These days it seems as though there’s a gadget for everything. Unfortunately, many of these gadgets are short-lived, or even disposable. The good news is that with the growing movement towards waste reduction and a connected lifestyle, technology designers are working hard to create devices that are both useful and sustainable.
Saving energy and water is quickly becoming an everyday norm, and at West 5 we’re leading the movement toward this fully-immersed, SMART, eco friendly lifestyle. Here we’ve rounded up just a few of the latest gadgets on the market that can help you jump on board too.
USB Cell Batteries:
If you have kids or have ever used a wireless mouse/keyboard, you know how quickly AA batteries can pile up. USB cell batteries are a game changer. They work just like a traditional alkaline battery, but can be quickly recharged, hundreds of times, via any USB connection. Say no to the toxic chemicals in alkaline batteries that can potentially harm the environment and get plugged in to the new way of powering devices.
Solar Charging Stations:
We’ve talked before about solar powered vehicles (link to blog), but did you know you can also charge many of your electronic devices with the sunshine too? All you need is a solar charging station and some cloud cooperation. Worried there won’t be enough sunlight when you need it? Once charged, solar powered battery packs allow you to store that energy and transfer it to your devices whenever it’s required.
Acoustic Speakers:
Not only are they an eco-friendly way to listen to your music, many can also be displayed as a beautiful piece of art in your home! Acoustic speakers are natural, electricity-free speakers made from a variety of materials including bamboo (one of the fastest growing plants on the planet), upcycled horn instruments, and 100% FSC certified post-consumer recycled fibers. All you have to do is turn your phone on, set it in the slot and press play – the natural acoustics will take care of the rest, no outlet or batteries required.
Smart Home Devices:
Home automation devices are quickly gaining popularity, allowing you to stay connected and reduce your energy consumption even when you’re away. With these devices you can easily control items around the house such as window shades, lights, and thermostat with a simple voice command or click of a button. Ever wonder if you’ve left something turned on after you’ve left the house? These devices will not only alert you, they’ll turn it off for you too!
Connected Appliances:
It may seem like something straight out of a sci-fi movie, but fully automated fridges and stoves, laundry, and even pet feeders have arrived, providing convenience and efficiency. While there’s an obvious cool factor of having a fridge that tells you what you have on hand or a dryer that turns itself back on, it’s what you can’t see at first glance that really stands out. These new smart appliances work hard behind the scenes, deferring or adjusting operations when energy costs are at their peak, saving you money and putting that energy back into the grid.
What about all of those outdated devices?
While many places right here in London Ontario will accept your electronics for recycling, Green e-Recycling collects electronic waste and ensuring that it is recycled locally, ethically and in an environmentally friendly manner. They offer free pick-up of your e-waste in London area and optional on-site hard drive data destruction to customers for a small fee per hard drive.
