Bra maker Triumph has unveiled what it says is it's answer to helping reduce carbon emissions - the "Solar Energy Bra".

The green bra, both literally and symbolically, can generate a small amount of electricity, thanks to it's attached solar panel. This can only happen if it is exposed to sunlight or electric lighting.

In a demonstration, the model showed off the bra with an electric board which flashed a "save the earth" message as light came on and off it.

The electric power of the bra is strong enough to charge a cell phone or an i-Pod.

Following in the environmentally-friendly glow of its 'Chopstick' and 'No Shopping Bag' brassieres, the German firm's newest bra fits snugly near the solar plexus,receiving and redistributing the sun's bounty.

Model Yuko Ishida said the bra leaves her with a warm, ever-green feeling. "It is very comfortable and I really feel involved in eco-friendly efforts as well," Ms Ishida says.

'Impracticalities'

Like in all currents, contact with water is a no-no, so washing the solar bra or trying to sun oneself on a rainy day is not advised.

The solar energy bra will not be in stores anytime soon.

"It might be difficult to put it to practical use considering people usually cannot go outside without wearing clothes over it, and there may be few places like a balcony or a garden in your house where you can use it outside," says Yoshiko Masuda, spokeswoman at Triumph International.

The Japanese government has set the target of reducing the nation's greenhouse gas emissions by six percent by 2012 from the 1990 level. Since 2007, the government has been actively campaigning for people to adjust their lifestyles and make efforts to achieve this goal.