6 green gadgets in honor of Earth Day

The 44th annual celebration of Earth Day on April 22nd will be buzzing with talk of our impact on the environment and what we can do to better live in harmony with it. If you want to show some support for Mother Earth, don’t think you have to abandon your electronics, because there’s certainly no shortage on eco-friendly technologies available. Below are six useful green gadgets that are beneficial to both you and our planet.

Water-powered alarm clock

Bedol’s colorful water-drop-shaped clocks run on tap water and nothing else. Wondering how that’s possible? The energy comes from a natural reaction between the water and two metal plates inside. Impressively, the smallest clocks run for six to 12 weeks before the display begins to fade, indicating the water needs to be changed. Occasionally, the metal plates need to be cleaned with vinegar. Prices start at $19.

Solar flashlight

Nobody likes a dead flashlight, especially during a power outage. With the Hybrid Solar Flashlight, you’ll never run into that problem again. These flashlights can be charged from any light source, they don’t require batteries, and they always work. On a single charge, the 120 lumens model burns for an impressive eight hours. Prices start at less than $20.

Pama Eco Navigator Satellite Navigation system

This eco-friendly GPS system makes TomTom users think twice. The Pama Eco Navigator Satellite Navigation System saves gasoline by providing you with the most energy-efficient routes to all of your destinations, along with feedback on your car’s performance. It also saves each route, so you can assess your fuel efficiency. Watch for pricing and availability on Amazon.

USB cell batteries

Think spending $15 on a pair of batteries is ridiculous? Once you’ve got yourself a pair of USB cell batteries, you’ll never have to purchase another set of mercury-laden, environment-polluting batteries again. These next-gen cells can be recharged hundreds of times just by using a USB stick.

Solar traveling bag

Voltaic’s Solar Switch Bag keeps gadget-loving travelers charged up and on the move. The super durable Switch Bag features a padded compartment for a tablet computer and a 6 watt solar panel that can charge iPads, smartphones, mp3 players, and portable videogame consoles. Get it now for $129.

Self-generating digital camera

Capable of shooting both videos and stills, the Sun & Cloud camera by Superheadz Japan is the world's first self-generation digital camera. With a solar panel on top, it's capable of generating its own power so you don't have to worry about recharging a dead battery. Design-wise, the camera looks like a small cube, which can be either black or white, and on the back is an LCD screen for viewing your photos along with buttons that make up the user interface. As it's so convenient and eye-catching, why wouldn't you want one? Get it now for $200.