Are energy saving gadgets really green?
I’ve always thought ‘energy saving’ gadgets to be a bit of an oxymoron in the green world; does it make sense to buy something in order to help you reduce your carbon footprint?
I mean, if we were all purists we’d just turn off that light, switch off the computer or go outside for a walk rather than using electric equipment wouldn’t we?
The trouble is, with the best intentions in the world we’re creatures of habit, born into a consumerist society who crave a bit of convenience. I discovered first hand that buying a remote control switch to turn off the router and computer peripherals at night time WAS in fact a good investment. Sure I was a bit embarrassed to admit it, but hey guess what; in less than 6 months this baby will have paid for itself and will be saving me money on my fuel bills whilst reducing my carbon footprint.
Today then I thought I’d highlight three green gadgets that I DO think are worth the investment and have become part of our energy saving lifestyle at home.
Energy monitors
Is it time to switch from waiting anxiously for your electricity bill to actually taking control of the amount you use? Energy monitors can save you up to 20% on your fuel bills. These work by showing you, right in your face, how much electricity you are using in real time. I can’t begin to tell you how much this encourages you to change your habits and it’s kinda FUN too! Little Miss Green loves being the ‘monitor police’ when those lights flash up or the alarm sounds and it gets us all rushing around the house to see what has been left switched on.
Solar powered chargers
While these aren’t fast to use, using solar powered chargers to trickle-charge your small gadgets such as mobile phones is a fab way to communicate for free. It gives you peace of mind too; you’ll never be without battery power to make an emergency call.
Wind up torches
We LOVE our wind up torches here at Chez Green. Little Miss Green can be heard winding into the night in order to finishing a captivating book under the covers. We keep them dotted around the house for power cuts, in the car for finding the keyhole at night time and we each keep one in our bags – living in semi-rural England a wind-up torch is mighty handy and it saves on using disposable batteries.
What about you – do you have a favourite ‘green’ gadget that you’d recommend?
Where we live you can borrow an energy monitor from the library along with your libray books. I have not borrowed it yet but I must.
we have three flashlights (torches for Brits) which function by shaking..the dynamos recharge the coil and emit a clear bluish ray..they are dependable and handy in tornado alley..we only use them during ice storm black-outs but check on them periodically to see if they are still functional after several years.
i am going to inquire about energy monitors..when i pay my bill. i am as excited as miss G, to see where we use most electricity..
@chris levey: That’s a fantastic idea Chris and I like the community aspect of that too. Thanks for sharing and DO borrow it, it will change your life (well, at least your electricity bill!)
@nadine sellers: Brilliant; I remember LMG had one of those torches; she seems to collect them – I must find out if she still has it somewhere 😉
I am looking for a Solar Barrery Charger for AAA and AA bateries Can you recommend any.
@chris levey: Hi Chris, I’ve had a couple of my time and I’m not really sure I can advise you. I can’t really see much difference between them. I guess taking a look at some review sites might be a good idea? I also find Amazon good for reading ‘real’ reviews…
@chris levey: For as far as I know there arent´t any good ones. But you van buy solar chargers for mobiles.