Image via Complex Original
In case it slipped your mind, today is Earth Day. With April being Green Month, we’re encouraged to help spread awareness, show appreciation for all things green, and embrace energy-conserving methods that ameliorate the planet. Over the past few years, eco technology has proven to be the wave of the future. Several tech companies have already jumped on the green bandwagon, creating dope and innovative products powered by solar and other energy-efficient means. Not only are these devices made to save you cash on your electricity bill—many give back to the environment by utilizing recyclable resources. From hi-tech thermostats to green smartphones, show Mother Earth some love by checking out these 10 great eco gadgets available now.
etón Rukus Solar
Price: $150
This Bluetooth sound system sports a monocrystal solar panel that fully charges a 7.4V 1500mAh battery within six hours. Instantly stream music from any Bluetooth-enabled smartphone, tablet, or computer/laptop, while bumping 14W of noise through the two full-range speaker drivers. Bring the Rukus.
Nest Thermostat
Price: $250 (per unit)
As we pointed out in our 100 Best Gadgets of the Complex Decade feature, thermostats play a pivotal role in our monthly expenses. Nest comes to the rescue with its smart thermal regulator, creating a schedule best suited for owners needs when indoors, sleeping, or outside the crib. Energy-centric features like Auto-Away and Energy History only add to the Nest's awesomeness. No sweat.
Bracketon GreenZero Chargers
Price: $25$35
Don't be fooled by the designs. Bracketon's GreenZero series epitmoizes responsible energy consumption to the fullest. Both detect when a device is fully charged and inevitably shuts off to get rid of vampire consumption. The Mushroom models activate a charge once pressed and pops back up when full, and the Stone versions don a 1000 mAmp battery that powers mobile devices and switches off when charges are complete. Eco-budget breakers.
LG Viper 4G
Price: $100
Sprint welcomes the first eco-LTE smartphone, combining high-end specs with green-friendly features. LG's handset boasts a casing built from 50 percent recycled materials and bundles an energy efficient charger that automatically turns off when inactive. It's 4-inch panel produces bright and sharp imagery, where as its dual-core CPU delivers speedy results. As Sprint expands its LTE market within the next year, expect the Viper 4G to be the go-to phone for tree huggers.
G-Shock Solar Military Watches
Price: $120
Casio's G-Shock lineup just got more official with its new collection of military-inspired watches. The olive green timepieces tackle some of the series most desired features: shock/water resistance, world time functionality for up to 48 cities, and 24-hour formats. Difference here? These limited edition tickers include the manufacturer's Tough Solar technology, recharging the device from any light source. Chose from three different models: GR7900KG-3, G5600KG-3 and G6900KG-3. Ten-hut!
Panasonic DMP-BDT320 Eco Blu-ray Player
Price: $200
The same company responsible for the first-ever Portable DVD Player breaks new ground with its eco-laced Blu-ray machine. There's no denying its sleek profile and full 3D playback ability to handle all types of media (DVD/CD-R/JPEG, etc.). However, the true ingenuity comes from its Smart Eco Sensor—a feature that detects movement and automatically boots up content in 0.5 seconds, plus switches to standby mode and reduces power usage to 0.1W when sensing no activity.
Aqua Tek S iPhone 4/4S Case
Price: $100
What started as a Kickstarter project has now become one of the most sought-after iPhone cases out there. Aqua Tek's heavy-duty, solar-powered jacket lacks the sleekness and slimness of an Incase cover, but get a load of its spec sheet: A rugged polycarbonate veneer, integrated solar panel, and a 2000mAh battery that increases the charge by up to 1.5 times. Ridiculous.
Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard & Marathon Mouse Bundle
Price: $110
One of the top makers of PC accessories blesses us with the most power efficient wireless keyboard and mouse ever created. Logitech's keyboard absorbs energy from both indoor and outdoor environments to achieve long-lasting power. Plus, there's an app that informs users of energy levels and how much juice is being generated from a certain source. What about the Marathon Mouse? It's capable of running up to three years on a single set of batteries. Booyah!
Dyson Air Multiplier Table Fan
Price: $329
It's difficult to work when you're heating up like a Wesley Snipes in tax court. To cool down without raising the earth's temp, check out Dyson's line of Air Multipliers which do away with traditional blades and instead draws in surrounding air and then multiplying by 15. What you get is a smooth, constant, steady stream of air. If that doesn't cool you down at work, drop what you're doing and take a lunch break.
Solio Bolt Battery Pack and Charger
Price: $70
Smartphone users could always use an extra boost of power on the go. Now you can keep your iPhone 4S fully charged with the assist from Solio's latest creation. Solar power experts say the Bolt can give mobile devices at least two complete charges directly from the sun's energy, USB port, or wall input. MP3 players, GPS systems, e-readers, tablets, and cameras are also compatible with the package.
