1. Gail Bradbrook
Co-founder of Extinction Rebellion Gail Bradbrook addresses the audience at the Marble Arch Extinction Rebellion camp. Several roads were blocked across four sites in central London, by the Extinction Rebellion climate change protests, April 2019.
Phil Clarke Hill / In Pictures / Getty Images
Molecular biophysicist Gail Bradbrook is the co-founder of Extinction Rebellion (XR). She's been referred to as the "Godmother" of this international environmental movement "that uses non-violent civil disobedience to achieve radical change in order to minimize the risk of human extinction and ecological collapse." Bradbrook first co-founded the group Rising Up!, which then progressed and became XR.
For more insight into what Bradbrook's all about, check out these articles below:
The Global Extinction Rebellion Begins, Truthout.
Gloucestershire mum is 'Godmother' of group behind naked Commons protests who want to bring London to a standstill today, Gloucestershire Live.
2. Greta Thunberg
Greta Thunberg, outside the Swedish parliament.
Anders Hellberg / Wikimedia / CC BY-SA 4.0
Sixteen-year-old Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has inspired an entire generation of kids to participate in her "Fridays for Future" protest movement. Just last month, Greta and her movement were honored with an Amnesty International award for their "unique leadership and courage in standing up for human rights."
Thunberg's speeches are collected in her book No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference. She has said that she hopes the book causes panic. "I want you to panic … I want you to act as if our house is on fire. Because it is."
If you're looking for a good place to follow what's going on with the climate crisis, follow Greta on Twitter.
3. Naomi Klein
Author, social activist, and filmmaker Naomi Klein speaks at the one year anniversary of Hurricane Maria on On Sept. 20, 2018. Hundreds gathered in Union Square demanding justice for Puerto Rico.
Erik McGregor / Pacific Press / LightRocket / Getty Images
Naomi Klein is an award-winning journalist, activist and author. Since publishing her New York Times bestseller This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. the Climate, Klein has become a strong force in the environmental movement.
Klein has a new book coming out in September, On Fire: The (Burning) Case for a Green New Deal. The book is described as an expansive, far-ranging exploration that "captures the urgency of the climate crisis, as well as the energy of a rising political movement demanding change now."
4. Bill McKibben
Bill McKibben speaking with supporters of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders at a student meeting at Southern New Hampshire University in Hooksett, New Hampshire on Jan. 21, 2016.
Gage Skidmore / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
Bill McKibben is an author, environmentalist and activist. He is the founder of 350.org. Nearly 30 years ago, he published the first book on climate change, The End of Nature, written for the average person to understand the looming crisis. No climate activist list would ever be complete without acknowledging McKibben's consistent dedication to our planet.
Vox recently interviewed McKibben and captured his best advice.
5. Xiuhtezcatl Martinez
Xiuhtezcatl Martinez is pictured in the beautiful foothills of north Boulder on Aug. 11, 2016 in Boulder, Colorado.
Helen H. Richardson / The Denver Post / Getty Images
Xiuhtezcatl Martinez is a 19-year-old Indigenous environmental activist, musician and youth director of Earth Guardians. He recently told Rolling Stone, "I've been protesting since before I could walk."
He's also one of the plaintiffs on the youth climate lawsuit Juliana v. United States. In 2015, Martinez and 21 other youths filed a lawsuit against the U.S. federal government. For more on the trial, follow EcoWatch including this article that discusses what's happening with this lawsuit.
Martinez recently wrote an op-ed in Teen Vogue in April that explains the power of young voices. "Young people and marginalized communities are reclaiming our power and our voices in the movements that are shaping our future. From Standing Rock to Flint, from the Bayou to DC, we're beginning to see a different face of environmental leadership," he said.
6. Bea Johnson
French-American Bea Johnson shows the waste produced in a year by her family fitting in a bottle of 183 grams, on Nov. 21, 2015 in Lille, northern France. Bea Johnson and her family adopted a behavior tending to "zero waste" and campaign for a "life based on being and not having."
PHILIPPE HUGUEN / AFP / Getty Images
Bea Johnson fits a year's worth of trash into a jar. Yes, just one little pint-sized mason jar! She is a pioneer of the zero-waste movement. Refinery29 featured her in a recent article titled Marie Kondo Came For Your Stuff; Bea Johnson Is Coming For Your Garbage.
Johnson's blog, Zero Waste Home, and her book by the same name have inspired an entire movement devoted to a minimalist lifestyle. She believes that a zero-waste lifestyle is not only good for the planet, but also for our personal health. The book garnered international interest and has been translated into 26 languages.
Johnson was recently interviewed by Here and Now's Peter O'Dowd. Listen below for five tips on how to live a more zero-waste life.
- 5 Tips for a More Earth-Conscious Wardrobe - EcoWatch ›
- 5 Must-Watch Documentaries for a More Sustainable Planet ... ›
- The Crunch Question on Climate: How Can I Help? - EcoWatch ›
- 'Moved and Inspired': Meet the 2019 Goldman Environmental Prize ... ›
The fashion industry produces more greenhouse gas emissions per year than all international airline flights and maritime shipping trips combined. According to the documentary The True Cost, "Globally, we now consume about 80 billion new pieces of clothing every year — 400% more than we were consuming just two decades ago."
If you're looking for ways to transition out of the dirty cycle of fast fashion, check out the following five tips.
1. Shop Ethical and Eco-Friendly Brands
Thomas Barwick / Stone / Getty Images
When buying new clothing, ask yourself, "Is this brand sustainable or not?" Consider what brands you have been supporting up to this point.
Getting educated on which brands to support is an important step in curbing fast fashion. To find out if your go-to brand is eco-friendly, check out Conscious Life & Style blog, which has a list of more than 200 ethically driven brands.
2. Take a Minimalist Approach to Your Wardrobe
Svetlana Khokhlova / EyeEm / Getty Images
By 2050 the fashion industry is set to consume a quarter of the world's carbon budget. Consumer overconsumption is harming the planet. A 2016 McKinsey report found that three-fifths of all the clothes produced gets disposed within a year of being produced.
Transitioning to a wardrobe that reflects quality pieces that last a long time, instead of cheap trendy pieces, can help make getting ready in the morning easier and is less of a strain on the planet. A quality over quantity attitude can lead to a more sustainable wardrobe over time.
The YouTube channel Heal Your Living by Youheum is inspiring people to live a more minimalist lifestyle. Check out her video below and see how Youheum, a former shopaholic, manages to own just 15 pieces of clothing and two pairs of shoes.
Are you looking for more tips? Check out @theminimalistwardrobe on Instagram. With nearly 200,000 followers The Minimalist Wardrobe is contributing to the growing minimalist movement.
3 - 4. Mend and Repurpose Your Clothing
Pedro Venâncio / EyeEm / Getty Images
Before you spend, make sure you mend. Mending clothes is a great option, and you'll avoid wasting your time shopping.
If you don't know how to patch up your clothing, support a local tailor instead.
You can also get creative with your clothing. For a simple start, change a pair of old jeans into new summer shorts and add your favorite patch for a fresh look. Upcycling clothing can be a fun way to maintain a sustainable wardrobe.
Check out these Instagram accounts for more upcycle inspiration!
5. Host or Attend a Clothing Swap
AleksandarNakic / E+ / Getty Images
One person's trash is another person's treasure. Attending a clothing swap or taking the step to host one is a smart (and fun) way to recycle clothing and get a new wardrobe fast.
Want to host a clothing swap? Here's how to host the ultimate clothing swap.
Irma is the associate editor at EcoWatch. She graduated from Ohio University's E.W. Scripps School of Journalism in Athens, Ohio.
- The Environmental and Human Cost of Making a Pair of Jeans ... ›
- Can Fast Fashion Be Sustainable? - EcoWatch ›
- Dye-Filled Bacteria Could Replace the Fashion Industry's Dirty Dyeing Habits - EcoWatch ›
Our Picks for the Best Portable Solar Generators
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
- Best Overall - Goal Zero Yeti 1500X
- Best High-Capacity - MAXOAK Bluetti EB150
- Best Expandable Power - EcoFlow RIVER Pro
- Best Compact Design - Renogy PHOENIX 300
- Best Portability - Suaoki S370
- Best for Camping - Jackery Explorer 300
- Best Price - Westinghouse iGen200s
How We Reviewed Portable Solar Generators
A good portable generator will offer you backup power in a convenient and reliable way. We have reviewed some of the top models on the market today, and arrived at a few that we think stand out from the rest.
To rank the best solar generators, we considered the following criteria:
- Size and weight. Smaller, more lightweight units offer much greater ease of use. We sought portable solar generators that aren't too challenging to lug around your home, or take with you when you go camping.
- Battery storage capacity. While your generator absorbs light through a solar panel, that energy is ultimately stored in a battery. The battery storage capacity, measured in watt-hours (Wh) determines how long you can use the generator before it requires a recharge.
- Inverter rating. Basically, inverter rating refers to the total number of watts that the solar generator can extract at any given time. Inverter rating, along with battery capacity, determine the wattage and power output of your generator.
- Expandability. Some generators come with a predetermined number of solar panels, while some allow you to add more solar panels as needed. This is an important feature to consider when looking for generators.
- Price point. Naturally, when looking for a new solar generator, staying on budget is always going to be a factor. We chose generators that are competitively priced.
The Best Portable Solar Generators
With these ranking factors in mind, here are our picks for the best portable solar generators available in 2021.
Goal Zero Yeti 1500X
goalzero.com
Goal Zero's line of Yeti portable power stations are well-suited for a wide range of off-grid uses, including emergency power, camping trips, and more. The Goal Zero Yeti 1500X is their most-popular large power station with enough power for everything from cell phones and laptops to medical devices like CPAP machines and even full-size refrigerators.
Why buy: The Goal Zero Yeti 1500X includes a 2000W AC (3500W Surge) inverter giving you the equivalent of a wall outlet power supply on-the-go. It also has seven different port options and a top-of-the-line app that makes it easy to monitor and manage your solar powered generator, no matter where you are.
MAXOAK Bluetti EB150
maxoak.net
For a high-capacity power station, check out the Bluetti EB150 from MAXOAK. Though it's not the most affordable option, you'll get a lot of features and utility for your investment. It includes a lithium ion battery capacity of 1500 Wh. When connected to three 150W solar panels, it can be recharged in about 3.5 to 4 hours.
Why buy: For a portable solar generator designed to power most household appliances under 1000W, the high-powered Bluetti EB150 is a great choice. MAXOAK also backs their product with a 24-month replacement or maintenance warranty.
EcoFlow RIVER Pro
ecoflow.com
EcoFlow boasts an impressive catalog of portable power stations, as well as reliable solar panels. We like the EcoFlow RIVER Pro power station because its technology enables incredibly fast recharging; you can connect it to two 110W solar panels to recharge in as little as 4.5 hours.
Why buy: The EcoFlow RIVER Pro includes a wide range of best-in-class technologies. Offering 720 Wh of power with three pure sine wave AC outlets, and weighing only 15.9 pounds, these units are well-suited for camping and hiking, as well as use around the house. You can also add an additional EcoFlow battery pack to upgrade the power of your generator as needed.
Renogy PHOENIX 300
renogy.com
Renogy produces several different power stations and chargers, but we especially like the PHOENIX 300, a solar power solution that's extremely lightweight and compact. It comes with an easy-grip handle and only weighs 6.4 pounds, making it one of the most portable solar generators around while still offering up to 200W of AC power for off the grid activities.
Why buy: The PHOENIX 300 can provide 337 watt-hours for up to 8 hours of AC continuous power without the noise or fumes associated with gas generators. It includes a number of the most common charging ports like two AC adaptors, a USB-C, USB-A, USB, and a D-Tap port for photography equipment.
Suaoki S370
suaoki.com
Suaoki is a company that's known for simple, functional, reliable technology. Their S370 portable solar generator isn't necessarily flashy, but it's an extremely lightweight option, perfect for camping, hiking, and other outdoor adventures. It includes 14 outlet ports and a pure sine wave inverter, making it a versatile power option.
Why buy: This is one of our top picks for camping and hiking, though it may also serve your needs as a backup power station for small appliances and electronics. A lithium-ion battery gives this generator an incredible capacity battery life, particularly in relation to its compact size.
Jackery Explorer 300
jackery.com
Jackery's portable power stations are ideally suited for camping and hiking. The Explorer 300 offers great portability and fast rechargeable power at an affordable price. It includes two AC outputs, a USB-C, USB-A, USB ports, and a 12-volt car port.
Why buy: The Explorer 300 generator is a good option for those who are new to solar power, thanks to its low price and easy-to-use controls. Jackery offers a number of portable solar panel options, and the power station's MPPT technology means that it can be recharged from the sun in just 5.5 hours.
Westinghouse iGen200s
westinghouseoutdoorpower.com
There are plenty of reasons to consider the Westinghouse iGen200s portable generator. This is one of the more affordable options on the market today, which makes it a good entry-level solar power solution. The unit offers four charging options. You can recharge with solar panels, with the power from your vehicle, with a household power outlet, or with a separate generator.
Why buy: For a simple and inexpensive solar power generator, Westinghouse makes an outstanding product. You can charge up to nine devices at a time; and, depending on how you use it, you can potentially get more than 40 hours out of your generator.
What Types of Batteries Do Solar Generators Use?
It's important to note that solar power generators may employ different kinds of batteries. The most common option is the lithium-ion battery. These tend to be more expensive than lead-acid batteries, at least on the front end. With that said, a lithium-ion battery will prove more durable, which usually makes it the smarter investment in the long run. Solar generators include charge controllers, which regulate the volts of energy coming from the solar panels to the battery to make sure the battery isn't overcharged and damaged.
The energy stored in the battery is converted from DC power into AC power using an inverter or adapter.
What Can You Power With a Portable Solar Generator?
There are different types of solar generators. A backup generator is primarily used to power your home, should your electricity go out. In this article, we focused on portable generators, which are mostly used for hiking and camping. With that said, a portable generator can also be really useful during power outages, potentially keeping your lights, electronic devices, and small devices or appliances on for several hours. Depending on the watts of power your solar system generator kit can support, you can use it to power things like phones, tablets, laptops, TVs, coffee makers, a mini-fridge, certain medical devices, and most anything you would plug into a car charger.
Some of the generators we've listed here can be charged by solar energy or via other sources, including vehicles and power outlets. These different charging solutions make a generator more versatile, though of course, solar energy is what you'll want to use if staying away from fossil fuels is your goal.
What are the Benefits of a Portable Solar Generator?
There are a number of reasons why you might consider a portable solar generator:
- These units are ideally suited for camping and hiking. The ones on our list range in weight from under 10 pounds to over 50, but they are all fairly easy to cart around as needed, or to keep in your camper or RV.
- Though they are not primarily intended to be emergency backup generators, they can certainly be used in that capacity. In particular, they can provide emergency power to important medical devices as well as phones and computers.
- Unlike gas generators, portable solar generators offer power without making a lot of noise or creating a lot of fumes. This makes them much more appealing for campsites.
- Portable solar generators are better for the environment, since they don't rely on gas or diesel fuel to run.
- Using a solar generator is ultimately more cost-effective as you will never need to purchase fuel to recharge it.
Solar Power Can Take You Further
Solar power is one of the best options for dependable, renewable energy. Not only can it help power your house, but you can use these portable generators to carry that power with you, wherever you may go.
There are clearly lots of options on the market today. We hope our guide is helpful to you as you assess our own backup power needs, and as you determine which portable solar generator will give you the greatest value. Note that you can find many of these solar power options through third-party retailers like Amazon. Do your due diligence as you seek the perfect, portable solar solution for you and your family.
Josh Hurst is a journalist, critic, and essayist. He lives in Knoxville, TN, with his wife and three sons. He covers natural health, nutrition, supplements, and clean energy. His writing has appeared in Health, Shape, and Remedy Review.
From April 4 through April 15, CIFF will be showcasing 216 feature films, 253 short films, 14 virtual reality films and six interactive media projects, representing 72 countries.
Here's a synopsis of seven eco-related films being featured this year, courtesy of CIFF:
1. Anote's Ark
The Pacific island republic of Kiribati is home to more than 100,000 people. Despite being one of the most remote places on the planet, this little island is on the front lines of climate change. Scientists predict that Kiribati will become uninhabitable within this century due to rising sea levels. The nation has already experienced unprecedented flooding and changing storm patterns, factors that will inevitably leave its communities without viable land or fresh water.
Anote's Ark follows the people of Kiribati as they struggle to retain their culture, tradition and dignity, while preparing for an uncertain future. The film's focus is on the nation's president Anote Tong, as he travels around the world advocating for support from the international community. At this point, climate change is irreversible, but preparations for migration and adaptation must be made. The way we react now is important, as what is currently happening in Kiribati may soon be the fate for the rest of the world. — G.S.
2. Haze - It's Complicated ...
Palm oil farming has taken over many parts of Southeast Asia. It's raking in billions, and while locals don't see the bulk of that money, most of them are happy with the income it brings in. That's mainly because, before the palm oil boom, they were struggling to make ends meet in the declining rubber industry. But as the title of this documentary points out, the topic is extremely complex. Much of the region sits on peat, a dense, carbon-heavy substance made of organic matter and dead vegetation. In order to clear land for palm oil crops, many companies and farmers resort to the inexpensive option of setting fires. This method is extremely bad for the environment, contributing to a high percentage of carbon emissions. Because peatlands are dry and flammable, these fires spread quickly and are only contained by heavy rains.
Haze - It's Complicated ... does a terrific job of explaining the intricate science behind palm oil farming. Furthermore, it offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of those who are impacted—both positively and negatively—by its emerging presence. — E.F.
3. The New Fire
If the world can work together using innovation and technology to put a man on the moon, why can't we unite to solve climate change? To avoid the worst effects of global warming, we need a rapid, coordinated and global transition to renewable energy. Wind and solar energies have their flaws and limitations, and nuclear power is far too dangerous and costly ... or is it?
The New Fire is a documentary that explores the next generation of nuclear engineers and their work to create improved generators that address safety and waste issues, aspects of nuclear energy that have posed huge threats to its progress and sustainability. From reactors that can consume existing stockpiles of nuclear waste, to a plan for the mass production of small self-regulating plants, this film presents a variety of approaches to solving the biggest impending crisis of our time. The New Fire has a hopeful message that if we work together, we can change the future. No matter your current stance on nuclear energy, this film is definitely worth watching. — G.S.
4. Silas
Liberia is rich in valuable natural resources such as diamonds and timber, although the government has long allowed foreign companies to exploit these riches at the expense of the country's citizens. Enter activist Silas Siakor, who's determined not only to preserve Liberian land for residents, but also expose abuses of power and human rights violations. This gripping documentary follows Siakor as he and fellow activists document illegal logging operations and work tirelessly to chip away at the rampant corruption undermining political progress.
In some of the film's most touching moments, Silas also examines the toll this activism takes on Siakor's health and family life. And the film reveals the sobering differences between Liberia's international perception and what's actually happening in individual communities. Throughout the film, Siakor's resilience in the face of criticism and obstruction, as well as his selfless commitment to making Liberia a better place, is profoundly inspiring. The central takeaway of Silas is that one person does have the power to make a difference. — A.Z.
5. Spoor
Janina Duszejko has retired to a mountain village on the Czech border. She is an astrology enthusiast and a passionate advocate of animal rights. Her village, filled with cruel and ruthless hunters, trappers and poachers, sees her as a harmless old eccentric—until the day her beloved dogs go missing, possibly murdered by hunters. Powerless against corrupt police and officials, Janina begins a one-woman crusade to fight for these helpless victims, warning that nature will retaliate. Suddenly, a series of bizarre deaths begins, and all the victims are hunters. Evidence suggests a serial killer and that it may even be Mother Nature herself, urging her woodland creatures to hunt the hunters. Have Janina's horoscopes foretold the vengeance of nature, or is the killer a villager hunting their own kind?
Spoor is a brilliantly twisted ecological parable that will thrill you with superb visuals and performances, while gleefully upending your moral core by what (or possibly who) it will have you cheering for. — C.R.
Spoor was selected as Poland's entry for Best Foreign Language Film for this year's Academy Awards®.
6. Take Light
Nigeria is going through a serious electricity crisis. Though it's Africa's top energy producer, only 50 percent of Nigerians have access to electricity. For those who do, the service isn't all that great. Many receive electricity for just a few hours a day.
The documentary Take Light follows a charming electrician named Martins who remains optimistic, despite having one of the most dangerous and unpopular jobs in the country. At any given time, he's either risking his life to fix tangled high-voltage lines or trying to calm down angry mobs whose electricity has been cut-off due to nonpayment. The power company is fiercely vigilant in tracking down delinquent customers. Martins, who is just the middleman, does his best to be kind. The situation has gotten so bad that some have taken it upon themselves to illegally reconnect their own power, which can be deadly. Will this debacle be the catalyst for Nigeria to move towards renewable energy? With its oil-dependent economy failing, scarce fuel supplies, and the threat of militant attacks on oil and gas installations, substantial change is the only way forward. — E.F.
7. Westwood: Punk, Icon, Activist
From her working-class beginnings to being made a Dame of the British Empire, Vivienne Westwood carved a life and a fashion empire unlike any other. Known throughout the world for her revolutionary and controversial clothing designs, Westwood followed nobody's advice and gleefully opposed decorum, public opinion and social norms. Westwood steers this brave documentary the way she steered her career: fearlessly, argumentatively, and in the face of reason and convention. The self-proclaimed creator of Punk, Westwood was always willing to translate her political passion into her design—an anarchist working the runways in Paris and happily weathering establishment derision.
Westwood: Punk, Icon, Activist sews together the wonderful, abrasive and culture-bending fabrics of her lifetime into a glittering archive to wrap yourself in. Here is a woman who skipped the opening of her New York store to write a thesis on climate change, a fiery and unsettled soul who turned political engagement into a crusade to dress the world for self-expression and action! — C.R.