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The latest ways to go green at home |
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Written by Isabella Woods
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Friday, 04 November 2011 |
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 Green technology is constantly evolving. Find out about the latest and upcoming developments so you can stay ahead of the green game at home and at work.
AT HOME:
Phone chargers German start-up Changers has developed a new solar-powered charging kit, which offers users additional incentives. The kit costs $149, but comes with free membership to the Changers online community. Why is this desirable? Because you can connect the charger to your computer, and for each watt-hour of solar energy you rack up, you'll receive a shopping credit to spend in an online shop.
Appliances If you're purchasing any new electrical appliances, you can compare energy efficiency across brands and models using the energy guide on the US Federal Trade Commission website. It may well be worth replacing older models – according to watchdog Energy Star, refrigerators made before 1993 are likely to use about twice as much energy as a current model.
Computing It won't hit the market until 2013, but when it does, ARM's new chip could make smartphones and computers up to 70% more energy efficient. The new system links together two processors and allocates tasks to the most suited. Low intensity tasks like playing music and sending texts will use the energy-efficient A7 processor, while high intensity tasks such as gaming and navigation will use the powerful A15. Demos have shown a 60% energy saving for casual game-playing, and 70% saving for checking emails and other general use. Companies including Samsung, LG and ST-Ericsson have already signed up, and shipping is scheduled to begin at the end of 2012.
Switches Lutron's new RadioRA2 system allows you to wirelessly control energy use throughout your home, including room-by-room adjustments to lighting and heating. It also automatically turns off appliances left on standby.
Social networking Facebook has announced collaboration with Opower and the Natural Resources Defense Council to develop a Facebook app encouraging people to measure their energy use, compare it with averages and other users, share energy saving tips and compete to be the most energy-efficient. |
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