There is no doubt that going green is in and it has finally become cool to save the planet. But how many of those green products are just eco-image, and how many actually can make a difference?
Many manufacturers have begun making "green" products in order to cash in on the eco-trend. But all too often, the products are merely greenwashed – or in other words, they are made with some "eco-friendly" component, so the manufacturers can call it "green" and convince eco-conscious consumers to buy. However, these greenwashed products aren’t all they’re cracked up to be.
Take, for instance, products made with biodegradable corn instead of plastic. Consumers are happily convinced to buy, buy, buy a biodegradable product that they think is better for the environment than plastic. But how much good is it really doing?
When these items end up in a landfill, biodegradable or not, they usually aren’t breaking down naturally very quickly. This is because tightly packed landfills, without air and water, aren’t very conducive to the decomposition process. This is especially true when the item has been processed into a form unrecognizable by the microbes that break down natural things, like corn that’s been processed until it resembles plastic in form and function.
Corn may be a renewable resource, while petroleum, used to make plastic, is not, but don’t be fooled that "biodegradable" products like those made from corn are automatically going to break down in landfills easily.
Unless they come up with a cell phone that doesn’t have toxic components, you should just keep and then recycle the normal phone you have.
There are also many products out there that are just plain silly and a bit useless, whether they are energy saving or not, many times they are just unnecessary.
However, there are some gadgets worth a try.
Solar chargers can be great energy savers. There are many that can charge your Mp3 players, cell phones, batteries and even laptops by using only solar energy.
One cool new concept is the Fluxxlab Revolution Door, which is a revolving door that actually uses the energy created when people push on the door and converts it to usable power.
Another New York design team has created Solar Ivy, small solar panels on individual "leaves" that are visually appealing and offer a creative alternative to rooftop photovoltaic panels.
When you are shopping for green gadgets, look for ones that aren’t sapping energy, that are recyclable and ones that will last a long time, so you don’t have to buy a new one in a few months. Get items that are rechargeable, or solar powered gadgets. Beware of the greenwash and take a second look before you buy.
