Glenn Fleishman (of Wi-Fi Net News and TidBITS fame) has a good write up over at WorldChanging on the Green Plug solution to the phantom power problem.

Their solution is based on an the idea of standardising the power connector that is used by electronics on the standard USB connector. They have developed a variant of it for devices like laptops that need more power than a regular USB connector can deliver. This seems like a smart move since that connector is already becoming a de facto standard for low power electronics like cameras, phones etc. Additionally, USB power outlets are appearing on aircraft and even in airport lounges now, allowing people to power and recharge their small devices easily with just a cable.

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The ATP EarthDrives claim to be the world’s first eco-friendly USB thumb drive. The case is made from bio-degradable PLA (polylactic acid) plastic which is made from renewable sources like corn. The drives are designed to be fully recyclable when it reaches the end of its life.

Additionally, ATP has partnered with the American Forests’ National Tree planting project to use a portion of the profits from EarthDrive sales to plant new trees.

[Via GreenBlog]