Green Gadgets November 26, 2007

     With the holiday season coming up, now is the perfect time to buy your friends and family gifts that are fun and useful, but also earth-friendly. Here are eight fun ones — I added a few of these to my holiday wish list (those that are available, that is!!).
1. Kill-a-Watt

 

 

This is a great gadget that will help you save money on your energy bill. By displaying consumption by kilowatt hour for each utility, you can determine which utilities are using the most energy. This can serve as a reminder to unplug certain electronics when they are not in use or it can let you know when it is time to replace the refrigerator because it is draining so much extra energy. Prices start at about $15.

 

 

 

 

 

      2. USB eco-strip
You probably know by now that even if a computer or a phone charger is not in use that it is still consuming energy (if not, check out an earlier blog about it!). The USB eco-strip is a simple way to avoid having to unplug yet will still reduce energy waste. In addition to all the regular features of a power strip with a surge protector, when the computer is shut down, the eco-strip will stop energy from running to any other electronics plugged into the strip. While this has been available in Europe since 2005, it just made its debut in the U.S. this past September. That being said, it will start being shipping in January 2008 and costs about $34 online, so keep your eye out for it soon!

 

      3. Water Powered Desk Clock

 

 

 

 

By turning this handy little device ninety degrees, you can find out the time, set an alarm, set a timer or find out the temperature. It uses a water-powered battery. Just add regular tap water every two to three months and this clock will keep running. If you will be out of town for awhile, you can extend the life of the battery by letting it dry out until you are ready to use it again. It’s about $22 or so when translated from pounds, and it does have to make the overseas journey, but it’s something to keep in mind–if not this year, then next — hopefully it’ll be closer to you then (assuming you’re in the US).

4. Bamboo Mouse
To give your computer mouse a sleek look, buy a bamboo one. Bamboo is a renewable resource so it is better for the environment than the typical plastic ones. It is actually a fast growing grass so harvesting is not so harmful to the environment. You can buy a bamboo keyboard and a bamboo monitor as well to create a more Zen work environment. The mouse is about $34 dollars. That being said, I have two caveats for this: 1) get one only if the person whom you are giving it to (could be yourself!) needs a mouse, instead of throwing out a perfectly good mouse; and 2) it’s shipped from Japan, so if you’re going to order it, make sure you offset the emissions from the journey!

5. Boblbee solar iPod case
This iPod case will allow you to travel to the ends of the earth while listening to your favorite tunes. It will allow you to fully recharge your iPod after 8 to 10 hours of sunshine. As an added bonus, the case is both shockproof and waterproof. You can just clip it on a belt loop and be on your way. But, like other cool toys soon to be on the market, pricing is still forthcoming.

6. Universal Hybrid Charger
This charger will work with just about all electronic devices, just by changing the adaptor tip. It is equipped with a solar panel so that you can charge your devices without ever plugging in to an outlet. When the charger is at full capacity, it can completely charge a cell phone or provide 10 hours of MP3 music. Created with hikers in mind, you can just clip this charger to a backpack so it is getting sun while you are on the go. There are many different types — the Solio one featured here runs about $79.

      7. Iqua Sun Solar Powered Bluetooth headset

 

 

Since many people wear their Bluetooth headsets all the time, a solar powered once certainly seems logical. This Bluetooth headset can recharge itself as you are running out to get your lunch, or eating your lunch in the park. This will provide 9 hours of talk time or 200 hundred hours of standby time. The headset is sold through Orange shops, from the UK. It retails for about 50 pounds.

 

 

 

      8. Solar Powered Keyhole LED Light

 

 

Do you ever get to your front door at night and realize that you forgot to put on an outdoor light? You end up fumbling around with your keys trying to get the key in the keyhole. Those days are now over. The Solar Powered Keyhole LED Light can be installed just above the lock. It has a low light level solar panel to keep the battery charged. By pressing a button, you can turn the light on for 10 seconds before it automatically switches off. It even comes with interchangeable colors (brass, chrome and white) so that you can match it to the hardware on your door. Again, this can be found on UK sites (surprise, surprise!) and retails for about 13 pounds.

I think that’s enough to wet your appetite for now. Needless to say, there are many gadgets coming out, so keep an eye out — and for the ones above that are not yet officially on the market! For the ones that are shipped, especially internationally, remember to offset the transportation footprint at the very least!

Greening Your Holidays — The 12 Days of Green November 18, 2007

The holiday season can be a particularly excessive time of year – but it doesn’t have to be. By taking a few conscientious steps, reducing waste, bills and guilt can be as easy as gaining 5 lbs on Thanksgiving!

1. Holiday lighting can give you that warm fuzzy feeling but it can also devour energy and inflate your bills. LED holiday lights use 90% less energy and can be found at Target, Costco and Ace Hardware. Don’t forget to turn off your lights when you go to bed!

2. Eat as local and organic as possible. Find local farms here.

3. Get creative with your wrapping. Most wrapping paper can’t be recycled and ends up in landfills. Avoid contributing to this epidemic by giving gifts in reusable bags, wrapped in scarves or wrapped in magazines and newspapers.

4. Give gifts that give. So many presents end up in the back of the closet or covered in dust on a shelf. This year, try showering people with useful gifts that are good for the planet like reusable bags, rechargeable batteries, charitable donations or gifts that benefit the greater good. If the present is going long distance, buy online and ship directly from the source to lighten your footprint (or offset the carbon emissions from transportation!).

5. Burn sustainably. Don’t ruin a perfectly green holiday with conventional petroleum-based candles. Beeswax and soy candles make great green alternatives!

6. E-send your love. Getting holiday cards in the mail can be touching but it’s not the greenest practice when you consider the paper and fuel involved in the gesture. Why not send e-cards to your loved ones and donate the would-be postage to a good cause instead?

7. Decorate naturally. With global warming, we’ll probably be more in need of frost in a can but it will only make matters worse with its toxins. Hop in a time machine and decorate with popcorn and cranberry strings. After all, retro is always in style.

8. Treat yourself to a sustainable tree. If you’re in the market for a Christmas tree, a Hanukkah bush or a New Year’s shrub, consider a potted live one that you can keep inside or plant in the yard after the holidays. Don’t have the space? Then try to buy from an organic tree farm instead of one that uses tons of pesticides.

9. Reuse holiday ware. Who cares about the Joneses. These days, it’s all about keeping up with the Greens. Don’t be afraid to use the same holiday table settings each year – it’s better for the environment and your wallet. Just make sure to include some cloth napkins in your tradition.

10. Travel greenly. If you’re spending the holidays elsewhere, explore eco-tourism.

11. Donate, donate, donate! Got new organic clothes? Donate your old ones to a thrift store. Got gifts you don’t like but can’t return? The thrift store would love to have them.

12. Recycle, recycle, recycle! Got new electronics? If your old ones are broken and can’t be donated, find out where and how to recycle them.

And most importantly – HAVE FUN!

aLOHAS November 16, 2007

In case you haven’t heard, green consumerism is a $230 billion industry. So what company wouldn’t want in? The green market (referred to as LOHAS – Lifestyles of Health & Sustainability) is comprised of consumers (Lohasians) who care about not only the quality of the products they purchase but also the quality of the companies behind them. That’s why as this market segment has grown significantly over the past few years, so has the number of businesses implementing sustainable practices.

Companies like Wal-Mart and GE have been successful at garnering tons of publicity for their green efforts. Microsoft, Ikea, Nike and now Target have all agreed to phase out PVC (a toxic plastic), inarguably to appeal to LOHAS. As a result of this movement, many new jobs have been created within companies like these to carry out sustainability efforts. Corporate Social Responsibility departments and Sustainability Directors are just a few examples.

However, these positions may not always be granted enough authority to enact the necessary policies towards sustainablity – perhaps because these titles look good to outsiders but don’t necessarily cause a complete overhaul of the existing business.  In addition, many consumers are skeptical that the corporation’s green claims are indeed legitimate. Fortunately for consumers, finding information about a company’s practices (both good and bad) is a simple google search away!

Residential Tax Incentives for Energy Efficient Homes November 9, 2007

With winter approaching and the cost of oil skyrocketing, many homeowners are concerned about their heating and electric bills. By making some energy efficient changes in your home, not only will you lower you bills, you may also be eligible for federal or state tax incentives.

By installing energy efficient windows, doors and roofs, as well as insulation and energy efficient heating and cooling equipment, you can receive a one-time Federal tax credit worth up to $500. The following are the amounts allowed for each product and installation:

• 10% of the total cost of exterior windows, including skylights and storm windows (maximum amount is $200)
• 10% of the cost of insulation, exterior doors or pigmented metal roofs, including seals to limit air infiltration (maximum amount is $500)
• $300 for the purchase and installation of energy efficient HVACs, such as central air conditioners and air source heat pumps, and geothermal heat pumps, and for water heaters
• $150 for the purchase of certain gas, oil, propane furnaces or hot water boilers; and/or $50 for an efficient air-circulating fan in a furnace, including the installation cost.
• 30% of the cost of solar water heating and photovoltaic systems (maximum amount is $2,000)
• 30% of the cost of fuel cells (up to $1000 per kW of power that can be produced)

For more details about specific requirements, see the Energy Star site. Form 5695 is the form that needs to be filled with the IRS to receive residential energy credits.

Note: The above do not apply to new construction; however, there are available tax credits for new homes that use photovoltaics, solar water heating and fuel cells. The tax incentives for the construction of new energy efficient homes has been extended until December 31, 2008. The installation of solar equipment in homes has also been extended as well. The other improvements listed above have not been extended and are slated to end December 31, 2007.

House members, such as Congressman Brian Baird, have worked to introduce legislations to extend the incentives through 2013. If you would like to contact your congressman (please, please do!!), do so here.

Many states have additional incentives that are available to homeowners. Below are just a few examples. Check your state government websites or the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency for more information. Below are some examples:

1. NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority) provides an incentive amountof $4-5/watt (DC rated capacity) for approved, grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems. While this program ends in 2007, it will likely be extended through 2009.
2. CPUC (California Public Utilities Commission) has a program called California Solar Initiatives that has an incentive up to $1500 for retrofitting systems for solar water heating.
3. Central Florida Gas, as part of their Residential Home Builder Energy Efficient Rebate Program, offers a Utility Rebate Program where homeowners can receive the following:

• $450 per installed Gas Tankless heater
• $350 per installed Gas Water Heater
• $350 per installed Gas Furnace
• $100 per installed Gas Clothes Fryer
• $100 per installed Gas Range

So, check and see what’s available in your state, and contact your representative to make sure that the federal incentives get extended for at least a few more years — we have a long ways to go to green residences, and incentives are a great way to speed up the process!