There are many new green gadgets and green products available in the market today. Their uses are varied, but the one thing they all have in common is that they are friendly to the environment. A testament to the fact that people are buying green gadgets is the increasing amount of such items that can be found for sale. Here are some of the top five best-selling green products:
1. MJSI HYR270 HydroRight Drop-in Dual Flash Converter – The HydroRight Dual Flash Converter can convert your existing toilet to on that conserves water . Your household can save up to 70 percent of the water it uses for flushing. That’s an estimated 15,000 gallons of water per year, for a four-member family. The converter is easy to install, and no special tools are required for the job. The HydroRight system replaces the flapper, which is the biggest cause of leakage.

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2. Orange Guard 103 Water Based Indoor/Outdoor Home Pest Control – Orange Guard Water Based insecticide is made from orange peel extract, which makes it safe to use around food, human and pets. It works on fire ants, ants, fleas, roaches, silverfish, aphids, leaf hoppers, spider mites, scale insects, and other pests.

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3. Sunforce 50033 15-Watt Solar Charging Kit – Sunforce’s solar charging kit comes with an amorphous solar panel that can generate up to 15 watts of clean power. It is designed to be used for cabins, homes, RVs, and boats. The solar panel is weatherproof, and durable enough to withstand hailstorms. The solar charging kit comes with a 15-watt solar panel, a 7-amp solar charge controller, a durable mounting frame, and a wiring kit with accessories to aid in the installation process.

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4. Hybrid Solar Powered Flashlight with Emergency Battery Backup – In the past, the concept of a “solar flashlight” was a bit of a joke – but it’s now a reality, with devices such as the Hybrid Power Solar Powered Flashlight. It can be charged in the sun during the day, and its power will be stored in a battery for later use. Once the light is fully charged, it can hold its charge for three years. Its LED has a guaranteed lifespan of eleven continuous years. It is waterproof, for up to 80 feet of depth, and it can float was well. On a full charge, it can provide light for ten hours.

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5. Safer Brand Insect Killing Soap – Safer Brand Insect Killing Soap can be used on ornamental foliage plants, houseplants, flowering plants, fruits, and vegetables. It kills pests, such as aphids, spider mites, mealy bugs, and whiteflies. It is safe to use around people and pets.

One of the most popular Hybrid cars on the market is the Toyota Prius.  Compact and economical, it’s starting price is listed as just $22,400, putting it within the realms of reality for the everyday, albeit environmentally-conscious, individual.

The third generation of Toyota Prius, the 2010 model, has EPA ratings of 51 mpg in the city, and 49 mpg on the highway.  That’s pretty good even for a hybrid, and is a step up from earlier Toyota Prius models.

But a new pricing structure is lined up for this hybrid, and the Toyota Prius I, II, III, IV, and V are reportedly already available.

The lowest cost version is the Toyota Prius I, which should run for around $21,000, while the Prius V starts at $27,670.

It gets better though.  A solar roof package is available for the Toyota Prius II, III, and IV Models – but not for the V.

The solar roof system costs between $3,600 and $4,500, and uses solar energy to supplement the vehicle’s power and get even better mileage.  This package also includes a solar-powered ventilation system, a navigation system, a power tilt/slide moon roof, and remote-control AC (for those of us who just can’t be bothered to lean forward and turn the knob?)

With this new combination of hybrid technology and solar power, a whole new range of fuel efficiency may be possible.  The solar powered version is said to make mileages of up to 70 mpg possible under ideal circumstances.

If you live or often travel in a sunny climate, the solar roof might go a long ways in reducing your gas bill and carbon emissions.

Under some (somewhat theoretical) circumstances, the driver of a solar-powered Toyota Prius might never need to buy gas at all.

But at the very least, a driver of a solar powered Prius who uses the vehicle’s eco settings and follows basic speed guidelines can expect to stop for gas far less often – so infrequently, in fact, that he should take care not to forget to stop for gas at all.

Sources:

Toyota Beefs Up Hybrid Leader Prius

Toyota Prius

Solar chargers for your green gadgets are the best way to maximize their eco friendliness by staying off of the grid.  And although reducing your consumption of gadgetry and products in general is the best way to stay above-board in the environmental circles, buying a green alternative can be a good way of reducing your carbon footprint while still feeding your hunger for shiny, pretty things.

When it comes to acquiring the latest shiny accessories, iPhone users are catalog experts. So, it will come as no great shock that a sleek solar charging sleeve has been developed just for the chic iPhone 3G. The Powcell charger is sure to grab the eager attention of many Apple fan-boys and -girls as it is not only a useful accessory, but designed to faithfully match the contours and feel of the iPhone despite not coming from Apple.

The Powcell sleeve was designed from a meticulous process of 3D imaging of the iPhone itself, according to the manufacturer, Motion Touch. The outcome results is sporty styling that seamlessly integrates itself into the overall look and feel of the iPhone. Its contours flow from plane to plane while the coloring matches the saturation and luminosity near perfectly and (most importantly)  seemingly effortlessly. Powcell allows access to all ports while attached to the iPhone, making it ideal for charging in use.

The large solar panel utilizes all available space while not adding any unsightly bulk or much inconvenient weight. The solar voltaic cell itself is able to capitalize on ambient lighting conditions, according to the product page, making charging in the office or school a convenient option while staying greenly off-grid. Powcell continues to charge your iPhone without available light via its internal battery even when removed from the phone.  Though, it should be noted that a storage battery is available on all solar chargers nowadays, or at least should be (talking to you, designers).

Motion Touch claims a great retailer and phone manufacturer interest in this gadget.  According to them, various phone manufacturers have approached Motion Touch about providing solar sleeves for other brands.  No list of future compatibility is yet available.

Henry Powell, Client Director of MotionTouch says “Dispensing with the need for plug-in chargers makes Powcell a ground-breaking eco-product.”  “Groundbreaking” may be a bit of a stretch as we have reported green chargers here, here, and here, which are already suitable for not only an iPhone but any USB ready device.  That last one is even powered by wind!

But hey, it’s marketing, right?  The fact is, again, that you will most likely spend the first several years of the gadget’s life just making up for the amount of energy it took to deliver the product to you.  However, if you are going to buy a backup charger anyway, then a solar charger is a green way to provide off-grid power, and the Powcell may be the best way to stay chic and rid yourself of the wires and bulk of conventional wall plugs. And a backup charger is not a bad idea, regardless.  In the world of instant, wireless communication there is no reason that an uncharged battery should prevent you from reaching help in an emergency.

The Powcell currently is compatible with the iPhone 2G and 3Gs.  There is no word on its 4G integration, but one can bet against it. Available for purchase at Powcell.com for ₤59.99 (around $100 USD).

When green gadget lovers and designers dream up ways to power electronic devices, we often get caught up in the glamor of solar and wind advancements while neglecting the oldest and most reliable source of power mankind knows: elbow grease.  Handheld solar and wind powered chargers can be extremely convenient and a great way to stay off the grid.  However, sometimes we just don’t have proper access to the weather conditions required for those devices. When it comes to handheld charging in an urgent situation, your own muscle power may be the only truly reliable source of green power.

Electric generators simply work on the premise of moving cooper and magnets around each other very quickly to produce electricity.  It’s a super interesting phenomenon that you can spend a lifetime exploring, but really is a very simple device.  It doesn’t matter whether the turbine is moving via wind, water or simply by hand.  While moving generators via muscle power is not terribly effective for large-scale consumption, it really only takes a small amount of effort to charge a handheld gadget such as a cell phone.

Luckily, the good people at Easy Energy have developed a nifty solution. The YoGen is a  pocket-sized, hand powered electric charger that efficiently produces a current strong and reliable enough to charge most or all of your handheld devices.  The user charges the device by pulling a cord in an manner that, according to the YoGen website, resembles a yo-yo.  Hence the name (those clever dogs).

When the user pulls on the T-handle of the self-returning cord, the YoGen’s internal alternator spins, generating the power needed for recharging the batteries of your cell phone or any other handheld 5 volt device.  You can check your devices’ included wall adapter to see whether it is a 5 volt input (it will say “output” on your adapter, because the specs are referring to the charger itself).   The YoGen has a 5 watt maximum power, which is plenty for modern cell phones and mp3 players. The YoGen also includes a built-in 650 mAh lithium-ion back-up battery  to ensure a consistently steady output. An available upgrade comes with a secondary battery pack. The YoGen connects via a mini USB and a variety of adapter tips are included.

The charger is ergonomically designed to reduce strain on the user and is compact enough to carry in a purse or even trouser pocket.   Unfortunately, there is no available information on how much pulling it actually takes to charge a device, which seems a tad suspicious.  According to a Blackberry report, previous hand powered chargers could take up to 15 minutes, which is a bit more straining than most users will accept.  Solar and wind may still make more sense for convenience.  However, YoGen does claim to have broken through efficiency barriers, so this device most likely requires much less effort.  But we cannot be sure until some independent testing is done.  In any case, a human-powered energy source could certainly be an all-in-one solution for green and convenient charging.   It could even be a lifesaver in an emergency.

Electric transportation grows more popular every day and infrastructure is struggling to keep up with the modest demand of electrically powered cars and bikes: an outlet with simple billing.  Even with great advances in charge times and range, most electric car users are forced to return home before running out of juice.   A lack of proper infrastructure has many causes: disinterested or straightly opposed gas stations; lack of standardized equipment; uncertainty about the future of electric.  However, serious market competition and consumer demand is being noticed and many spoils shall be awarded to the pioneers of not only the vehicular design, but sustainable infrastructure.

Earlier this year, someone finally broke through with a well designed solution and, more importantly, a serious business plan. The tool for monitoring and invoicing electricity drawn from charging a vehicle isn’t exactly revolutionary, in fact it’s taken far too long to arrive in the opinion of most green consumers. However, the design unveiled at the Norwegian zero-emissions exhibition, EVS 24, earlier this year certainly seems to be leading the pack in electricity station technologies. The EBConnect arrives via British company Elektromotive. It will be able to identify a customer, meter the energy consumed and bill customers accounts accordingly and accurately.  The monitoring and billing device is set to be installed alongside pre-existing charging stations across the UK, making the already verdant British landscape even greener.

Elektromotive’s EBConnect software manages sophisticated two-way communication between a vehicle (via the EBConnect) and a central data center. The system provides a variety of payment methods to best suite any customer.   Elektrobay accounts are a personalized system of credit and debit a regular customer may keep preloaded.  The customer can choose instead to have the amount automatically charged to his or her utility bill or may even pay via an SMS and have the charge placed on a cell phone bill.

The EBConnect also offers advancements in the actual charging technology.  Not only is the charging station fully compatible with both fully electric and hybrid cars, but it also charges better.  Elektromotive’s Three-Phase ‘Fast Charge’ Elektrobay prototype uses a power supply of 32 amps, which reduces charging times significantly.  This may be one of the most important steps in advancing the popularity and utility of electric cars.  Even the best charge times currently sit in the 30 min range, which is great when charging at home between errands, but is unacceptable for long-distance driving.  Advancements in automotive and charging station technologies will work hand in hand to defeat this obstacle in the near future and Elektromotive is at the height of the forthcoming wave.

The EBConnect is not limited to the UK alone. Elektromotive also exports Elektrobays to Sweden, Holland, Germany and Ireland with many more international contracts in the works. They have recently even secured a contract in the Middle East according to an Elektromotive press release.   The release states “King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), a new graduate-level research university located in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia, will use the Elektrobay charging points for recharging the 150 new electric vehicles that will transport staff and pupils around the campus.”

Toyota has launched a unique buzz marketing campaign to attract attention to the launch of the newest model of the 2010 Prius, setting up a bizarre display of giant flowers in the middle of Boston’s Prudential Square.  So what is the point?  What do flowers have to do with the Prius?

The 18 foot bright-colored flowers, which sprout up from benches big enough to seat 10 people, turn out to be more than just colorful seating.  The flower petals themselves are actually solar cells, and the intent of these strange sculptures, which look like something out of Alice in Wonderland, are to provide free electricity for cell phones and laptops.   The benches are even outfitted with free Wi-Fi.

So far, the giant artificial daisies have been set up temporarily in Boston. In a few days, they will be moved across the country and placed in other major cities, including New York, Chicago, Seattle, and LA.
People seem to be reacting well to this campaign, and it is drawing a lot of attention in Prius’ tech savvy market base, a collection of consumers who respond well to buzz marketing. 

Toyota calls their flower-benches a harmonic relationship “between man, nature, and machine,” a creative tag-line also used to describe the third generation Prius itself.

At 50 mpg, the 2010 model Prius is the most efficient model introduced thus far.  It also features a solar panel powered ventilation system, which explains the solar marketing gimmicks, and improved aerodynamics, achieving the lowest drag coefficient of any high-production car, ever.  A bigger battery and electric motor allows more energy to be generated when braking and a Power Split Device allows more power generation and recharging during freeway driving.

Toyota has proven once again to have a great sense for their customers and an innovative spirit

By their very nature Motorcycles are loud, often obnoxious machines that annoy our neighbors while announcing our arrival from a block away. The Zero DS from Zero Motorcycles isn’t one of those machines. Actually, this dual sport electric bike is rather quiet thanks to a fully electric motor.

The bike comes equipped with a range of 50 miles before a second charge is required, while achieving speeds up to 55mph. It also comes equipped with a 4 kWh battery that can fully charge in under 4 hours.

Zero Motorcycles also promises a tougher design and better overall suspension when compared to their S model electric bikes. This stronger design lends itself well to street and off road obstacles for the more adventurous riders.

Zero calls their bike “…edgy, yet sophisticated, [with an]appearance[that] is highlighted by an eye catching twin spar frame that is both rigid and lightweight.” And I couldn’t agree more. Simply put, it’s an eco-friendly vehicle that’s also appealing on the eyes, unlike many of those goofy looking hybrids currently on the market.

The DS features a $9,950 price tag, however a $1000 tax credit is currently available, bringing the bikes price down to a more manageable, sub $9000 offering.

GoCycle is the greatest leap forward in electric bicycle technology to date.  Growing rapidly in popularity, electric bike technology has had a tough time catching up to demand.  Little power, long charge times and short ranges have turned many would-be buyers off to the whole idea of any electric transportation.  But just as hybrid and electric cars have finally begun to meet consumer demands, so has at least one electric bike.  The GoCycle offers improved range, power and overall design.  The only problem might be the price, but let’s just dream on that point for now.

GoCycle is the lightest electric bike in production to date.  Weighing in at a measly 35 lbs (16 kg) it is by far the most mobile option.  The GoCycle electric bike has a 10 mile range when using exclusively electric power and has a top speed of 15 mph; perfect for a sweat free morning commute.  The bike can then be recharged in 3.5 hours for the same energy as using a 40 watt light bulb for a single hour.  So, you can proudly recharge your green ride at the office and be the envy of everyone’s environmental consciouses.

The GoCycle is special for a variety of unique features (many pending patents over at GoCycle):

You can rest easy knowing that your pant legs are safe when commuting via the GoCycle. It comes equipped with its patented Cleanspeed, a fully enclosed and maintenance free 3-speed chain drive that keeps your clothes protected from any snags of a typical bike.

The award-winning and patented LockShock is a rear suspension shock absorber that doubles as a locking port for securing your GoCycle.

The simple push of a red button near your thumb is all it takes to turn the bikes electric motor on and off, allowing you to exercise full control over your bikes power distribution.

The Pit-Stop Wheels are side mounted and can be mounted and unmounted with no tools.  This makes changing a flat tire a snap.

The Vgonomic Adjustment system allows the rider to change not only the height, but the forward to backward positions of the seat and handlebars and with no tools.  This ride is truly customizable to any rider.

The plug and play electric motor is discreet and gives front wheel power for maximum stability.

The GoCycle includes front and rear luggage mounts for all your school or work bags and accessories.

While some bikes nowadays are conveniently foldable for city dwelling and train commuting, the GoCycle can be completely dismantled and placed in a wheeled travel case in a matter of moments.   I don’t know about you, but foldable bikes have never been quite mobile enough for my taste, but the GoCycle seems to offer the absolute maximum in mobility and storage-ability.

Even with all the attention paid to GoCycle’s superior functionality, they have not forgotten form.  The sleek and sensuous curves of this electric bike are the height of modern appeal.  With its $1800 USD price tag, it may not be for the average environmentalist, but you can expect that price to drop significantly in the next two years.

We have all seen the myriad solar chargers available like the Solio Mono reviewed here, and they are great eco instruments. But some of you may live in a stormy area with long periods of darkness like Canada or Scandinavia. Or maybe you just want something a bit different. Then consider the wind powered HYmini hand held charger. This green gadget can transfer 1000mAh of stored power to other 5V devices. And the ratio of acquisition to utilization time is about equal to a hand held solar charger. 20 minutes of wind equals about 30 minutes of mp3 player use.

The HYmini comes packaged with a USB 2.0 transfer cable, 5 adapter tips and a DC wall adapter to ensure maximum charging versatility. You can use the included USB cable or the original manufacturer’s to charge your devices. If you need to charge a variety of devices at once or are on a long trip where you can’t rely on the weather, then the HYmini can also be used as a standard wall plug adapter. Connect HYmini’s included outlet adapter to the DC jack and you can then use the USB transfer cable to connect your mobile devices with HYmini’s USB 2.0 outlet. This way, rather than bringing a separate charger for each of your devices, the HYmini can take care of all your other green gadgets even when a traditional outlet is your only option.

The HYmini can also be outfitted with an adapter for “active wind generation.” When cruising on your bike or moped or even skiing down the slopes, the adapter will allow you to capture all that wind energy rushing past you and turn it into talk time or your favorite tunes. A safety feature only allows the HYmini to capture wind under 40 mph, so you won’t be able to hang it out the window on a highway, but placing it on the dash with a couple windows open should do the trick.

However, keep in mind that even the greenest of gadgets are not always the most eco friendly option. If you buy this gadget simply for the sake of having it, then it will take you the entire life of the HYmini just to offset the energy it took only to deliver it to you (even after UPS implements their new electric trucks). Devices like this only help the environment when purchased as an alternative to another product. If you are purchasing a wall adapter that can charge all of your electronics anyway, then this is a great buy both for its utility and its environmental friendliness.

$49.99 and available in black, white or green. Bike and armband holder as well as a variety of special adapters also sold at the HYmini online store.

The Solio Mono Hybrid Charger is the hottest green gadget this season. This affordable, convenient solar charger sports a sleek design and discrete profile for maximum wow-factor. Whether you’re miles from an outlet or just green-minded, Solio Mono is the gadget that powers all your other gadgets. Solio can dangle on your backpack during a hike or sit on your dash during a road trip.

1/3 the size of the Solio classic, the Mono delivers one to one and a half cell phone charges after a single hour of sunlight. The Mono accepts a USB connection and comes with a variety of USB tips for maximum compatibility. Retails at $50 (USD) and available at outdoor stores including REI.