How much energy does it take to power those gadgets we use so often? According to the New Scientist, high-tech gadgets account for 15% of the home’s energy use, while used batteries leak toxic substances into the groundwater supply. We’ve compiled a list of the five best green gadgets, so that you can continue to enjoy the finer things in life without worrying about damaging the environment.
1. A Green Smartphone
Smartphones are great for staying connected but not so fantastic for the environment, especially if we’ve gotten into the habit of buying a new one each year. Not only does the constant recharging take it’s toll on your energy bill, but a concoction of toxic materials, including arsenic, PVC and lead, are used in the manufacturing process.
The Sony Xperia P is one of the greenest mobiles on the market right now. A handful of the most toxic chemicals have been cut down or eliminated from the manufacturing process, and the phone itself uses energy more efficiently than it’s competitors. While it isn’t solar-powered, you can further add to the phone’s green credentials by investing in a solar energy battery charger.
2. A Solar-powered Refrigerator
Considering upgrading your appliances this Christmas? NASA developed the SunDanzer Solar Refrigerator to reach the same low temperature as a regular fridge, without relying on the national grid. Simply hook it up to your existing solar panel system and enjoy a cool beer. It needs five hours of direct sunlight to charge for the whole day, but it can store excess energy for up to a week and comes equipped with a back-up battery too.
3. A ‘Next Generation’ Solar-panelled Radio
The Christmas tunes that you hear every year might not have changed in decades, but the devices playing them certainly have! You can unplug your Roberts SolarDAB Portable Radio and take it with you wherever you go. A solar panel mounted on top of the radio powers and charges the device for up to twenty hours, so you can enjoy your favourite radio show and never miss a minute due to dead batteries. Comes complete with an LED solar and battery indicator.
4. A Solar Energy Battery Charger
If you have a feeling that Father Christmas might be particularly generous with gadgets this year, then this is the product you need to keep batteries from going flat. Rechargeable batteries just got greener with the Solio Solar-powered Battery Charger. Reusing batteries prevents toxic chemicals from polluting landfills and tainting our groundwater supplies. It’s marketed as ‘made for iPhone,’ but you can use it to charge any of your devices, including mp3 player, smartphone and camera.
5. A Solar Robot for the Young and Young at Heart
This simple robotics kit for children – and those of us who never wanted to grow up – can be made into six different toys. Build a solar-powered windmill, helicopter, aeroplane, car, dog and even a steamboat. It’s made from recyclable parts, and the robot can alternatively be powered by a 60 watt light bulb on rainy days.
Want to do your part for the environment without compromising your lifestyle or your bank balance? Call us on 01621 827015 to find out more.
Image Credit: @flckr