Green Gadgets = Green Technology

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 They cause you to cringe at your outdated 4.5 inch screen, making you a little cynical every time you see someone with the new shiny 4.6 inch screen.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Now your outdated incandescent light bulb finally blew out and you’re looking for a change.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!

NCGP January featured generator!

Brian Gastle is one of NC GreenPower’s solar PV generators, and one of only a handful in Jackson County on our program.  His system is a 5.4 kW array, and the solar panels put just under 8,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of clean, green, renewable energy back on the grid for Haywood EMC.

Gastle’s was the first grid-tied system connected to Western Carolina University Electric, which provides service to the area surrounding the university. He is a faculty member at the university and personally interested in being ecologically responsible for the environment, one of the reasons he installed his solar PV array. He is also committed to and in support of the university’s green initiatives. Gastle hopes that he will serve as a pioneer for others who are looking into sustainable alternatives for their energy needs.

“Many of my neighbors assumed it would be cost prohibitive, but with tax credits and NC GreenPower I expect 100% payback of expenses in about 10 years, during which time roughly half the power I use is being generated from a renewable resource.  The cost benefits of a sell-all system and contracting with  NC GreenPower clearly suggested a more fiscally beneficial option and allowed me to install a larger (and therefore more significantly “green”) system.”

He also made some other small changes at home to increase energy efficiency.  All light bulbs are compact fluorescents.  His windows were replaced with double pane energy efficient units.  Faucets and shower heads are all low-flow.  They are sure to set their AC and heat to reasonable levels and have seen a huge savings on their electric bill from their efforts.

His advice if you are thinking about an installation? “Do it. It is affordable and cost effective. Do the research on an installer up front – that’s the key.  Sundance Power helped us with everything and maintain a follow-up relationship that is truly exceptional.   The more systems we can get online, the less we rely upon foreign oil and fossil fuels.  Donations to NC GreenPower allow a broader base of the population affordable access renewable energy production.”

Changing Lives, One Light at a Time

The children of Rizal, Philippines, gather around their solar lantern. Photo credit: One Million Lights website

Did you know that over 1.6 billion people around the world depend on burning kerosene to light their homes at night? This is responsible for 1.5 million deaths from burns and respiratory illnesses each YEAR, 62% of which are children. If you know this, you are most likely not one of those 1.6 billion people. This highly toxic and flammable substance is the only source of lighting for many areas around the world, and a very expensive one at that, contributing to the extreme poverty that these areas are facing. Well, what if YOU could help offer an alternative to put an end to this vicious cycle?

One Million Lights is a non-profit with a mission of improving lives all over the world by providing emissions-free and efficient lighting to homes. Their goal is to distribute one million solar lights to replace the burning of kerosene, and their partnerships, ambassadors, and international distribution programs are helping to make this goal happen. Not only are these lights sustainable, but they give those who are less fortunate the ability to utilize the sun even after it goes down. Lighting can allow children to continue their studies throughout the evening, and parents to continue their household chores and even relax after a long day of work. They offer a healthy and safe living environment, improving the all-around household experience. These lights utilize the sun's gift to brighten peoples' futures all over the world!

One Million Lights has had a tremendous amount of support in helping reach their goal! They have teamed up with World of Color's public charity, whose mission is very similar to their own. In addition, Energizer became a partner and started sponsoring night races around the world to raise awareness of the importance of safe and healthy lighting. Through the money raised at the races, Energizer pledged to donate 11 million hours of solar light to communities without electricity! EBay has also shown support through their donation of 15,000 solar lights to school children in India and Africa. College students around the world are even showing support by volunteering as ambassadors! They are working towards raising enough solar lights to deliver them to a selected location with the help of international distributors. Through the help of partnerships, ambassadors, and international distribution programs, One Million Lights has been able to brighten peoples’ futures all around the world, and has gotten many steps closer towards reaching their goal!

Brighten someone's night by giving the gift of light this holiday season!  Click here to buy or donate a solar light! Everyone deserves an opportunity for a bright future. 

Restituta Glino, a light recipient in Borongan Village, checks on his dinner. Photo credit: One Million Lights website

Distribution to Kenya, April 2012. Photo credit: Michael Goode