We have home energy and conservation information here that may not be ready for prime time. But, we think you'll be interested in news about what's coming or what's being worked on.
Gadgets:
Green Plug is the first developer of digital technology that enables real-time collaboration between electronic devices and their power sources. The company develops and markets embeddable power supply technology to consumer electronics (CE) and power supply companies. Billions of devices including laptops, printers, speakers, routers, modems, cell phones, entertainment devices, power tools, cameras and so many other portable electronic devices require a power source that converts between 90V and 254V wall power to device-specific DC power. That means that these devices require unique power converters, and that is very costly, is extremely inconvenient and contributes to wasted resources and pollution.
Solar Energy:
Nanosolar is a manufacturer of thin film solar panels. Nanosolar a global leader in solar power innovation, has leveraged some recent science nanostructured materials to dramatically reduce the cost and improve the efficiency in manufacturing solar power cells and panels. With these types of technology changes being adopted in the commercial market, the reality of cost effective solar power solutions is becoming a real cost effective solution in the future.
Wind Energy:
The Jellyfish Wind Appliance is a new class of wind turbine that is affordable, quiet, reliable and safe, and that anyone can install. It's not yet in production.
Energy Management:
Greenbox Technology is creating an interactive energy management platform that enables households to save money and reduce their carbon footprint. This is still in trials and they are looking to sign up more utilities.
Although not produced for the US market a device like this could certainly be useful. The Electrisave energy meter was the first home 'smart' meter to be commercially available in the UK, although it is originally an Australian invention going under the brand name Centameter. Now seems to be known as the "Owl".
Alternative Transportation:
Maybe you could do this in your metropolis: Transportation Alternatives seeks to change New York City's transportation priorities to encourage and increase non-polluting, quiet, city-friendly travel and decrease--not ban--private car use. Transportation Alternatives was founded in 1973 during the explosion of environmental consciousness that also produced the Clean Air and Clean Water Act and the Environmental Protection Agency. Since our founding, T.A. has helped win numerous improvements for cyclists and pedestrians and has been the leading voice for reducing car use in the city. T.A.'s roots are in bicycling, and many of our members are everyday cyclists. But winning a cycling-friendly city means changing the overall transportation system, which, even in mass transit-centered New York City, is still dominated by the private automobile.
Magazines:
Green Space Today - Due in January 2009, Green Space Today is an online magazine and business resource that will connect people, companies, institutions, and cities that value green building and sustainable practices. Our environment is a population of niches interacting in one space. At Green Space Today, we believe in structuring our site to replicate the intricacy of where we work, live and play. By interacting with Green Space Today's community of advertisers, readers, and members, who represent a diversity of markets & industries, you will be connected to your target audiences that support green building and sustainable practices.