The product is constructed out of metal and uses solar cells (which are more than likely made from heavy metals and toxic materials) as a power source, so when you take into account the energy cost of producing the metal and the solar cells it will far outweigh the energy generated from this gimmicky device. In no way am I knocking solar energy — it its definitely a viable option for altenernative power — but this device will generate such a low current that charging will be an extremely lengthy process. Add to this the fact that most people charge there iPods with thier computers anyway.

It inevitably comes down to the fact that a good designer is, in no way, a replacement for a good engineer.

If you really want to do the planet a favor why don`t you walk instead of drive to the store, take public transit more and stop buying gimmicky shit like this charger or just turn off the lights when you leave a room.

I weep for humanity.

Unfortunately, legislation is out there trying to limit your ability to produce solar or wind energy on a larger scale above a nice power tree. It is illegal in NY state to have your own wind power generator on your property. Why should this be? And who should dare tell you what clean sources of power you can not have on your own property?