Save the Planet by Adding These Green Tech Gadgets to Your Home

Ashley_Buckwell

Living a sustainable lifestyle does not have to be complicated or expensive. Often, simply doing and buying less is the best way to go. However, considering that our homes are usually already connected to older energy networks, certain eco-friendly gadgets can help us reduce the impact our homes have on the environment without reducing our quality of life. Everything we do, from the appliances we use to the way we handle our waste, adds up over time. And although it may seem insignificant compared to the choices made by businesses and governments, taking small steps to be more green in our homes can motivate us to make everyday changes for the better. If you want hints, tips, and ideas to live a more sustainable and environmentally friendly life and are looking for inexpensive and creative ways to go green at home, this article provides some environmental technology examples and innovative green gadgets.

Types of green technology

In general, green technology helps reduce our reliance on finite resources and emit fewer pollutants, thereby preserving a healthy environment. It encompasses a wide variety of products, services, and processes, including renewable energy sources, green building construction, energy efficiency, conservation, green transportation, waste reduction, and recycling.

Green tech includes adjusting our energy mix to use more renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and geothermal power, and less fossil fuels. Additionally, green tech emphasizes the use of energy efficient appliances and lighting, green building materials and construction methods, and the development and use of green transportation, such as electric cars, bicycles, and public transportation.

Green tech also involves a variety of processes and practices that reduce waste and promote sustainable practices. This includes the use of recycled materials in manufacturing, the broad reduction in electricity and water consumption, the use of green packaging and shipping materials, and product design that facilitates reuse and recycling. Businesses and organizations can be more environmentally friendly by integrating sustainable technology into their practices, such as creating eco-friendly supply chains, using electricity more efficiently, and using green cleaning products.

Why choose green tech gadgets? 

Using green tech gadgets at home can bring about the following positive effects.

Eco-friendly lifestyle

You can reduce your carbon footprint by using green devices which are more energy efficient or which run using solar power. Furthermore, many businesses that produce green gadgets donate a portion of their profits to charities worldwide to support afforestation and other eco-initiatives.

Promoting responsible supply chains

When buying a green gadget, you support a responsible supply chain that does not harm the environment.

Low energy costs

Green devices that are powered by solar panels require less frequent charging than regular gadgets do. Green gadgets reduce our energy consumption and increase our energy efficiency, which also translates to a less expensive energy bill for the user. 

Better environment for future generations

By reducing our environmental footprint, our society is more sustainable, and this helps to ensure the planet is safe for future generations to enjoy.

Healthy living

With reduced waste and energy and water consumption, we can decrease the amount of air and water pollution we create. This leads to improvements in public health.

Clean energy sources

Switching to sustainable technologies and renewable energy sources can help us reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, which negatively affect the environment.

Green gadgets for the home

Green gadgets are devices we use on a daily basis that are both practical and sustainable. With their smart, innovative features, they also help raise new awareness about renewable energy. 

The following household gadgets can help you reduce your ecological footprint and live a more sustainable life. These gadgets help address electricity and water consumption, single-use and plastic waste, and chemical overuse.

1) Smart thermostats

Smart thermostat technology is a leap beyond the ordinary preprogrammed thermostats on the market. By directly connecting a smart thermostat to your home Wi-Fi network, you can remotely control and monitor your home temperature by using your tablet, smartphone, or personal computer. Some of these gadgets also let you control and monitor energy consumption by tracking cooling and heating patterns so you can plan to cut down on your electricity bill. Some have a green leaf icon that appears on the gadget when you select a temperature level that saves you energy and money.

2) LED smart bulbs

LED smart bulbs and even entire home smart lighting systems are becoming increasingly popular in modern homes. With this technology, you do not need to worry about whether you left your living room or garden lights on, because you can operate these lights remotely from your mobile device. Some advanced smart lighting systems even offer voice control, allowing you to speak directly to your lighting system.

3) Eco-friendly smartphones

As we wrote about here, eco-friendly smartphones are an innovation in the smartphone manufacturing industry that aims to solve many of the challenges associated with the smartphone production supply chain, especially as it relates to environmental sustainability, toxic chemicals, and labor rights.

4) Smart sprinkler

A smart sprinkler allows you to control how your lawn is watered, right from your phone. The Environmental Protection Agency says average lawns across the country need just an inch of water a week. A smart sprinkler can help ensure you are optimizing your watering times and frequency, thereby preventing water waste and saving you money on water bills.

5) Portable solar charging panels

If you spend a lot of time outdoors, it can be a constant struggle to find an outlet to charge your devices. Portable solar charging panels absorb sunlight and can be easily connected to your device’s USB. Charge from anywhere using the most renewable energy source available.

6) Rain barrels

Rain barrels collect and store rainwater. This is especially useful if you have a large garden, as using rainwater to irrigate will reduce a home’s overall water usage and save you money. Because the water does not have to be transported, it is better for the environment.

7) Energy Star–rated appliances

Air conditioners, computers, monitors, heaters, and refrigerators make up the bulk of your monthly electricity bill. By selecting more efficient appliances and computer equipment, you will be saving both energy and money. Keep an eye out for the Energy Star label when purchasing new appliances and computers. The Energy Star certification mandates strict energy efficiency standards. Check out some of the Energy Star–rated monitors, such as this 27" Acer VERO BR7 Monitor, which is energy efficient and is also made from 65% post-consumer recycled plastic. 

8) Sustainable cleaning products

A lot of green cleaning is all about getting back to basics. Vinegar, salt, lemons, baking soda, and a good rag can keep your home clean with minimal negative effects on the environment and your health. Certain green gadgets can help, too. For example, a steam mop can clean hard floors with pure water, killing most germs and bacteria without chemicals.

Every small action adds up to larger reductions. Even if you can only integrate one of these gadgets into your home this year, doing so will contribute to creating a home that is more responsive to the environment.