Hardware

11 green gadgets for the treehugger on your list

By // December 18, 2014, 4:00 AM PST // lyndseygilpin

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  • ReFleece

    ReFleece accessories are made using reclaimed textiles and recycled bottles. The company also uses low-energy manufacturing processes. ReFleece makes tablet covers, e-reader cases, iPad sleeves, and travel bags. There's felt, fleece, and wool covers. The felted, charcoal grey layer comes from recycled PET fiber, using things like plastic bottles or carpet fibers. ReFleece partners with Patagonia and other brands for the fleece and other materials. Most of the tablet cases are less than$40.

    Image: ReFleece

  • iBamboo speaker

    This is an electricity-free speaker made from one piece of bamboo. The resonance of the bamboo amplifies whatever you're playing on your iPhone 4 or 5. Each one is unique because no two pieces of bamboo are alike, but they all amplify sound in the same way. It's available for $20.

    Image: iBamboo speaker

  • Cardboard Standing Desk

    Standing desks were super popular this year, but the high-tech ones are usually pretty pricey. Chairigami made this portable standing desk made from 70% recycled cardboard and 30% FSC certified virgin fiber. You can order the desk for $95. The company also makes other furniture out of cardboard.

    Image: Chairigami

  • USBCell

    USBCell is a AA battery that is rechargeable by USB. It functions the exact same way as normal batteries, and a pack of two is $17.99. It's an even more eco-friendly, accessible alternative to regular rechargeable batteries -- these can be charged anywhere there's a USB port.

    Image: USBCell

  • Nomad 13 Solar Panel

    This solar panel is portable, made to take with you anywhere off the grid if you need a quick charge for your gadgets. Think camping, hiking, road trips, etc. It weighs 1.6 pounds and generates 13 watts of solar power. It will charge most USB and 12V devices and can charge two things simultaneously. It costs $159.99.

    Image: GoalZero

  • Golden Child Solar Pak Charger

    The Solar Pak is a solar charger for small electronic devices. It charges via solar panel or USB drive. It's perfect for smartphones and can easily free you from the grid. It's available online for $59.99.

    Image: Radioshack

  • Phone cases

    Re-Case, pictured here, is made from post-consumer plastic for the iPhone 5. It also comes with a credit card holder and a shield for RFID and credit cards. The packaging is made from corrugated recycle paper and free of ink and glue. It's available for about $20 on Amazon. As for Android: Etsy has more eco-friendly options, or there's certain companies like BoxWave, which makes a case for the Nexus from bamboo. It just takes more searching to find them.

    Image: Miniwiz

  • Solar Powered Tent

    This company makes all kinds of trendy tents, but they offer a solar powered version that charges all your gadgets while you're on a camping trip. Each tent comes with a 5 watt solar panel, lithium solar storage bank and mobile phone/USB charging adaptors. You just slide the solar panel into a pocket, facing the sunlight, and let the sun do its job. They're available for about $300 and up.

    Image: Bang Bang Tents

  • Rukus Solar

    This solar-powered, wireless sound system is great for on the go listening. It's $149.99, but that's comparable to the amount of batteries you have to buy for a portable speaker system, and definitely more eco-friendly than using a plug-in system. It plays for eight hours and is waterproof, too.

    Image: Rukus

  • Sunshine Solar Charger

    Another solar charger, but this one is too pretty not to include. Made by XD Design, the Sunshine solar charger has flower-shaped solar panels and both regular and micro USB ports to charge your gadgets. It's about $108 on Amazon.

    Image: XD Design

  • Waterpebble

    The Waterpebble makes it easier to save water. You simply place the device by your drain, and it monitors how much water is going down the drain as you shower. It uses the first shower as a benchmark, then uses a series of soft flashing lights to gradually shorten your shower length by letting you know when you can shave off some time. Every shower, your water usage is reduced a little more.It's about $17 US.

    Image: thegreenhead.com

ReFleece

ReFleece accessories are made using reclaimed textiles and recycled bottles. The company also uses low-energy manufacturing processes. ReFleece makes tablet covers, e-reader cases, iPad sleeves, and travel bags. There's felt, fleece, and wool covers. The felted, charcoal grey layer comes from recycled PET fiber, using things like plastic bottles or carpet fibers. ReFleece partners with Patagonia and other brands for the fleece and other materials. Most of the tablet cases are less than$40.

Image: ReFleece

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By Lyndsey Gilpin

Lyndsey Gilpin is a former Staff Writer for TechRepublic, covering sustainability and entrepreneurship. She's co-author of the book Follow the Geeks.