Tap into these eco-aware gizmos for a greener home & lifestyle
 
Green gadgets? No, it’s not an oxymoron. More and more manufacturers are proving technology can actually aid in the environmental movement. Sure, in an eco-utopia we’d all make our own cheese and entertain ourselves by fiddling the night away. But in today’s fast-paced, high-tech world, why not use the power for the greater good.
 
Whether you want to save the planet by watering your lawn, driving to the mall, watching TV, or chatting on the phone, there’s a green gadget for just about everything you need to accomplish.
 
Here’s our list of the best green gear:
 
2010 Honda Insight EX
Named the “Green Car of the Year” by the Environmental Transport Association, the 2010 Honda Insight EX features excellent fuel economy (estimated combined city/highway MPG of 41), a zippy drive and a seamless hybrid powertrain. To remind you not to guzzle the gas, the digital speedometer switches from blue to green when you press the accelerator. A nickel-metal hydride battery pack keeps the electric motor running, and the battery is charged every time you press the brakes. Fun to drive and affordable to own? This must just by the hybrid that turns America green.
Approximately $19,800
 
Spring & Samsung Reclaim mobile
Sprint and Samsung have teamed up to launch a new eco-friendly mobile that’s made of … corn? Yes, that’s right, corn. 40% of the Reclaim’s casing was built using bio-plastic materials extracted from corn; the phone as a whole is made of 80% recyclable materials. Featuring a full QWERTY keyboard, the Reclaim also sports a camera, stereo Bluetooth and GPS navigation. You can also browse the Internet, send e-mails, listen to music, and much more, just like any other smart phone. Plus, the packaging is constructed from 70% recycled materials and printed with soy-based ink.
$50 with rebates and a two-year contract
 
Samsung UN46B7000 TV
How green can a TV be? Enough to make a difference, if you’re talking about Samsung’s new ultra slim flat panel eco-friendly TV, which features 40% less power consumption over conventional LCDs, and it is mercury free. The UN46B7000 includes Internet@TV that allows you to receive content via YouTube, Flickr and other online TV Widgets on screen.
$1,599
 
Sun-Mate Cooperation solar powered house number light
Help your guests, the FedEx guy and the Chinese take-out driver find your home address easily with nifty device by Sun-Mate Cooperation. Plus, there’s no need for complex wiring or electrical installation. Mountable on an included 16-inch theft-resistant ground stake, or you can mount on your outside walls or mailbox. Visible from 500 feet, it only need 1 ½ hours of sun a day to keep the 4-inch numbers glowing.
$35.99
 
Water Watch garden sprayers
Monitor and conserve the water you use to water your lawn, plants and flowers and wash your car with this eco-friendly sprayer. The Water Watch garden sprayer helps you conserve water by showing you how much water you’re using. Featuring a built-in dial measuring your water usage in gallons (up to 100 gallons before rolling over), the sprayer is available in two different models, an 8-inch sprayer, which uses eight different spray patterns, from soaker to mist, and a fan sprayer.
8-Pattern Sprayer $17.95
Fan Sprayer $12.95
 
BlueLine Innovation PowerCost Monitor
This energy monitor tracks your home electricity usage in kilowatts and shows how that translates cost-wise. The device works via a sensor unit quickly attached to your home’s utility meter. A tabletop display unit, kept inside the home, receives a wireless signal from the transmitter and displays the consumption information in real time and in dollars and cents.
$109
 
Wind 'N Go Solar Crank Lantern
Keep this eco-conscious lantern by L.L. Bean around for backyard bashes, natural disasters and camping trips. You’ll never have to worry about batteries, as this full sized table lantern provides three ways to let there be light: a crank arm, a solar panel for charging in the sunlight, or a 12V jack for charging in your car (emergencies only). One minute of cranking equals 30 minutes of uninterrupted light.
$29.99
 
Merkury DIY Eco Speakers
Design your very own Earth-friendly speakers. This DIY kit lets you create speakers from 70% recycled flat-fold cardboard you can personalize to your taste with an included set of six colored pencils. This plug and play speaker set features universal compatibility, so you can use the speakers with any audio system, computer, MP3 player or other gadget.
$18.00