I come across people regularly who claim to hate technology. Yes hate… such a strong word to use when using your smartphone to find the cheapest gas around or using an iPad to complete work from the comfort of a coffee house. Those same individuals feel lost without their gadgets, internet and even their alarm clocks.
There are very few things we do in life these days that don’t require technology. The problem is that often using these devices wastes a lot of energy which takes a toll on our environment. Fear not, we are constantly making strides to improve that. Proof is in these 3 must have energy efficient gadgets of 2013.
Logitech Solar Charged Keyboards
Solar power isn’t necessarily brand new but these keyboards are becoming more accessible and provide you with a convenient and functional way to work and play. Logitech has a wireless keyboard powered by solar energy. This keyboard charges in any light. This includes a desk lamp, sunlight or even a dimly lit room. You will need two AA batteries, but when it comes to convenience and efficiency you can’t beat it..
Efergy Shower Timer and Alarm
According to thinkprogress.org, Americans wasted 7 billion gallons of drinking water a day in 2011. Likewise California Estimates that by 2020 they will experience water shortages that are comparable to the needs of anywhere between 4-12 million families of four. It’s not too late for us to change the outcome. It just takes each of us doing our part. With the Efergy Shower Timer and Alarm you can monitor the amount of water you use. Just set the timer to a specific amount and an alarm will sound when you have exceeded the limit. You will live without taking long showers, will California survive without water?
Lutron’s Maestro Occupancy Light Switch
Remember the days of screaming at your kids to turn off the lights? It’s likely your parents did the same thing, but those days are coming to an end. These fancy light switches detect when no one is in the room. When you reenter the lights will magically come back on. The best part is that these lights detect natural sunlight, meaning they only come on when necessary.
If you don’t currently have these gadgets I recommend that you put some serious thought into changing that. In the meantime you can download apps such as Kill-Ur-Watts on your very intelligent phones. This particular app helps to monitor your energy consumption and will devise a plan to help you save on your electric bill while decreasing your carbon footprint, you can also use power strips instead of an outlet to charge your devices, as well as unplug them when you are not using them to conserve maximum amounts of energy.
Technology is changing every day and new advances are constantly being made to help our environment, but if we don’t take advantage of these advances it doesn’t really matter. The action has to start at home and hopefully through all you learn you will share with others. The end result being a domino effect of energy conscious Americans that are helping sustain our environment for future generations.
