Earth lovers take notice: solar power has landed at Estella in the form of this solar-powered helicopter. So toss out those AAA's (wherever you're supposed to safely dispose of them) and go green with this gorgeous little birch wood helicopter. The mesmerizing solar rotor spins forever with a beam of light (natural or bulb). Doing good has never been so easy or so much fun.

As Seen in The New York Times, Sunday Style Section Nov. 25, 2007. "This solar-powered helicopter tops our list of must-haves." Nursery.apartmenttherapy.com (via Estella)

Getting children excited about alternative energy sources is often just a matter of exposure. It's going to happen at a different time for every kid, but at some point, a child who plays with this helicopter alongside battery-operated toys will realize that this is all the more profound (and less prone to periodically halting operation). Of course, by then, your child will likely be demanding that this thing actually fly; but, by then, maybe it will. (via Gotham206)

If we are really going to help this planet become a little greener, than we should probably be helping our children to grow up with the idea that alternative energy sources, sustainable management of resources, and efficient use of energy are all just common sense. Let them grow up with solar, and we will find ourselves in a world filled with solar. Let them grow up in a world filled with organic foods and eco-friendly products, and they will continue that trend.

So why not start by teaching your favorite youngster about solar with this solar-operated helicopter? The propeller will keep on spinning, as long as there is a light source, and you will be free of your AA batteries forever.