an anticipated shipping date of November, 15th, consists of the Changers Kalhuohfummi™ solar battery and the Changers Maroshi™ solar module. “Inside of the Kalhuohfummi is advanced intelligence that accurately measures how much energy it captures and stores in the built-in battery, ready to charge any smartphone or tablet. The Changers Kalhuohfummi solar battery is powered by the Changers Maroshi flexible solar module, which generates up to four Watts per hour – enough to charge the Kalhuohfummi battery in four hours.” There are currently a number of solar chargers on the market, but Changers is hoping to, well, change people’s perceptions. See the list of compatible devices below:

* iPhone, iPod
* Most Android phones
* Amazon Kindle
* Devices with mini USB input
* Devices with micro USB input:
** Nokia 2mm
** Sony Ericsson
** Samsung D800
** Sony PSP
** Nintendo NDS/NGB
** Nintendo NDS lite

In addition to the information generated by the device, “the amount of energy you’ve produced will be converted into Changers Credits.” The New York Times reports that customers will earn credits on Holstee, although Changers’s website officially says “Stay tuned for more perks.”

If the partnership with Holstee proceeds, the sustainability link will be further strengthened. The company has strong social and environmental responsibility components. They have developed a rating system to inform customers whether the items are:

• Made from recycled materials
• Support a good cause
• Contain organic materials
• Made in the USA
• Fair trade
• Energy Efficient
• Bio-degradable
• Animal friendly
• Hand made

10% of all sales are used to support micro-lending abroad. In addition, they “encourage all curated designers to keep their packaging to a minumum. For our own products, you’ll notice we love to get creative when finding ways to keep all our packaging to the bare necessities. 90%+ of Holstee packaging is recycled.” Creative approaches to sustainable businesses, whether they are referred to as compassionate capitalism or some other system, help move toward an economy that considers people, planet, and profit, or in Hostlee’s case, products.

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