8,863 Views - Click for Slideshow What I love most about writing for Trend Hunter is that I have the opportunity to shed light on the incredible things that make life worthwhile. Far more than there are tragedies, there are miracles happening, incredible discoveries being made, masterpieces being created and beauty and love flowing. Even though we’re not always aware of it, inspiration is abundant in our lives. Trend Hunter has long been my favourite tool to reconnect with the awareness of the exquisiteness that is our planet’s most innate offering. This slide show includes some of the most amazing finds Trend Hunters have discovered that are making the world even better. Via: trendhunter

Straight Support (GALLERY)

Brad Pitt Donates $100,000 To Fight For Gay Rights

Brad Pitt is well known for his support to charities and good causes, from donating the millions he and his partner Angelina Jolie receive for their much-hyped magazine covers to housing and rebuilding…
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Inspirational Ads (VIDEO)

Deaf Violinist for Pantene Chrysalis Shampoo

Every once in awhile, a truly jaw-dropping inspirational commercial captures our attention. P&G;haircare brand Pantene and ad agency Grey Worldwide in Thailand have created a four-minute ad that features…
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Star-Studded Activism (VIDEO)

Stand Up to Cancer Telethon

Just Stand Up 2 Cancer had a star-studded performance of “We Are the World"-like proportions on Friday night when 15 different divas sang the “Just Stand Up” single for the Stand Up to Cancer concert.…
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Fashion Buying Technology (VIDEO)

Ralph Lauren's QR Codes and Interactive Windows

While a lot of people still don't know it, Ralph Lauren is a fashion house that is really ahead of the curve, when it comes to integrating technology with fashion and shopping, as well as in the range…
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Viral Peace Initiatives (VIDEO)

The Dalai Lama Handshake Revolution

There are so many mixed feelings about the Beijing Olympics. China's record on human rights issues has been deplorable, but the spirit of international camaraderie that the Olympics brings to the world…

Tribute: 'Last Lecture' Professor Dies (VIDEO)

Inspirational Randy Pausch

Inspirational Randy Pausch, the 'Last Lecture' professor, passed away today. Randy was a Carnegie Mellon professor who created a legacy tour based on the importance of following your childhood dreams…

Social Justice Bracelets (VIDEO)

The 46664 Nelson Mandela Bangle by Montblanc

A bangle of hope is a new addition to Nelson Mandela's innovative 46664 HIV/Aids campaign. These classy bracelets were launched by Montblanc and the Mandela Foundation from South Africa. Nelson Mandela's…

Celebrities Teaching Children to Count (VIDEO)

Feist on Sesame Street

Feist's recent appearance on Sesame Street made its way to YouTube and is now officially moving quickly toward becoming viral, on its way to being huge. Launching off of the huge viral success of the…

Green Celebrity Dream Cars (GALLERY)

The Tesla Roadster & Stars Who Love It

The Tesla Roadster is one of the most-desired cars of the future. The eco-friendly electric supercar has car aficionados and celebrities as anxious to check them out as the rest of us. 1,000 customers…

Health Management Mobiles (GALLERY)

The Pantech Inhealth Cell Phone

The Pantech Inhealth cell phone designed by Kristina Lee is a device geared towards the health-conscious person. The concept phone keeps tabs on your workouts and manages your diets by using the eNose…

Designer PSAs

Karl Lagerfeld Road Safety Campaign

Karl Lagerfeld, the head of design at Chanel, is the new model for a road safety campaign. It's a very peculiar choice for Herr Lagerfeld, but an excellent idea to merge fashion and awareness. The ad provides…

Floating Ecopolis for Climate Refugees (GALLERY)

The Lilypad

This ecotectural marvel built by Vincent Callebaut could serve as a luxurious future retreat for 50,000 inhabitants seeking refuge from rising waters due to global warming. Dubbed the Lilypad, the floating…

Vibrating Bracelets for the Deaf (GALLERY)

The Vibering for Safety

The Vibering by designers Kwang-seok Jeong, Min-hee Kim and Hyun-joong Kim is a very ingenious sound detection and identification system to help the deaf and hard of hearing capture the sounds around them…

Ergonomic Relaxation Workstations

The SurfChair

Internet addicts just got another shot in the arm with the ergonomic SurfChair workstation. The brain child of Kenneth Lylover, the SurfChair is designed to mimic the laid back, relaxed style of a La-Z…

7 Green Credit Cards + HSBC ecosmart MasterCard

It seems each week another credit card company is offering eco-incentives. This week it was HSBC ecosmart MasterCard was unveiled. Other eco-friendly credit cards on the market include: Bright Planet…

Kids Safety Cell Phones (GALLERY)

OKids

Designed by Nam Sung-kyu, OKids is a product that targets kids aged 5-6 years. Its quasi-gaming interface and unfolding heart and pill shape reminds children of how much they're loved. The design of the…

Yoga Street Signs (GALLERY)

Directions for good Health

Sharmila's yoga classes in Hyderabad, India have become really popular thanks to some really clever advertising by ad agency, Mindset. The ads, which direct people to the location of Sharmila's classes,…

Online Medical Records

Google Health

Google has released a new service that will allow people to track their medical records online. Google Health will track all your medical visits as well as track your tests results. The password protected…

Slimming Fitness Sandals (GALLERY)

FitFlops

Just in time for summer, here's a sandal that helps you tone up your gams. FitFlop recreates the feeling of walking barefoot in the sand, working the calf, hamstring, thigh and gluteus muscles. The multi-density…

Charity Galas for AIDS (GALLERY)

Life Ball 2008

From former US president Bill Clinton, actresses Sharon Stone and "Sex and the City" siren Kim Cattrall to Supermodel Linda Evangelista and hundreds of scantly clad models and attendees: only the 16th…

Sign Language Translators (GALLERY)

HandTalk Glove

The sassy term, "talk to the hand" takes on a whole new meaning with HandTalk, a sensor equipped glove that translates finger and hand gestures into spoken words on a cell phone. The motivation behind…

Microlending Credit Cards

KivaB4B Doubles Grants

Kiva.org has been cited several times in Trend Hunter because the microfinance site is just so awesome! The latest from Kiva is that they partnered with Advanta Bank, one of the largest issuers of credit…

Inspirational Community Goal Sharing

43Things.com

Hearing the aspirations of others can be really inspiring, and it's exactly the premise behind 43things.com, a community dedicated to sharing goals and things that motivate people. The site is open for…

Edible Dishes

Biodegradable Picnic Ware

The perfect cutlery for nature lovers, this four-piece set is made from 100% biodegradable cassava. The set comprises cassava plates, bowls and cups plus wooden spoons, forks and knives. The crockery is…

Free Digital Newspapers

Earth Day Initiative Saves Trees

If you're looking for a way to take part in Earth Day this year, but don't have time to do participate in an urban cleanup, why not sign up for 600 free newspapers on PressDisplay? Switching to digital…

Eco-friendly Condoms

Green Johnny From The Amazon

Natex, a Brazilian company founded by the Public Health Ministry and the government of the federal state of Acre, will manufacture male preservatives from pure natural latex extracted from the Amazon rainforest…

Animals of the Future (GALLERY)

Exhibit Showcases Future Climate Change and Evolution

During a virtual safari, visitors of the Futuroscope in Poitiers (France) can learn about future animals. The exposition shows how the fauna of our planet evolve over the next million years. It is not…

Green School Uniforms (GALLERY)

Recycled Bottle Blazers

Schools in the UK can now dress their students in a uniform made entirely from old Coca-Cola bottles, which will help them meet their carbon footprint targets. New advances in flaking, chipping and spinning…

Eco-Friendly Smart Phones (GALLERY)

Greener Grass LINC

With new phone models and fads popping up each few months, people do not hold onto their phones as long as they used to. And let's be honest, not everyone is motivated enough to recycle their old phone.…

Hip Study Spaces (GALLERY)

Ørestad College

Seriously! If we'd had colleges that looked like this, some of us might have stayed long enough to graduate! But then again, Ørestad College in Copenhagen, Denmark is just about the the coolest study…

Vertical Farming (Part III) (GALLERY)

Toronto Sky Farm

There are several vertical farms proposed from major cities around the world. We've already told you about the one being built in Las Vegas, now here's one that's been proposed for Toronto. SKYFarm,…

Eco-Friendly Parliament Buildings (GALLERY)

Reichstag, Berlin

When you see this illuminated dome you probably don't think, "Ooh, that's the most eco-friendly looking piece of architecture I've ever seen," but I'll have to remind you that looks can be very deceiving.…

Free Plane Tickets

ULCCS Like RyanAir Offer Free Flights

Being able to travel is a luxury, right? We say this not only because of time, but because literally the cost of accommodation and the flight fare alone can leave a horrendous dent in your bank account.…

Hip Folding Wheelchair for Kids

Mex'x Wheelchair

Innovation for children's health is fantastic, which is why it's so great to see the Mex'x Wheelchair for Children by Meyra-Ortopedia among six other finalists in the Brit Insurance Designs of the Year.…

Biodegradable Cell Phone (GALLERY)

Bamboo Phone Sprouts Seeds After Composting

This is a truly incredible cellular phone that has taken modern recycling methods and environmental consciousness into major consideration. The Bamboo phone is not only biodegradable, but when it is thrown…

Anti-Smog Architecture in Paris (GALLERY)

Vincent Callebaut's Green Innovation Centre

In a battle to claim title to world's cleanest cities, Paris has come up with a concept for anti-smog architecture. What looks like the top half of a drinking straw poking out of the water, and a giant…

Three-Wheeled Green Machine (GALLERY)

TREV Concept Car

Trev! What makes this little guy unique is that it was designed by the students at the University of South Australia. After spending several years in development, out spawn Trev, a three-wheeled green…

Microlending To Entrepreneurs (VIDEO)

Richard Branson Launches Virgin Money

Chief Trend Hunter, Jeremy Gutsche has identified microlending as one of the most significant world trends. Richard Branson has founded Virgin Money to facilitate such lending. The firm will formalize…

Negativity Refuse Bag (GALLERY)

Positive Thinking Gadget

New year, new life! Out with the old! Let’s throw away all that's useless! Yes, let’s purge your mind of all negativity of last year! The non-recyclable, negative emotions should go in this negativity…

Medic Alert Tattoos

Replacing Bracelets With Ink

Folks with certain medical conditions have worn Medic Alert Jewelry for years to warn paramedics and doctors of their diseases or allergies. There is now a growing trend with younger people displaying…

Indoor City 2 (GALLERY)

Crystal Island in Moscow

At 1500ft (450m) high, the Crystal Island project won’t be the tallest piece of architecture on the planet, but covering 27 million sq ft (2.5 million sq. m) of floor space, it will be gimungeous. Basically,…

HDR Photography (GALLERY)

The Secret to Mind-Blowing Photos

Don't invest in a fancier camera; buy better software. As megapixels reach their practical maximum, software is improving to heighten image quality. HDR, or High Dynamic Range photography, is quickly…

Portraits from Recycled Junk Mail (GALLERY)

Schimmel Art

It's true, the old saying, beauty really is in the eye of the beholder. Schimmel Art is created out of recycled junk mail, ads and flyer. While most people regard unsolicited mail as an inconvenience,…

Design Your Own Collection (GALLERY)

Customized Steve Madden Shoes & Bags

Release the inner designer in you, lurking just below the surface. Steve Madden allows you to design your own shoes and handbags, selecting the style, heels (for shoes) and color. You can even apply custom…

Comics to Motivate Youth

Howtoons Teach Recycling

What do you get when you have two geniuses from MIT creating two superhero comic book characters designed to motivate young people? You have a new comic book series called “Howtoons.” The superheroes…

Solar Power Wheelchair

The latest and greatest solar power invention is this wheelchair from Taiwan, allowing even the disabled to go green. The wheel chair, invented by a Southern Taiwan University of Technology research team,…

Haute Scarves for Education

Hermes Supports Lafayette College

Luxury designer, Hermes has released a limited edition commemorative scarf for the 250th Anniversary of Marqui de Lafayette's birthday. The idea came from Lafayette College as a fund raising idea, as LaFayette…

Brad Pitt's Eco-Friendly Initiative (GALLERY)

Pink Project Flood-Proofs New Orleans Homes

Brad Pitt and Friends (including 13 architectural firms) are raising money to build over 150 eco-friendly flood-proof homes in New Orleans, LA, in an area most devastated by hurricane Katrina. The project…

Fashion Crutches With Matching Bags (GALLERY)

Lemon Aid Crutches

Whilst cool crutches have been featured on Trend Hunter before, I think Lemon Aid Crutches stand out as they are more glam than stylish, with leopard prints and opulent fabrics featuring heavily. The story…

Free Courses Via Cell Phone

Softbank Classes from Cyber University

Japan is leading the world in new uses for cell phones, clearly indicated by the latest trend in taking college classes via mobile. Softbank offers classes from Cyber University. The class costs students…

Top 8 Tree Houses

Arboreal Abode Resorts & Commercial Projects (SUPER GALLERY)

Imagine a home in the canopies, living between the lush greeneries of the forest, in an actual house suitable for living. Hundreds of people are moving into these arboreal abodes thanks to companies like…

Dancing Dubaichitecture (VIDEO)

Self-Powered Dynamic Eco-Architecture

This is unbelievable; no one could watch this clip without being utterly blown away. Those on top of architectural trends probably won’t be surprised to hear that these self-powered "dancing" green buildings…

Sewage & Garbage As Fuel (VIDEO)

Hydrogen Fuel From Biodegradable Garbage

Finding a cheap way to produce hydrogen would be a big step toward reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. It would lower greenhouse gas emissions as burning hydrogen releases only water vapor. Researchers…

Giving 2.0 (VIDEO)

Global Enhancement Via Social Networks

What's the last thing you spent a dollar on? Coffee? Parking? The tax on your groceries? Bill Clinton started the Global Initiative (CGI), a fund that aims to share the wealth of the world. He is trying…

Hip, Healthy Boutique Hotels (GALLERY)

Naumi Redefines Luxury

Forget about only expecting in-room wireless and posh toiletries in the bath. To be up to today's standards, hotel rooms aren't complete without their own yoga mats and free organic teas, especially those…

Degree In Sustainable Living (VIDEO)

Maharishi University

Anyone who has ever wanted to be a professional tree hugger or become a green entrepreneur can start by joining Maharishi University's sustainability program. The Iowa University is the first post secondary…

Fortified Peanut Butter

Miracle Food Could Save Lives

Plumpy'nut is a peanut butter that has powdered milk and vitamins added to it to make a sweet paste-like food. 60 Minutes reviewed the product and mentioned it literally has the potential to save lives…

Braille Tattoos

Body Modifications For the Blind

A German student has invented braille tattoos. Until now, those without sight haven't been able to appreciate the skilled artwork behind body inking, but Klara Jirkova wants to change that. The University…

Contained Living Anywhere

Top 7 Shipping Container Houses

Trend Hunter has watched a sharp increase in demand for recycled houses constructed of old shipping containers. We can hardly contain our excitement on this one! Initially thought to be an affordable low-income…

RUF Packets Could End World Hunger

Food packets, or what is called ready-to-use food (RUF) may be the secret to helping end world hunger. Doctors Without Borders believe that by increasing shipments of RUF, millions of children could be…

Shipping Container Houses (Follow Up) (GALLERY)

The Illy House Blooms in 90 Seconds

At Trend Hunter, we've already seen houses made from shipping containers, but the Illy House can open 'like a flower' in just 90 seconds. Okay, that's innovative. Cool Hunter notes, "With the push of…

Simple Solar Shingles (GALLERY)

So Hot Right Now

Harvesting solar power has become... cool! Technology has come so far that there is now a flexible, roll-on shingle to compliment solar paint cells . Since the 1970's, homeowners switching to solar power…

Protect Your Fetus From Radiation

Mummywraps Force Field

Now, pregnant mothers can rest easy knowing that their unborn babies are protected from electro-smog. Electro-Magnetic Radiation (EMR) radiates from natural and man-made sources such as cellphones. Mummywraps…

Aptera Electric Car (GALLERY)

3-Wheeled Concept

This is the Aptera electric car, it is a three-wheeled electric car but what makes it different from other electric car, the thing is that it has a drag coefficient of 0.11 which means it is extremely…

The Gratitude Dance (VIDEO)

Applying The Law Of Attraction

If you haven't seen the Gratitude Dance yet, you're missing out. When Oprah featured The Secret on her show, it caught the attention of thousands, but left some questions unanswered. How do you apply it?…

Babymoons For Moms (VIDEO)

Pre-Birth Getaways

How unfair would it be for your child to enter the world of a stressed out mother? Pre-birth “babymoons” are the just the way to prevent this type of maternal anxiety. Moms-to-be are realizing that emotional…

Eco Engagement Rings (GALLERY)

Earth-Friendly Canadian Diamonds

Promise her the world, and show her you'll care for it as well. Gents, forget blood diamonds. To show your beautiful wife just how much she means to you, consider getting an earth-friendly engagement ring.…

Bicycle Vending Machine (GALLERY)

BikeDispenser.com

This urban bicycle-rental stand was one of the winners of the 2007 Spark Design & Architecture Awards. It's supposed to work like a U-Haul with one way trips to other stands. The bikes would be equipped…

Plastic Surgery Embeded Bra (GALLERY)

MIM Technique Gives Lift Under The Skin

It is a bra. An internal bra. A permanent one. The Cup&Up;technique gives women the bigger breasts they want, but without all the snipping, clipping, slicing and dicing that comes with regular breast…

Heli Yoga

You already knew about heli-skiing and heli-hiking... but did you know about heli yoga? On a recent trip back to the Canadian Rockies, I discovered that Icefield Helicopter Tours in Alberta has launched…

Convertible Stiletto-Shoes (GALLERY)

Sheila's Heels For Women Who Drive

Driving in heels is difficult and uncomfortable. Of course there's always the option to take them off before starting the engine, but here's a much glamorous idea. Why not wear high heels stilettos that…

500 Years of Art in a Few Minutes (VIDEO)

Teaching Art History Through Morphing Technology

Whether you're lazy or just strapped for cash, this lightening--and enlightening--tour of 500 years of women in Western art is the new approach to art history. Traditional art historians may shudder at…

Vertical Gardens

Patrick Blanc is a French botanist and lanscaping and gardening expert. After many years of research and testing around the world, Blanc has created, developed and copyrighted the Vertical Garden, an…

Build Your Own Solar Panel Out of Pop Cans

If you like creating your own stuff and saving the world, you can now combine both your hobbies into one. This do it yourself enthusiast build his own solar panel using painted aluminum pop cans. Stylin.…

MBAs Without Borders

Are Doctors the only professionals that care about global aid? Obviously not, which is why the concept of MBAs Without Borders seems destined for success. MBAs Without Borders is a non-profit organization…

Carbon Neutral Flying

Silverjet is the World's First Eco-Stylish Airline

Silverjet, a new British airline, aims to become the global market leader in eco-friendly business class ‘luxury’ air travel. The company, which is currently only flying from NYC to London, has joined…

ReCellular Recycles Retro Phones (VIDEO)

Donate Your Old Cell Phone

The days of clunky cell phones are over. New mobile designs are being launched at top speeds, each one sleeker than the last, with more functions and tools that have become the “necessities” consumers…

Green Walls & Roofs from G-Sky (VIDEO)

Vancouver Turns A Healthy Shade of Green

With the popularity of green roofs, it’s only natural that green walls would follow. Several North American cities have been putting forth efforts to improve environmental conditions and promote a greener…

Miracle Fruit (VIDEO)

Ancient Berries Could Battle Obesity, Diabetes

Wouldn’t it be so much easier if healthier foods tasted like candy? That you could load up on sweet treats and eat as much sugary goodness as you want without worrying about an expanding waist line or…

3D Illusion Chalk Drawings (GALLERY)

Julian Beever is a chalk artist in the U.K. who specializes in three dimensional optical illusions. They are fantastic and very cool works of art. I had to do a double-take on some of his work as it was…

Real Life Junk Mail Removal

41Pounds.org Donates Profits to Charity

Did you check your mail today? Not your e-mail, I mean the regular mail,the paper kind. Anything good? Maybe some checks, a magazine, some bills, but what about the rest of that junk? Have you ever thought…

Global Learning From Verizon

Teachers Lecture From Mt. Everest

Remember the excitement in elementary school when your teacher announced he would be away for a few days? You and your classmates exchanged knowing grins in anticipation of slack classes with a sub who…

Enviropreneurship

When Environmentalism Met Business

If "Green Business" (by any other name) means business embracing the concepts of environmentalism, then Enviropreneurship (ENVP) means environmentalists learning the concepts of business. ENVP is about…

Healthy Living Concepts

Yelo Sanctuary Uses Sleep Therapy

Yelo is an entirely new concept in wellness. It is a sanctuary designed to help urbanites deal with the pressures of modern life through a unique combination of sleep and reflexology therapies. The new…

Battling Obesity with LittleChanges

Couple walks/cycles across US

Morton and Priscilla, 43, are a little over 1/16th of the way to exercising off obesity. After deciding she needed to makes some changes in her life, Priscilla made up her mind to become more conscious…

Fashionable Medical Bracelets

An innovative design duo has found a way to make wearing your medical alert bracelet fun and fashionable. With a line of beautiful bracelets marketed at both adults and children, Brisbane designers Lee-Anne…

Free University Education

Yale Joins MIT, Berkeley and Stanford With Free Courses Online

How many people can say they studied even one course at Yale University? That may be a thing of the past as Yale will be offering audio and video footage of lectures for free to the public (seven classes…

F-ck the Environment (GALLERY)

Diesel's Global Warming Ready Campaign

Diesel's latest advertising campaign is timely to say the least. The campaign depicts a drastically changed world, altered by the effects of Global Warming. Taking on a long time serious issue, but one…

Voluntourism

Volunteerism + Tourism

No longer do tourists have to just walk in and out of a very "interesting area" - they can actually VOLUNTOUR. The idea is to "combine travel and service" - says Voluntourism.org. It's "a really great…

L.A.S.E.R. Tag (VIDEO)

Laser Makes Every Building A Billboard

Graffiti Research Lab’s Laser tag system brings ‘Tagging’ out of a can and into the high-tech world we live in. GRL unleashed their system in Rotterdam, Netherlands, and is encouraging surrounding…

Bionic Eye Restores Sight to the Blind

Scientists have made incredible advancements in the development of technology that has the ability to restore sight. The first phase of development has successfully restored patients sight to the pont…

Check Your Diabetes Using Your Cellphone

The service called the t+ diabetes control system is an online mobile service that checks your diabetes and then mail the analysis to a doctor or a nurse who advise you on whether you require raising or…

Laughter Yoga (VIDEO)

Hysterical Exercise

Not enough laughter in your day? Maybe you should look for a Laughter Yoga club in your area. The idea of Laughter Yoga started in India and is big in California and growing in other parts of the world.…

McDonald's QR Codes Pull Up Nutritional Info on Camera Phones

A new "QR Code" on McDonald's packaging will let you pull up the nutritional information on your camera phone. Right now, McDonald's QR codes are being rolled out in Japan. From Calorie Lab: Known as…

Simplifying Donations

Charity Vending Machines

Appearing across Japan recently is something called the “charity vending machine,” which allows users to donate their change to such good causes as environmental conservation and child welfare at the push…
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Braille Wine Bottle

Feel your way around the worlds first braille enhanced bottle of wine which is lighting the way for blind wine drinkers everywhere. Although there is a braille wine "label" in existence this is the first…

Solar Powered Purse

Solar Panels on Clothing and Accessories?

The Power Purse is designed by doctroal student Jo Hynek. It combines 'fashion-friendly' solar panels with a handbag to ensure you've always got power to charge your cell phones and mp3 players. Price:…

Rent Designer Handbags Online

There are several companies which now offer designer handbags without designer price tags. These include "Bag, Borrow or Steal" in the US, "Be A Fashionista" in the UK, and now "Shoulder Candy" in Canada.…

Nike Donates $500,000 Field Made of Recycled Running Shoes

Nike has created a $500,000 track made entirely from recycled running shoes. The facility features a basketball court and running track. "We've discussed everything from soccer fields to Lord knows what.…

A Pink Taxi For Ladies Only

"Pink Ladies provides a ladies only private hire service, with safety always at the forefront. If you take all the pre-conceptions that you have about taxis or private hire and turn them upside down, you…

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