Eco-Minded Gadgets: Less Guilt, More Fun

Greater energy efficiency, more eco-friendly materials, and higher standards for corporate responsibility have helped more items be crafted with one eye on conservation and sustainability or, at the very least, using less energy or waste. I am enthusiastic over the items because not only are they fun, but also useful. Here are my favorites:

I do not go anywhere without a Pod Bag in my purse or pocket. No more needing plastic or paper bags at the store when you have your very own bright and reusable tote. Machine washable so you can use it to carry a variety of items from meats or produce from the farmers market to goodies from the local bakery.

My friend Molly loved her Solar Buddy, who would rest on her desk happily bobbing its head as fast as the sunbeams would fuel it.

I love the idea of capturing sunshine in a jar, even if it is part metaphor, part science, to me it feels magical. It reminds me of early summer nights where I grew up with fireflies in the garden. The Sun Jar is available from the super fun gift shop of The Science Museum in London for £20.

The Science Museum also carries Squeeze Charge Flash Lights so we tested it out and had such fun.

No need to struggle with the flimsy disposable bags at the grocery store when you have your own lightweight Mesh Produce Bags. Best of all, these go straight into the fridge to help keep your food fresh for longer. If you like the idea, but want yours to be more vibrantly colored, check out the selection on Etsy.

A friend swears by her I Am Not a Paper Cup Reusable Mug. It is a double-walled porcelain cup with a removable silicone lid that can be used instead of a disposable paper cup and washed (mug is dishwasher safe) for repeated use.

An essential travel tool is the MagLite Mini LED Flashlight. Using two AA batteries and a long-lasting, energy-saving bulb, you can shine a light on a dark path or even just your keyhole.

Save the world from one more plastic water bottle with your very own Reusable Stainless Steel Bottle. It is durable, BPA-free, and lightweight on its own. Some have non-skid bases which are ideal for bringing in your car or in a bike bottle holder. A clip makes it even easier to have it tag along on your day’s adventures. Of course, if you want a bit more pattern or something feminine, my favorite is the V&A ‘Cray’ 500ml Water Bottle.

Do you love a roaring fire when you go camping, but can’t find enough dry wood and kindling? The Dry Log Maker solves that problem while recycling your newspapers.

Grow your own plants with care and a mind toward ecology with an Eggling.

Switch your laptop to energy-saving mode in one click with the USB Green Button. It simply puts your computer to sleep immediately, a good alternative to losing your work if you are low on battery power and need to run and get the power cord.

Skip the chemicals to clean your glass, granite, or stainless steel and use the Miracle Cloth. Not only do you save the environment from the chemicals in your waste water, but you also are keeping your surfaces free of toxins for a safe environment for your family, pets, or food.

Cleverly designed, Muji’s Collapsible Cardboard Speakers are an easy solution for travelers or those who work on-the-go.

This may not seem like an eco-minded item, but consider for a second how often you forget and leave your phone plugged in even when it is charged. You are using a small amount of electricity in that circumstance, which can be prevented if you have a brightly colored Mobile Phone Holder reminding you that it’s plugged in.

Pack your sandwich in its own LunchSkins bag day after day without every needing a plastic bag. There is a large selection of these also available from Etsy artists, so not only are they eco-friendly but fair-trade and hand-crafted too!

Completely fun and a great way to bring a bit of nature to your workspace is the iGrobot Planter. Of course, you can grow a plant in a traditional flower pot, but this one has a charming robot design and comes with peat and seeds in a gift box for a reasonable $4.99.

Recycled newspapers and print media get a new lease on life with a Coiled Paper Candy Dish, one of the items made of recycled newsprint by artisans of the Women’s Multipurpose Cooperative in Baguio City, the Philippines. The women who make this dish receive fair payment for their work as is the standard of products sold by Ten Thousand Villages. The dish is available for $20 online or in one of their retail stores.

Aside from these specific gift ideas, there are also a few of our favorite shops that focus on environmental concerns and fair-trade standards:

• Bambu
• Etsy
• HauteGREEN
• Hedgerow Herbals
• Jimi
• Kuyichi
• Muji