Being green isn’t just about economy, it’s about ecology, too. Most of us are aware of the impact that our day-to-day lives have on the environment and we do what we can to mitigate that impact, such as using recycled products and recycling whenever we can. However, there is always more that we can do to help our planet. Take a look at our top five Green Gadgets, designed to streamline your life while reducing your carbon footprint.
Solar Chargers
Remember how excited you were when you got your first portable battery pack? The portable, solar-powered phone charger takes the concept to a whole new level because it’s green and it charges as you go. Whether you are without access to power (camping, holiday, traveling), or you just have a green conscience, these gadgets are great. They range from basic models at around £10, to deluxe editions at £80+. Some models can charge laptops, too.
Motion Sensitive LED Lightbulbs
If you’ve got a business, children or just a forgetful nature, motion sensitive lightbulbs could save you a fortune as well as reducing your carbon footprint. Just think: no more wandering around the house switching lights off! Prices range from £7 - £20+ but the bulbs should last a lot longer than conventional ones.
Energy Meter
Monitoring your energy usage at home is a great way to raise everyone’s awareness of just how much energy they consume. Energy meters come in a range of shapes, sizes and prices, from basic plug-ins to sleek models with graphic displays. Whichever you go for, it will help you to reduce your energy consumption. Prices vary from £15 to £100.
Cistern Water Saver
Apparently, 30% of your water usage is flushed down the toilet. Cistern water savers are genius in their simplicity – they simply reduce the amount of water required to fill your cistern. If you have an older toilet, with a cistern of 7.5 litre capacity or more, you can buy water-saving devices which you put in your cistern. Prices for these water savers are as little as £3, but if you are looking for a free solution, fill a large plastic milk bottle with water and place it in your cistern (with the lid off).
Bamboo Speaker
Quirky, sleek, sustainable and power-free, Bamboo Speakers are the next big thing to hit the (green) mobile phone market! Bamboo is a real buzzword in the eco world, because it is sustainable and grows quickly. Bamboo speakers use vibrations to magnify the phone’s sound; they look great, too. Prices range from £5 to £30.
Aside from splashing out on eco-gadgets, you can help to save energy and money with simple home improvements. Solar panel installation, double or triple glazed windows or a new, eco-friendly boiler can be long-term investments that will help to optimise the value of your property, save money and reduce your impact on the environment.
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