Energy-reducing Electronics for Greener Days

By Matt Hirschfeld
Published on September 23, 2008
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No need for plug-in chargers, all you need to do is plug them into any USB ports.
No need for plug-in chargers, all you need to do is plug them into any USB ports.
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The solar bags' panels come in three colors: silver, orange and green.
The solar bags' panels come in three colors: silver, orange and green.
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This digital clock runs on salt water; no batteries required!
This digital clock runs on salt water; no batteries required!

USBCELL AA Batteries– Rechargeable batteries can sometimes seem too troublesome with the clunky recharging unit. The USBCELL batteries’ chargers are in the battery; all you need to do is plug them into a USB port and you are ready to go. About three billion batteries are thrown away each year in the United States, and rechargeable batteries can help cut down on the 100,000 tons of waste that results. (2 pack- $17.49)

Bedol Water-Powered Clock– Salt water powers the clock, and it can go weeks without a refill. It needs only a dash of table salt in the water mixture to stay powered, and small amounts of salt added when needed (about every two weeks). A faded display will tell you it’s time to refill with some fresh salt water (it will keep the time for two minutes while being refilled). It’s available in four colors: blue, green, orange and charcoal. ($16)

Voltaic Solar Bags– Using solar energy has now become convenient. Solar panels line the outside of the bags and can produce up to 14.7 watt of energy, which can fully charge a typical laptop from a day in the sun. All the bags also include a battery back to store any energy generated, so you can use the energy when you need it. The bag material is also made from recycled PET (No. 1) plastic. ($200 – $600)

More about green gadgets

• Find out how Google’s PowerMeter could help you save on energy bills.

• Charge batteries, MP3 Players and phones with a solar charger.

• Find local food with your iPhone or iTouch.

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