GREEN GIFT GUIDE 2008: Green Gadget Gifts
Every year we’re excited to see more and more exciting innovations in the clean tech industry, and happily many of these advancements are finally trickling down to greener consumer gadgets. From renewable mobile energy sources to greener materials and manufacturing, today’s gizmos are smarter, smaller, and more efficient than ever before. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite clean green devices that are sure to bring holiday cheer to the gadget geeks in your life.
BEDOL WATER-POWERED CLOCK – $16
This small, minimalist clock uses only water to power its time keeping. Its makers say that adding a little lemon helps to keep it running smoothly and that its water supply should be replenished from time to time. The clock comes in a variety of colors, including charcoal, blue, green, and orange.
FREEPLAY COMPANION RADIO – $32
This solar-powered all-in-one gadget includes a radio, flashlight, and cellphone charger. A solar panel and a hand crank supply all the energy it needs. In direct sunlight, the Companion has the ability to both charge and play continuously while a fully charged battery will give 12 hours of play time and 16 hours of shine time.
USBCELL AA BATTERIES – $18
These standard AA batteries can be re-charged through any USB port. Each battery comes with a colorful green cap that pulls back to reveal a port, and then snapped back into place for use.
MUJI CARDBOARD SPEAKERS – $42
These no-nonsense speakers from Japanese retailer MUJI, are light, collapsible devices that can be stored away when not in use. Their streamlined, functional aesthetic is the signature mark of the brand which emphasizes innovation in materials, processes, and packaging.
CITIZEN’S ECO-DRIVE WATCH – $135
This elegant timepiece is powered by solar light, which means that it requires no batteries or winding. It combines a stainless steel case with a black leather band and though we do wish its leather band were more environmentally friendly, we certainly applaud its use solar technology and its minimalist aesthetic.
BOGO LIGHT – $39 to $49
The BoGo light is a colorful solar flashlight that uses a solar panel to charge its six powerful LED lights. With a shock and water-resistant case, this flashlight is sure to come in handy in any situation. And if that isn’t tantalizing enough, BoGoLight (BoGo standing for Buy One, Give One) will give one BoGo light to someone in need for every flashlight light you buy.
$39 to $59 from SunNight Solar
NOON SOLAR LOGAN BAG – $452
Modern and eco chic, this messenger bag has plenty of room to carry around all sorts of stuff for anyone’s everyday needs, plus it charges gadgets using a lithium-ion rechargeable battery pack. Equipped with a solar panel front, the bag also features organic hemp/cotton lining and Bavarian leather that is chrome-free and naturally tanned and dyed.
POWERCOST ENERGY MONITOR – $150
Studies have shown that when the information is more available and monitorable, you’re more likely to conserve energy. The PowerCost Home Monitor can help you save up to 20 cents on every dollar you’re spending right now on your electricity bill – without changing your lifestyle. With a PowerCost Monitor you can tell at a glance how much electricity your home is consuming – moment-to-moment and in total.
DIY KYOTO WATTSON – £350
If you’ve got a little money to spend and are concerned about energy consumption, the DIY Kyoto Wattson makes a great holiday gift. The cute little device is essentially a stylish, souped-up energy meter that provides a simple means of understanding how much energy your home consumes. The gadget takes measurements of overall domestic energy consumption, then displays the reading both numerically and “non-verbally” with an ambient red light that dims according to how much power your electronics are sucking through the outlets. Although it’s made in the UK, you can order from anywhere in the world by emailing the DIY Kyoto people directly.
AMBIENT DEVICES ENERGY ORB – $150
We wrote about the Energy Orb back when it was a hacker project, but now PG&E has supported the technology and released the Energy Orb through Ambient Devices. The glowing orb monitors local energy grids to let you know when they’re maxed out and when is a good time to do your dishes and laundry.
