Throughout history, advances in technology have often caused new environmental problems. But in today’s world, manufacturers are more aware of the impact their products have on the earth. This has led to big advancements in eco technology, from rechargeable batteries to eco cars.
One market where this is particularly apparent is electroni cs. New green gadgets are hitting the shelves all the time, offering alternatives to the short-lived and unsustainable devices that we’ve become accustomed to. Here are some of the top green devices for 2013.
• Light bulbs – Governments in many countries, including the United States, are working on phasing out the inefficient incandescent light bulbs that we all grew up with. Compact fluorescent bulbs are readily available to take their place, but manufacturers have also been working on other alternatives. LED light bulbs have shown a great deal of promise, but only recently have designs come forth that are capable of effectively lighting an entire room. The Switch75 LED light bulb is one such design. It turns on instantly, can last up to 25,000 hours and contains a cooling mechanism that helps save energy.
• Device chargers – Cell phone chargers are notorious for wasting energy when left plugged in after the phone is charged. But a number of manufacturers are starting to take advantage of eco technology to produce more eco-friendly chargers. AT&T has introduced a line of chargers that are made of 30% post-consumer recycled plastic and use little or no energy in standby mode.
• Solar battery cases – A good case for your cell phone, tablet or other portable device can make it look nice and provide protection. Many of today’s cases also double as battery backups or chargers, and a growing number can be recharged with solar power. These cases offer convenience when electric power isn’t readily available, and they help reduce the need for fossil fuels.
• Televisions – Flat-screen TVs are far more eco-friendly than their CRT predecessors, but there’s still room for improvement. Manufacturers such as Philips and Sony have risen to the challenge, creating new models with interesting eco technology features such as sensors that switch the set to low-power mode when no one is in the room. There’s also a growing movement toward the use of sustainable materials and practices in the manufacture of televisions.
• Energy usage monitors – One of the hottest categories of green devices today is the home energy monitor. This piece of eco technology works with your smart meter to gather information about energy consumption in the home and shows where you can cut back. Such a monitor can help you achieve huge energy savings.
Eco cars are great for conserving energy, but even the smallest devices can make a big impact. Look for these and other smart applications of eco technology in 2013 and beyond.