Let it Blow: How to Harness the Wind at Home

You can't see or hold it—but you can still use wind's power to entertain and edify on a blustery day.

Flying a kite is one of life's uplifting pleasures. This MINI POWER KITE from Uncommon Goods comes in recycled packaging that encases not only the petite soarer but also string, a handle, and a drawstring pouch. UncommonGoods is a Certified B corporation, which means it operates environmentally and ethically. $15

What to do with those pieces of printed paper you set aside to reuse? Send 'em aloft! There's no one better to teach you how than John M. Collins, author of THE NEW WORLD CHAMPION PAPER AIRPLANE BOOK. The book comes with tear-out model planes, plus 20 designs to let you transform any sheet of paper into a soaring origami glider. $17

Move over, Lego. This WIND POWER KIT from Marbles comes with an array of pieces that you can assemble in various ways to learn about aerodynamics, kinetic energy, and wind-power mechanics. The resulting mini-turbines from all that tinkering generate enough energy to illuminate an LED or charge a battery. $50

In art school, Colorado wood carver Tom Larkin overheard two students talking about how to make a log whistle in the wind. Fascinated, he has tinkered with wood and breezes ever since. The result is this WIND WHISTLE (sold on Etsy), which he handcrafts from mahogany or cedar. Mount a few of these sturdy pieces around the yard, and they'll spin and produce rich musical tones. $15

Display old-fashioned country goodness (and never again wonder which way the wind blows) with Bonafide's ROOSTER WEATHERVANE, which is handcrafted in the United States from recycled aluminum. $37

--Avital Andrews

photos by Lori Eanes (4); kite photo courtesy UncommonGoods