The Best Eco-friendly Tech Products in 2022

Robert_Stark

With pollution and climate change, it's no surprise that the earth is starting to feel the pressure. Couple this with excessive consumption; we all have a collective responsibility to reduce our environmental impact and instill positive change. Opting for green tech is a small step to help support our planet.

The best eco-friendly tech products make it simpler to be more sustainable. Plus, many products include sustainable support schemes – from tree planting to cleaning the oceans – buying eco-friendly puts your money where it matters.  

Although minor changes may seem insignificant, it's the tiniest of things that can make the most lasting difference — especially when done in large numbers. Change has to start on an individual level.

What is green tech? 

Green tech aims to reduce or reverse the adverse effects of human activity on the environment. Green tech is a way for you to make smart changes in your daily lives and help the environment at the same time.

The technology aims to:

• Improve energy efficiency 
• Decreases our carbon footprint 
• Reduce waste 
• Encourage recycling or Upcycling 

Green tech includes:

• Eco-friendly laptops 
• Solar-powered devices 
• LED Lighting 
• Electric Vehicles 

Why is green tech important? 

By using eco-friendly technology, you're reducing your carbon footprint and saving resources. You'll also be helping the environment and showing others that living more sustainably is possible. Not only will you feel better about yourself, but you'll also be supporting current sustainable initiatives.

The benefits of green tech include: 

• Reducing power plants emissions 
• Decrease your reliance on fossil fuels 
• More cost-effective 

Here are six of the most sustainable and environmentally friendly tech products on the market today. 

1) Fairphone 4 

Sustainable Android Smartphone 

The Fairphone 4 is the most eco-friendly and sustainable smartphone on the market. Made with recycled materials, Fairtrade gold, and conflict-free tin, the phone maker works with suppliers to improve worker conditions.

A smartphone's main environmental impact comes from its manufacturing. Fairphone's manufacturing process is electronic waste neutral.

The modular design means quickly repairing or upgrading the phone by swapping the battery or the case. The longer you own your phone, the more sustainable it becomes. Fairphone 4 comes with a 5-year warranty. 

The fourth-generation phone features: 

• 6.3inch Full HD+ display 
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (SM7225) 
• 5G Speed 
• Android™ 11 
• Dual cameras with 48MP 

2) Aspire Vero Green Laptop 

Stunning laptop with a green footprint 

The Aspire Vero Green Laptop is an excellent choice for those looking for an eco-friendly computer made from recycled materials with a lower environmental impact. Acer combines ecological awareness with that Aspire value.

A computer's most significant environmental impact is from its production and disposal. Using Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) plastic for the chassis is eco-friendly, more sustainable, and reduces landfill waste. PCR comes from reprocessed plastic packaging and reduces CO2 emissions by 21% during manufacture.

The paint-free chassis is an environmentally friendly measure that lowers the negative impact of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) released into the air. The light speckled gray case looks stunning.

Aspire laptop is modular with standardized screws for easy repairs and upgrades. Plus, the packaging is 85% recycled paper. You're also eligible for up to $100 off with a trade-in of your old working laptop.

The Acer Vero is sustainable yet powerful enough to run your business needs. VeroSense software allows four performance modes to extend the battery life: Performance, Balanced, ECO, and ECO+. The laptop comes with a 15.6" FHD IPS and with Windows 11.

Aspire Vero Green Specs:

• Windows 11 Home 
• Intel® Core™ i5-1155G7 processor 
• 8 GB standard memory, 256 GB solid-state drive 
• 15.6" Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS display 
• Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics 
• Wi-Fi 6, Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth 5.0 

3) Google Nest Thermostat 

Smarter home heating 

Tired of high heating or cooling bills? More than 50% of all energy used in your household goes toward heating and cooling it. Google Nest thermostats can save you 10% - 12% on heating and 15% off cooling bills by turning themselves down any time you leave the house. With energy prices rising now, it deserves a closer look.

The Google Nest thermostats use motion detection and notification to help you save energy and keep your home's temperature comfortable. They use recycled materials to reduce waste, with their plastic parts containing 49% recycled post-consumer plastic.

The Nest thermostat assists users in creating an energy-efficient operating schedule, and its Savings Finder app helps identify ways to save even more on energy costs.

The Nest Thermostat is also easy to use, with a large, easy-to-read display that shows you the current temperature and lets you adjust it with just a few taps.

Google Nest comes in two flavors:

1.   Nest Thermostat: This budget-friendly model offers all the features you need at a fraction of the cost of competing models. 

2.   Nest Learning Thermostat: This premium model learns your preferences and adjusts over time. The Nest Learning Thermostat is ENERGY STAR certified.

Controlling your home's temperature shouldn't be a chore. The Google Nest Thermostat allows you to save money and take a set-and-forget approach.

4) Reveal Bamboo Solar Bluetooth Speaker 

Listen to Music Sustainably 

Reveal's Bluetooth speaker is sustainable and stylish. Made from natural bamboo and powered by solar energy, the portable device's sound quality is impressive. 

The monocrystalline solar panels allow cord-free charging for a truly portable music experience. Charge it outside or on a sunny windowsill. Or, charge it through a USB when no sun is available.

With a Bluetooth range of 33 feet, you can move about freely. Pair it with your phone, tablet, or computer. Compatible with iOS, Android, Mac, PC, or Windows 10. 

With fantastic sound clarity and 20-hour battery life, it also acts as a power bank to charge devices. You can recharge your devices via its USB-A port.

The Reveal Company plants a tree for every product sold so you can feel good about your purchase and contribution to the environment! 

5) Acer Macaron Vero Mouse 

Protect your Computer and the Environment 

If environmental awareness and sustainability are important to you, you'll be delighted to know that Acer is tackling the issue with their Vero line. The Macaron Vero Mouse is made with recycled materials. Available in black or grey color combinations, the lightly speckled plastic contains 30% PCR materials to reduce landfill and looks gorgeous. Whether left or right-handed, its ergonomic comfort and 1200 DPI sensitivity offer precise and highly responsive controls. You'll be eco-conscious and stylish with universal plug-and-play, long battery life, and wireless for up to ten meters. 

6) Philips Hue 

Intelligent LED lighting 

Are you sick of turning on the light switch whenever you want to change the lightbulb? Philips Hue is changing the game with their line of intelligent LED lighting products. Philips Hue can change colors, flicker and dim, synchronize with music, and more - making it easier to get the perfect lighting for any room in your home. 

These designer light bulbs bring style and warmth to any space. The LED bulb saves up to 75% less energy than a traditional light bulb and is more durable - up to 25 times longer. 

Philips Hue starter kit includes:

• Four Regular E26 LED bulbs 
• Phillips Bridge which acts as the control hub 
• A phone or computer 
• A remote control 

You can also purchase additional light bulbs, dimmer switches, motion sensors, and lamps. Philips Hue works with many other smart home platforms — from Amazon Alexa to Google Assistant to Apple HomeKit. 

Philips Hue has partnered with some of the world's most notable brands, such as Spotify, to synchronize your lighting to match the songs' mood.

The future is here, and it's looking very eco-friendly! Hopefully, these best eco-friendly tech products you can use in your everyday life to promote a more sustainable environment.

*The opinions reflected in this article are the sole opinions of the author and do not reflect any official positions or claims by Acer Inc.

About Robert Stark: Robert is a Taiwan-based writer and digital marketer at iamrobert design. He has a passion for helping people simplify their lives through tech.