From Guest Blogger Jess: Seven Green Technology Items You've Never Heard Of
We love our technology, but we could do without the high energy bill. If you’re looking to save some money and make a good impact on the environment, there are plenty of awesome energy-saving inventions you might be surprised to find actually exist. Here are seven green gadgets you didn’t even know you needed.
Windows That Control Temperature
The weather outside can be frightful. Wouldn’t it be great if you didn’t have to constantly run heat or air through your home? Century College of St. Paul, Minnesota, has figured out how to use electronically tinted windows to control the natural temperature of a room, which could really help lower energy bills. You can’t purchase these windows for your house just yet, but it’s only a matter of time before this technology becomes accessible to homeowners.
Wind Power for Your Home
Even though some people think wind turbines are ugly, these giant windmills do a great job of harnessing natural energy. If you want to start using wind power but would prefer not to install a massive turbine in your yard, you can check out efficient but stylish home turbines. They may seem expensive, but imagine the money you’ll save on energy bills!
Danger-Free Turbines
Another common complaint against wind turbines is that birds are often killed when they accidentally fly into the blades. Since wildlife is a big part of the environment, retired engineer Raymond Green has invented special turbine drums that keep all moving parts safely locked away without sacrificing energy efficiency. With this danger to birds eliminated, local ecosystems will be able to function smoothly.
Solar-Powered Computer
Ever wish you could take your laptop into the pool? This incredible Pool PC is an eco-geek’s dream device, operating on solar power and using the pool water to cool down (that’s right, it’s completely waterproof). You might want to check InternetServiceProviders.com for some super high speed internet, though, because your poolside Wi-Fi is probably a little spotty and you’ll never want to go back indoors.
Radio That Runs On Water
If you spend more than five minutes in the shower, you might be wasting a lot of water. Try using this water-powered radio to cut down on your bath time without using any extra electricity — you can time yourself to a song or two and even work on your singing voice.
The Power of Algae
You know algae is an icky green film you often see on the surface of ponds, but even this natural fungus can be used to create energy. Scientists have found a way to harness algae’s photosynthetic abilities to power street lamps while actually removing carbon from the atmosphere, which could go a long way in stopping climate change.
Energy-Generating Boots
You can find energy just about anywhere in nature, but did you ever think that you might be a good energy source yourself? If you walk around in a pair of these Power Wellies, you can generate enough power to charge your cell phone while getting a little exercise. With a little more research, this technology could make leaps and bounds in the effort to save electricity.
Everyone has to do their part to conserve our world’s resources. With green technology this awesome, saving the environment should be as easy as it is fun.
