Spring 2010

Second Annual Eco-Choice Awards By Poornima Apte

Most Innovative

WINNER: Turtle Tech Design, MOVA Globe

Taking home the product award for “Most Innovative” was TurtleTech Design’s MOVA Globe. This is a world globe powered by solar energy and the earth’s magnetism. No batteries or wires are required. A carefully designed and highly efficient drive mechanism within the inner globe powers the rotation. The drive includes a magnetic element that reacts with the earth’s magnetic field, much as a common compass does, to provide torque to drive the globe.

The MOVA globe was developed by Bill French, a physicist and inventor with a life-long interest in solar energy and magnetism. French later teamed up with Shaw Lin, (now President of TurtleTech Design), to incorporate and develop the companies’ manufacturing capability.

“Bill wanted to create an object that was peaceful, soothing and magical,” said Andy Lindgren, director of sales, TurtleTech Design, in Solana Beach, CA. “His inspiration in creating the MOVA globe was a vision of the earth, peacefully floating and turning in space, somehow energized by the sun.”

What makes the MOVA globe truly unique, according to Lindgren, is it could not turn without the earth’s magnetic field. Solar energy powers the motor, but the motor needs something to push against to get the globe to turn. The earth’s magnetic field provides that counter-torque.

“It was very gratifying that buyers recognized that this product makes an environmental statement,” Lindgren said. “Using as little energy as possible, natural, renewable energy can keep the earth going around.”

TurtleTechDesign.com

NOTABLES

TerraSkin

This is paper made from stone and therefore saves trees. TerraSkin is a combination of large amounts of mineral powder with a small quantity of non-toxic resin combined to create an environmentally friendly paper. The production of TerraSkin requires no water.

TerraSkin.com

Memory Vase by Jenny Gaynor Glass

This memory vase transfers treasured photographs onto a recycled glass vase making it a “modern heirloom.” Glass is durable, reusable and recyclable. The product is handmade in the USA and comes in recycled packaging. The company also reduces its carbon footprint by opting for digital communications as opposed to large scale mailings and printed catalogs. This product has zero tolerance for lead, aniline dyes, formaldehyde, and chlorine.

JennyGaynor.com

The recycled circuit board frame from Arcadia Home.
212.366.1836
ArcadiaHomeInc.com

Cozy cuff from Megan Auman.
717.269.3294
MeganAuman.com

Poornima Apte

Poornima Apte is an award-winning experienced freelance writer and editor. Learn more at wordcumulus.com.