(There is a growing concern about the environment and this has translated into a movement whereby people buy and use green gadgets.)

Carbon credits, carbon footprint, eco-friendly devices, solar power, kinetic energy, water conservation, energy saving, zero emission vehicles – these are only a few of the buzzwords of the green movement. For the older generation who is now concerned about environmental problems and the type of problems the children are going to inherit, to the younger generation which is going ahead and trying to solve environmental problems and becoming more socially conscious, the movement to go green has become very popular.

Today, almost all gadgets are available in an eco-friendly version. These may use fewer components or use environmentally friendly components, may conserve electricity, use solar power, come in recyclable and recycled packaging, use soy or vegetable inks, use biodegradable or compostable plastics and more.

Lights

From CFLs which are more environmentally friendly than incandescent bulbs or tube lights, to the newer LEDs which are even better, and give brighter light, we have come a long way. There are a host of solar powered lights of all kinds available for your house and garden as well. They are also available in portable versions.

Chargers

As portable devices and gadgets have become must-haves, so have chargers. And there is a vast variety of chargers available, from completely solar power ones, to hybrids. Then there are those that can be hand-cranked as well. Some devices come pre-fitted with solar panels.

Mobile phones

Almost all popular brands of mobile phones are available in eco-friendly versions. They are made of recycled and recyclable materials and many of them are even solar powered. Nokia, Samsung, LG, Motorola and Sony Ericsson are all making green phones which are technologically advanced and not more expensive.

Computers and peripherals

Again, all top brands are available in green versions which conserve energy and the environment. Eco-friendly hard drives, printer and other peripherals are also to be found in the market. Bamboo is used as laptop covers and in pen drives.

Printers are also using a percentage of recycled plastics and some of them are using non-traditional inks which have little or no environmental impact. The gadgets are also packaged in an eco-friendly manner.

Entertainment units

LED televisions are more environmentally friendly than LCDs, plasmas and CRTs. However, they are also quite expensive currently. DVD players and speakers are also available in eco-friendly versions. Small speakers may be made of wood or paper or even cardboard.

Energy savers

There are many energy saving devices in the market which reduce consumption of vampire power or power leakage when appliances are in standby mode or charging. These help in conserving electricity. Solar panels in the house also help in reducing energy bills.

Reducing water consumption

Shower timers and heaters, dual flushes and reuse of grey water for other purposes as well as adding aerators to taps all help to reduce water consumption. Many parts of the world suffer from chronic water shortage. Plus energy is used in order to make water potable and fit for use. As such, it makes sense to conserve water as far as possible.

Reducing use of plastics

Plastics cause problems because they do not biodegrade and cause toxic landfills. They also release poisonous gases when burnt. Now plastics are either coming in biodegradable versions or they are being made of vegetables wastes and composites so that they have organic credentials.

Transport vehicles

Whether these are electric scooters, cars or even larger trucks, they are coming in versions which use petrol along with electricity so that there is less dependence on fossil fuel. And some vehicles use only electricity, making them zero emission vehicles.

Remember every little bit that you do to save the environment and reduce your carbon footprint helps to make the earth a better place to live.

Author Bio: Hassan Latif co-admin of Green Gadgeting, where we talk about reviews on latest environment friendly gadgets and devices that help to reduce carbon footprint.

Category: Computers and Technology
Keywords: green gadgets, environment friendly gadgets, eco friendly gadgets, solar gadgets, eco toys