Got a couple of new eco products out there for those of you who are into that sort of thing.  Personally, I miss the good old days when recycling wasn't even a word and no-one knew about the "ozone layer" or "climate change" or "ecosystem collapse."

Well, apparently Seal Line and Jet Boil are turning into a bunch of greenies too because both companies have introduced new products that are "good for the environment."

Anyone who paddles regularly has been seduced by the see-through, vinyl dry bags that work o.k. - if the temperature is right, and it's not too wet.  Unfortunately, and I'll check my sarcasm here, vinyl is one of the worst products for the earth ever invented.  Well, Seal Line has introduced the EcoSee Bag which is PVC-free, coated in a tough urethane layer, and has "superior abrasion resistance, lighter weight, better cold-weather performance, and an improved seal."  Check em out at Cascade Designs the maker of Seal Line. 

JetBoil has upped it's game on the eco front too with the CrunchIt, a $7 tool that empties any unused fueled from the single use fuel canisters that power the JetBoil stove, therefore readying it for recycling.  Available next month, the CrunchIt is a start towards reducing the impacts single use fuel canisters have on the environment.  Coleman, which sells about 8 billion (I made that up) of those green propane/butane fuel canisters, started including a small plastic piece that does the same thing the CrunchIt does a few years ago.  While neither of these entirely solves the single-use issue, like developing a refillable canister would, they are a step in the right direction.  Just don't smoke while you empty!  If you need some help figuring out how to work it, check out this video...

After years of scoffing at the smart phone crowd and of talking smack behind the back of my buddies hunched over their iPhones and Blackberries, I finally bit the proverbial bullet and "upgraded."  

In the few months I've owned it, I'm somewhat surprised to say how much I use my Droid phone.  Turns out, aside from the amazing "distraction during boring shit" capabilities, the thing is pretty damn handy.  Do I take it on a hike with me, or down the river?  Hell no, I leave the bugger locked in the glove box.  On my morning bike commute, with Pandora streaming, you bet your ass.

Well, for those of you who do take your smarties everywhere, there's a couple new outdoor apps out there to download and use - although I'm never entirely sure how useful these apps actually are.  

First up: TreeHugger reports on a new National Park App available for iPhones that allows users to learn about park history, dangerous and poisonous species, maps, wildlife profiles, and even bird or animal calls.  The app covers the major parks, including Glacier, Yosemite, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, etc.   Having spent some time in many of these places, I'm pretty sure AT+T needs to work on getting service to these places…although if someone builds another freaking cell tower in a National Park, I may finally loose it.

Second: OnTheSnow.com released its OnTheSnowGearGuide App for iPhone just yesterday.  If you're in the market for some new boards or other ski gear, this app is for you.  According to OnTheSnow, the app "provides detailed information on 230 pieces of ski and snowboard gear, boots, and bindings….A complete ski and snowboard gear glossary, action videos, and more information will be found on the app." 

Ok, so who the hell uses these things?  Seriously, I know how hard and awkward it can be to go into a store and ask a salesperson to help you find some skis or boots, but if you just breathe deeply and put on some fresh socks, I'll bet you find it a less frightening experience then you might imagine.  Or, you could borrow a book from your local library, which last time I checked, doesn't require batteries or a signal, can be used in the rain, and is just as free as the National Park app.