7 Overrated Technologies and Their Underrated Low-Tech Alternatives : TreeHugger

Technology rocks, and improving upon what we have is a boon for fighting climate change in a lot of ways. But sometimes green gadgets get more attention than the totally effective non-tech solutions to problems in our lives, because, well, non-tech solutions are boring. The latest and greatest is always fun to talk about.

So we wanted to think about some of the cool technology we like discussing, that also have non-tech solutions that do just as much good. Thinking about all the ways in which we can do without tech helps us re-center, and remember the world does not revolve around power outlets.

ereader- vs library photo
Photo of Kindle via Robertnelson, and library via Helga's Lobster Stew

Headlined: E-Books

E-books and e-readers have been getting quite a bit of attention on TreeHugger as of late, what will cool advances in e-paper technology and the death spiral of printed newspapers. E-books are very cool and will likely hold a significant place in our culture soon, helping us to cut down on the carbon footprint of the printed word while still maintaining broad home libraries, carrying books while traveling, even college students can put all their textbooks on a lightweight e-reader. And yet, there’s another very green resource that doesn’t get nearly the press it deserves...

Sidelined: The Library

According to our survey, only about 12% of you still use the library. And yet, along with a plethora of various resources, libraries offer the solution to pretty much any book craving we may ever get. Even if your library doesn’t have the title you’re seeking, they are likely hooked up to a network so that a nearby library can send the title right over to you. It may not be a perfect version of the instant gratification our generation craves, but it gets pretty darn close. And it’s all perfectly free.

power monitor vs plug photo
Photo of monitor via Tristanf and plug via Vinay Deep

Headlined: Home Energy Monitors

There is no doubt that energy monitors are an excellent way to help us cut down on our energy use. They spark that competitive spirit within ourselves to do better, and help us to recognize when we’re overindulging. They’re easy to use and gads of them have been hitting the market. And with the smart grid coming, we’ve been all abuzz with the latest gear that helps us cut down on our energy consumption. But there’s something even cheaper and easier to use than a power monitor…

Sidelined: Unplugging Stuff

If this doesn’t underscore why green technology is more exciting to talk about than un-techy alternatives, then I don’t know what will. Yep, unplugging stuff is a surefire way to consume less energy. There’s two reasons for this. First, it heads off vampire power. But secondly, rather than appealing to our competitive spirit, it appeals to our lazy side. It’s annoying to plug stuff in every time you want to use it, so you avoid using an appliance in order to avoid the hassle of plugging and unplugging. Utterly boring, I know. But an energy-saving solution nonetheless.

hybrid car vs bike photo
Photo of car via Joel C Garcia and bike via xddorox

Headlined: Hybrid Cars

Oh the hybrid car – nothing draws website traffic quite like it. The personal motorized vehicle isn’t going anywhere any time soon so we might as well do everything we can to improve it, and that means switching it to run on renewable energy. We love talking about cars here on TreeHugger, and we know folks love reading about them – hybrid gas/electric, all electric, hydrogen fuel cell, solar powered…we love transportation technology. But there’s a low-tech transportation staple that doesn’t seem to get quite the attention it ought to see…

Sidelined: Bikes

The humble (and sometimes extraordinarily humble) bicycle deserves some love. More and more people are realizing that this low-tech device can happily get them around town, and provides all kinds of great side effects like improved health and invigoration, with minor side effects like helmet hair. With our economic woes, however, the bike is getting increased attention both on TreeHugger as well as across the nation as citizens get reacquainted with its awesomeness.