Every time
you turn on the TV or browse the internet you see the release for the newest
and latest cell phone or digital camera. (Seriously, how much slimmer can they
really get now?). They cause you to cringe at your outdated 4.5 inch screen,
making you a little cynical every time you see someone with the new shiny 4.6
inch screen. Which let’s admit, the additional .1 inch really is as magical as
they say right? …Or at least that’s what we convince ourselves of.
With
technology constantly evolving and upgrading, who can keep up? Here are a few
innovative new gadgets that not only look chic but also help you save money
while keeping you energy efficient.
One of the
latest craze comes in thermostats with the Nest. With its auto-away feature,
the Nest can sense when the house is empty and will automatically adjust the
temperature accordingly. It stores your households’ energy information allowing
you to look through the patterns of the temperature. Within a week, the Nest
tracks your energy usage and auto-adjusts to a personalized schedule based on
your individual needs. Always staying connected through laptops, phones and
tablets, it allows you to adjust the temperature even away from home.
Now your outdated incandescent light
bulb finally blew out and you’re looking for a change. Take a try at the new Philips
L Prize bulb, which is energy efficient and designed to promote LED lighting.
It consumes only 10W making it brighter than the average 60W bulb and can last
for 27.4 years if it is used for three hours a day. Although a little pricey at
sixty dollars, its specifications make it a cheaper option in the long run.
Looking to
do a little more than just be energy efficient? Lucky for you, energy efficient
technology has spilled over into the social realm, one example being the
LittleSun Solar-Powered Lantern. The lantern only needs five hours of sunlight
to provide light for the entire night and can run up to three years before
needing a battery replacement. The charitable aspect comes with the price; by
purchasing the lantern at the regular price, it allows the product to be sold a
discounted price to those worldwide who have no access to an electrical grid.
When compared to kerosene, the lantern saves users 90% and can attach almost
anywhere (or even be worn around the neck!).
There are
even simple swaps we can make when deciding how to update our technology. When
upgrading your phone or buying that new flat screen you’ve had your eye on for
the past year, look into the specifications and do some research ahead of time.
According to Energy Star, the 42-inch Panasonic TC-L42D30 is one of the
most efficient and will only cost about $10 a year to operate in energy costs
at five hours of use per day.
Next time, before you jump
at those newly advertised toys make sure to do a little research; there are
energy efficient options at almost every corner. With all these new green
technologies out there’s no way to go wrong!
