It’s a common misconception that environmentalists are opposed to electronic technology. Looking as far into the science-fiction-future as possible, it’s apparent that technology will be essential to righting climate change and bringing an abundant lifestyle in line with what’s best for the planet. It should go without saying that many gadgets don’t start out green in nature; the primary function of a gadget is to make the impossible possible, the difficult easy, or the mundane exciting.
While shopping green gifts for the tech-lover in your life, don’t miss out on these exciting green gadgets:
The Amazon Kindle has a lot going for it in the eyes of a gadget-loving green consumer: It’s lean, attractive, and immediate. It’s lean in the sense that it’s approximately as thick as a pencil. It’s attractive in its Apple-esque sleekness. And it’s immediate in the sense that you can browse your favorite books, publications, and blogs anywhere (the airport, the beach, waiting in line) and download them instantaneously — books come in under 60 seconds, $9.99 or less. The Kindle stands alone, no need to plug into a computer or connect to a wireless internet connection — it’s 3G like an iPhone. Unlike an iPhone, the charge lasts days.
The Cyber-Rain Sprinkler Controller automatically updates itself via the internet and adjusts accordingly for local weather conditions including precipitation, humidity, and temperature. You can also isolate up to eight different zones in your yard, decidedly cool if you or your gadget-lover are also interested in gardening. Maybe you’re just looking to save 30-70% of the cost and water you use to hydrate the lawn. Imagine taking something as normal as watering the yard and automating a hyper-sensitive, weather-reactive, self-adjusting system… hmmm, green gadget goodness.
No green gadget list would be complete without the total-package 60-Watt solar kit from Sunforce. The applications for this kit are nearly endless: RVs, cabins, boats, greening the ultimate man-cave, and everything else under the sun. It’s tough to imagine a cooler gadget feature than this: Able to withstand impacts from 50 mph hail. Not to be confused with the timelessly cool: Able to turn sunlight into power. And: Able to power all your other gadgets and toys. It’s like the Superman of green gadgets, plus you get to clean it with a hose. Hose sold separately.
