Technology that Saves Energy

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The world has become a remarkably technologically-advanced place to live. Electronically-minded people 15 years ago were simply amazed to send texts to friends on their chunky mobile phones — and desktop computers were behemoths that often resembled the monoliths from 2001: A Space Odyssey (except white, not black).

Now, it’s a whole different story: tablets just millimetres thick can allow people to take face-to-face calls over free wireless internet in public, while mobile phones have more computing power than a top-of-the-range PC that graced even the proudest gamer in 1997. However, this dependency on technology comes at a price — especially with higher utility bills, which have risen seemingly exponentially in recent years.

As such, it’s important to take stock of how you can fight against larger bills and — of course — play your part in saving the environment at the same time. Ironically, it may be best to keep buying technology to help you, as there are a surprising number of solutions at hand that can lower your ecological impact.

The Standby Buster

As the main choice of money.co.uk, the Standby Buster is a gadget recommended by the Energy Saving Trust in the UK. The offering allows you to switch off any electrical appliance left on standby with the simple use of a remote control. Each Buster allows you to control up to four plugs with each remote, meaning sockets around the home can be controlled to switch off TVs, game consoles, and more. Reportedly, just one Standby Buster plug could save you up to $50 a year.

The Battery Wizard

The Battery Wizard can be used to recharge standard batteries up to ten times each.

Given that each recharge will cost all of two cents’ worth of electricity, and with the Battery Wizard costing around $15, money will be made back in moments!

Amazon Kindle

It’s a product everyone’s heard of, but perhaps haven’t considered the full benefits of. Amazon’s e-reader is more eco-friendly than paper books. According to environmental consulting firm Cleantech, a single book costs 7.5kg of CO2; the Kindle is 168kg, meaning the 23rd e-book — if you’re a big enough reader — will be the one that neutralises your carbon impact. The battery can last for months, too.

Blinds via Shutterstock
Clever Energy-Saving Blinds

It may sound ridiculous, but made-to-measure, clever energy-saving blinds really work. Energy-saving roller blinds feature high-tech solar films that decrease glare, giving extra comfort in the home and help insulate your windows. This means the temperature of your house can be well-regulated all year round.

Shower head via Shutterstock

Water-Saving Shower Heads

These clever shower heads control the flow and spray pattern of water, using a lot less water than usual. It doesn’t affect the experience of showering, either — the power of the jets makes up for any possible perception of having a worse, or less clean, experience!

Keep your eyes out for other little ways to save money — solar chargers, manually-powered (wind-up) electronics, and such can be readily bought in shops around the world!


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