green energy-savers

The Best Christmas Gift of All: Rechargeable Batteries

jplatt — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 09:00:00 -0500

Looking through this week's Rite Aid flyer, I was shocked to see not two, not three, but four different listings for disposable batteries -- including one "mega pack" of 16 AAs.

I know it's Christmas time, which means a lot of new toys that run on batteries, but isn't it time we made the switch to rechargeables?

Even better, how about we use this season to help everyone make the switch?

Rechargeable batteries obviously cost more than regular batteries. You need to buy a charger too, so the initial cost can be quite high (higher than a "mega pack," anyway). But the savings really add up in the long-run. Rechargeable batteries have longer life spans than disposables, so they ultimately cost less than having to buy new batteries every few weeks or months.

Disposable batteries are also a terrible pollutant when they aren't recycled properly -- and you can rest assured that most disposable batteries just end up in the trash, where they leach chemicals into the ground and water tables.

So consider this gift for yourself and your loved ones: a battery charger and a few packs of rechargeable batteries. Try to pick a charger that will handle multiple sizes of batteries, as well as the two main kinds of rechargeables, Ni-MH and Li-Ion. Give multiple types of batteries, too -- sizes and kinds, so your recipient can use them in a wide variety of devices.

If we really commit to this, we can totally phase out disposable batteries in a year or two. That's just as easy as our recent change to CFLs.

So give it a shot. Isn't it about time?

Fridge Door Open Too Long? Sound the Alarm!

jplatt — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 10:21:51 -0400

Does anyone in your house have an annoying tendency to stand in front of the fridge with the door open? Do your kids or your husband spend long minutes searching through the refrigerator or the freezer, letting the cold air out and wasting electricity?

Well, there's a solution. Many new refrigerators (like this Frigidaire) come with "door ajar" alams. If the door is open too long, the alarm sounds a reminder to shut it. This keeps the interior of the fridge from warming up and saves you a lot of energy that you would need to cool it back down again.

Of course, not every fridge has this feature, and no matter how bad your family member(s) may be, you don't need to buy a new fridge just to get an alarm.

If your current fridge doesn't have a door ajar alarm, you can also buy a simple magnetic door or window alarm and attach it to your fridge. These can be set to go off instantly or a few seconds after the door opens.

If you're industrious, you can also build your own alarm circuit (method 1, method 2).

By the way, this is also a great tool for dieters! Set the alarm to its shortest time possible -- or set it to go off as soon as the door is opened!

D-Link Introduces Greener Wi-Fi

jplatt — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 09:00:00 -0400

When you're done using your PC, you turn it off, right?

But what about your wireless router? Do you turn that off, too?

If you're like most people (or businesses), you probably leave your Wi-Fi running 24-7. That can eat up some extra energy that you don't need to use.

D-Link has a solution that can save both energy and money. Their new line of energy-efficient Wi-Fi routers come with a program called Wi-Fi Scheduler, which allows uses to select certain times of the day when their router will shut down. According to D-Link, this can offer a power savings of between 31 and 41%, depending on which of their three new models you're using.

But this isn't the only green innovation in these new routers. They also automatically detect what links are being used, and adjust their power use accordingly. The devices are also manufactured according to RoHS and WEEE standards, meaning they contain fewer hazardous materials and are easier to recycle.

D-Link's new routers are available now from various retailers or directly through the company. The Xtreme N Gigabit Router (DIR-655) costs $149.99, the Xtreme N Gaming Router (DGL-4500) is priced at $239.99, and the Xtreme N Duo™ Media Router (DIR-855) costs $359.99.

Dell Introduces Its Greenest PC

jplatt — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 09:55:56 -0400

First announced back in May, Dell has now introduced what it calls its greenest desktop computer. The new Studio Hybrid is not only Dell's smallest-sized desktop, it's also its most energy-efficient. It uses 70% less power than "typical desktops," according to Dell, and meets EnergyStar 4.0 requirements for energy efficiency.

The device itself isn't the only green thing about the Studio Hybrid. It's packaged in 95% recyclable materials, and ships with 75% less printed documentation. You can order an optional exterior sleeve made out of bamboo (more sustainable than plastic, although it costs an extra $130!). The computer also comes with a recycling kit so you can be prepared when you replace it in a few years.

The Studio Hybrid doesn't come with many USB ports, but you can order an optional wireless keyboard and mouse for $50. (Just make sure you use rechargeable batteries in them.)

The base Studio Hybrid configuration starts at just $499 (monitor not included). More tricked-out systems run up to $1,329 or more, depending on what options you order.

The Studio Hybrid is available from Dell's web site now, and will be for sale at select retailers in the coming months.

New Solar-Powered Household Generator Is Pricey But Powerful

jplatt — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 01:00:00 -0400

When it comes to new ideas in solar power, Reluminati's new PowerCube 600 wins hands down. This "plug and play" solar-powered generator offers a great alternative to traditional gas-powered generators. It can be used as a backup power source, during emergency situations, or for off-grid housing in places with no reliable access to other sources of electricity.

The PowerCube folds up into a tidy, watertight 72 x 124 x 50 inches, and when fully charged it can hold 2,400 hours of power. Not bad for what's billed as a portable device.

Since the PowerCube was announced a few weeks ago, the blogosphere has been a bit harsh -- offhandedly pointing out that a 2,000-pound device isn't exactly "portable." Well folks, it's not an iPod, but it's not meant to be. This isn't a new way to power your cell phone, it's a way to power a house or a business or a hospital. No other solution packs as much power, offers easy hook-up, and can be run without a team of installers permanently attaching it to a building.

The PowerCube packs a lot of power, and it comes with a hefty price tag as well: $25,000. But the more we see smart ideas like this, the more we'll see more affordable prices. And for businesses looking for a reliable, green backup power source, this could be the way to go.

New Gadget Can Save You Money on Electricity

jplatt — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 01:00:00 -0400

Whether you're at home or in the office, your electric bills these days probably hurt. Not only are they higher than ever, but the impact of all of that electricity generation is spewing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere every day.

What can you do to help cut your electric usage? A good first step is to monitor how much energy you are actually using.

One way to do that is with a Watts Up? meter from Electronic Educational Devices. Plug any device into one of these meters and it will tell you energy it is using. The higher-end Watts Up? meters come with USB connections and software so you can upload the data into your computer and keep track of usage over time.

EED says their monitors are particularly effective in identifying the "vampires" in your home or office -- the devices that continue to suck in electricity even when they are "off." According to the company, "A typical system consisting of a set top box, VCR, TV, stereo, and ampliier can consume 50-75 watts or more, even when not in use. This can add up to $25-50 years per year."

The basic Watts Up? monitor costs less than $100 -- a pretty low-cost nvestment for helping to lower your total electric bill.

Quick Trips Call for the E-Bike

jplatt — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 08:00:00 -0400

Do you really need a car for every trip you take? What about that quick drive to the Post Office, or to visit your neighbor a few streets over? Do you have to burn fossil fuels to get there by car?

No, you don't. You could walk, you could ride a bike, or you could turn heads by trying an electric bicycle.

E-bikes (as they are often called) are just like normal bicycles, but they come equipped with rechargable batteries that can keep them going on their own power for around 10-20 miles, depending on the model you're riding. You can switch at any time between battery power and good old-fashioned pedal power, so you can also get your exercise while you're zipping around town.

E-bikes are growing in popularity around the world as more and more people try free themselves from high oil prices. It's been said that there are more than 10 million e-bikes on the road, and some say sales are expected to double this year.

The bikes come in all shapes and sizes, and with a wide variety of features. Depending on what you want out of an e-bike, you can pay as little as $300 and all the way up to $2,000 or more. If you already have a bike, you can even purchase a conversion kit to electrify it.

A few tips: First, look for a bike using NiMh or Lithium Ion batteries. They cost more, but they weigh less, last longer, and can be recharged many more times. Second, try to keep the total weight of your bike under 50 pounds, so you get the most out of your battery. Third, check the laws in your local community. Most states treat e-bikes the same as bicycles, but California has its own rules (doesn't it always), and you don't want to get in trouble when you're trying to do the right thing for the environment.

World's First Solar-Powered Bluetooth Headset

jplatt — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 01:00:00 -0400

Now here's an idea whose time has come: a solar-powered Bluetooth headset.

Iqua Ltd. bills its new BHS-603 SUN as the world's first solar-powered Bluetooth headset. It's a perfect pairing of innovative technologies. Bluetooth wireless devices don't need much power, and a headset is just the right size for a solar-power collector. And since the people who wear Bluetooth headsets don't tend to do so in the dark, this is the perfect type of device to take advantage of the light around us.

Fully charged, the BHS-603 boasts up to 12 hours of talk time, and unlimited standby time in daylight. (Several regular Bluetooth headsets I looked up only hold enough power for 6 hours of talk time, so this is already an edge up for this device.)

The Iqua also includes almost the full range of features you'd expect from a Bluetooth headset. It doesn't appear to have a noise-cancelling microphone, though, which could be a downer for people who spend a lot of time in crowded coffee houses.

At just $99.99, the BHS-603 SUN is comparably priced compared to other high-end Bluetooth headsets. And it looks good enough that it just might get the people who see it talking -- even if they end up talking face-to-face.

LEDs: The Next Big Thing in Lights

jplatt — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 01:00:00 -0400

If you're a good greenie, you've probably already replaced all of your household lighting with energy-saving compact fluorescent bulbs.

But take a minute to think about it -- did you really replace every bulb in your house?

What about your refrigerator light? Flashlights? Christmas lights? Candelabras and chandeliers? The overhead light in your car?

CFLs are awesome, and they save both money and electricity, but they aren't the only substitute for traditional bulbs, and they're too big for many devices. But there's something else out there that also fits the bill:

LEDs.

Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are the next big thing in lighting. Like CFLs, they use less power, last longer, and are a great alternative to incandescent lighting.

But John, you say, LEDs have been around for years. You're right, but still, this is an exciting time for LED technology. Constant innovations have created better, brighter lights with a wide range of "color temperatures." Meanwhile, more and more stores are stocking LEDs, and more devices are coming with them built in. (I don't go anywhere at night without an LED Maglite flashlight in my jacket pocket.)

Looking a few years ahead, it's quite likely that LEDs will supplant even CFLs as the greenest lighting option. I'd even go as far as to call CFLs a transitional technology, something to get us out of the incandescent habit until an even better alternative comes around.

So start thinking about all of the extra bulbs in your house, and then start looking at LEDs. You'll be glad you did.

Can a TV Be "Eco"?

jplatt — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 01:00:00 -0400

We first heard about the new Philips Eco FlatTV back in January, when it won a coveted "best of" award from CNET at the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show. According to Philips, this new HD TV, which started shipping this month, uses less power than many other LCD televisions, thanks to a few innovations that allow the TV to adjust itself to control how much energy it requires.

First up, the TV can dim its backlight when you are watching programs with high levels of black. This improves picture quality and uses less juice. The TV also includes a sensor which determines how much light is in the room around in. In dark rooms, the TV uses a dimmer setting, which in turn uses less power. Finally, the TV uses less power during standby mode -- in other words, when you turn it off, it's almost really off (a real rarity among TVs).

All in all, pretty smart.

The Philips Eco Flat TV, also known as the 42PFL5603D, is now available with a suggested retail price of $1,399.