LIFE

10 Startups Making Travel More Affordable

Ask any seasoned traveler about the merits of globetrotting and you’re likely to hear a litany of enthusiastic responses: personal growth, cultural exploration, catharsis.

Ask about the obstacles, however, and one resounding theme emerges: Jetsetting can cost a pretty penny. If your bank account is holding you back from your dream vacation, or if you’re planning a trip and trying to adhere to a budget, these 10 startups can help turn your travel dreams into realities.Read more here.

TECHNOLOGY

Merry-Go-Round Turns Play Into Clean Power for Students in Ghana

A non-profit called Empower Playgrounds has developed a way to harness the energy of kids playing in order to provide electricity to poor rural villages in Africa. The organization is making merry-go-rounds that have a clean tech twist — onboard kinetic energy harvesters that store that energy in batteries for later use.

This idea is similar to the Soccket soccer ball by Uncharted Play that creates and stores electricity from being kicked around and played with. The stored electricity can then be used later for lighting, etc.Read more here.

ENVIRONMENT

Walmart Sells New Line of LED Light Bulbs

Things change slowly, until they change quickly.

A few years ago, LED bulbs were hard to find and many cost around $100 per bulb. Their light quality wasn’t always great either (though some were very good from the start). Fast-forward to the present and we’re seeing price cuts after price cuts, improvements in efficiency and color quality, one after the other until soon there won’t be any reason to not use LED lightbulbs except for more specialized uses (and even most of these can be converted to LEDs over time).
On the price front, the 800 lbs gorilla of the industry has just decided to throw its hat into the ring and start selling its own brand (‘Great Value’) of LED bulbs for under $10.
Read more here.

HEALTH

Chilled Double Chocolate Torte with Pecan Crust [Vegan, Raw]

Thick, smooth, and with a bit of crunch from the nutty crust, this double chocolate torte is something to swoon over. The raw, vegan dessert is filled with the most decadent, rich chocolate flavor — it features an avocado-chocolate mousse, and a pecan-chocolate crust. As if the amazing flavor and texture weren’t enough, you can make it in just a few minutes!
Read more here.