Five Fun Eco-Friendly Gadgets

With every advance in technology, it seems that more and more resources are being used so that the consumer can have the coolest new device. But the consumer can still have fun new gadgets that reduce the strain on Mother Nature. Here are five eco-friendly buys that will amaze you and save you money on your next electricity bill!

Solar Party String Lights
These lights are not only a great idea for the holidays but for outdoor summer parties as well! Solar Party String Lights come in blue or red and are completely powered by solar energy. You can hang them anywhere you want (because you don't have to worry about finding a plug anymore) and they will charge during the day. At sundown they will turn on and at sunrise they will automatically turn off. So not only are they easy to hang, but you also don't have to remember to unplug them in the morning. You can also choose to have the lights blink or remain solid.

Water Powered Clock
Although clocks don't really use that much energy, every little effort counts, right? This cool little gadget is pretty simple. It's a little blue clock that displays the time on the front. There are reservoirs in the back that you fill with a fluid with electrolytes in it (most likely water). The electrons from the electrolytic fluid then power the clock. You reservoir is open so you can put flowers in the back of your water-powered clock and smile as you think about your environmentally friendly choice to switch to a water-powered gadget.

The Universal Solar Cell Phone/ iPod Charger
The title is pretty self-explanatory, this little gadget will charge your cell and your iPod in less than 3 hours. All it needs is direct sunlight and voila, you've got yourself a portable charger. The charger is compatible with Nokia, Samsung, Motorola, and Blackberry to name a few. It's also compatible with all versions of the iPod (shuffle, mini, nano, etc.).

Sun Jar
Okay, so this isn't really a necessary gadget, but it's cool! Inside the jar are solar cells, a rechargeable battery, and low-energy LED lamps. You power the jar by leaving it in direct sunlight and when it is put in a dark place it automatically turns on and it looks like you have caught a little sunshine in the jar. You can also purchase a moon jar that glows blue.

The Eco Button
This cute little button has a USB cable that attaches to your computer and whenever you leave your computer, instead of powering it down to save energy, all you have to do is press the Eco Button and it will automatically put your computer into energy saving mode. The Eco Button even comes with software to tell you exactly how much money you have saved on your energy bill by putting your computer into energy-saving mode every time you leave it.