How to Go Green: Gadgets
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California 
on 11. 5.08
Image: Getty Images/Gallo Images - Neil Overy
Technology has become an essential part of daily life, from cell phones to televisions, music players to laptops. Electronics, though, have a significant impact on the environment. But don't despair. There are countless ways to green up your gadgetry -- or even use your gadgets for environmental causes -- and we have information tips, guides, fix-it solutions and facts all in one place to help you go green with your technology.
Read on for a small sampling of the tips from our new guide for How to Go Green: Gadgets.
Getty Images/Martin Poole
Check out what the experts say before buying
Take a look at Energy Star ratings, EPEAT ratings, Consumer Reports, and other expert sources to help you make comparisons among gadgets before purchasing. This will help you find the most energy efficient and eco-friendly items available to you.Buy used.
Buying a pre-owned electronic accomplishes two excellent goals. First, you help to extend the lifetime of the gadget, lowering its carbon footprint, and secondly, you save money. With the rate at which manufacturers churn out new gadgets, buying barely used gadgets in great shape is an easy task and usually is much less expensive, even for the latest gear. There are great buyback companies such as TechForward that sell refurbished electronics, and places like Craigslist and eBay are also good places to look. Of course, the manufacturers usually offer refurbished gear at reduced prices as well. You might even find what you're seeking free of charge on networks like Freecycle.Zap vampire power
For true gadget lovers, this may be the most fun tip because you get to green your gadgets with more gadgets. Vampire power is the energy used by devices when they're plugged in but not turned on. Prevent wasted energy first by unplugging any devices not in use or that are fully charged. Then, try using devices like smart power strips that cut the power supply to devices that no longer need it.This is just the tip of the green gadget iceberg, though. Click on over for the full guide on How to Go Green: Gadgets, and, while you're at it, check out our guides for Electronics, and Buy Green: Desktop Computers and Buy Green: Laptop & Notebook Computers.
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I am constantly turning off all my items before I leave and go to bed to get rid of that vampire energy! Stake right through the heart!
Thank you Treehugger for promoting the concept of used cell phones!
There are many great sellers on eBay that are highly rated and give wonderful service. Look for feedback of over 99% and you will find a great way to replace a device without a huge outlay in cash. Sometimes you can save 50% - 75% or more by purchasing a used device!
All the best,
Jason
Turn those devices OFF and restore or renovate instead of buying new. Good advice!
Although I didn't buy used I went with a smart phone this time to extend its life.
1. I can upgrade the OS and did so right around one year
2. I can install plenty of thrird party apps
3. Since the phone was a little more $ than plain old phones the cost of acceories or a new battery isn't greater than the cost of the phone so the old might as well just get a new one won't apply.
The rest of my electronics I buy AA powered (gps camera, radio, etc) so I don't have to have a bunch of chargers, one single good quality charger is all I need and some good batteries. I still have 9 year olf Sanyo NiMH batteries in use none of the throw away the two year old battery or device because its odd shaped lithium ion isn't replaceable.
I always resell old cellphones to elimanite landfill waste. In addition to that I sell solar phone chargers. Its just another way to get people in the mindset of using renewable energy sources !! This is the best Blog Site I have seen all year.
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