Nerds Salute Earth Day 2010
Last week was Earth Day, a day when over 500 million people all over the world celebrate the natural world which modern folk take for granted 364 days a year. Techie types are tackling this problem everyday, and are constantly coming up with ways to save us energy and the planet.
I took the liberty of investigating some intriguing energy-saving gadgets that can bring us hi-tech nerdy types a little bit closer to hugging our mother earth.
1. Lenova ThinkCentre A61e: This innovative computer is quiet and can be powered by an optional solar panel instead of using electricity from an outlet. It is manufactured using 90% reusable/recyclable materials, including the packaging it comes boxed in. Lenovo says that the average user can save about $20 each year in energy costs, and will save about as much carbon dioxide emissions as two round-trip plane rides from New York to Boston. I’d certainly rather be on my computer than go to Boston, especially not TWICE!
2. IntelliPanel: Standby mode is a thing of the past, and with it the wasted energy stand-by uses, with this accessory, which will automatically switch on power to your peripherals like printers, monitors and routers, only when the computer is turned on; and will likewise switch off the peripherals when the computer is turned off. Cool! Now I really never have to remember ANYTHING!
3. USB Cell Batteries: Get this for smart. You do love rechargeable batteries, but hate their companion rechargers, right? Well USB Cell Batteries are recharged by plugging into the USB port of any computer. Where ever you take your laptop you will have a place to charge up these clever batteries.
4. Solar Powered Backpack: What will they think of next? Get some charging done while hiking through the woods. The backpack’s solar panel faces the sun and takes those powerful rays and transforms them into electricity for your iPod and cell phones.
5. Nintendo Wii: What’s this doing on my list exactly? I know it seems a bit out of place on a blog dedicated to Earth Day, which brings to mind hugging trees and walking around barefoot and eating sprouts- but even nerds care about the earth (we think)- and what better way to love the earth than to sit in your living room “virtually” doing just about anything, and only using 10% of the electricity that other gaming consoles (which will remain nameless) use. And think about how much fuel for your car you save by never going anywhere. And less wear and tear on your clothes, less consumption or air, and just about everything else. Yes a Wii can really save a lot of energy, and help to save the earth too.