Earth Day: 10 Eco-Friendly Gadgets To Check Out

Going Greener

If you're looking to cut your carbon footprint and water usage -- or rely more on sustainable materials -- most electronic gadgets won't help you very much. Gadgets are notorious users of energy and resources, after all. But a select few do stand out for helping to accomplish environmental ends. So, in honor of Earth Day 2017, we've rounded up 10 of the gadgets that are out there to help make your life a bit more eco-friendly.

EnerPlex Kickr 4

The EnerPlex Kickr 4 uses solar-on-plastic technology to provide a flexible and light way to charge USB devices with the sun's rays--and at the same rate as plugging into the wall. The 6W charger weighs about two-thirds of a pound, can easily be attached to a backpack or tent, and can charge devices even in indirect sunlight. Bonus: It's also water-resistant (and manufactured in the U.S., in Denver).

The EnerPlex Kickr 4 is priced at $66.32 on Amazon.

Voltaic Systems Array Solar Backpack

For those that are on the move, the Array backpack features solar-charging of 10W, which is powerful enough to charge a laptop (as well as a tablet or smartphone, of course). In addition, the backpack is made from recycled PET (soda bottles) and is both lightweight and water-resistant.

The Voltaic Systems Array Solar Backpack is priced at $299 on Amazon.

USBCell AA Rechargeable Battery

Not all devices can recharge by plugging them into a wall (or a portable solar array). But there's a solution for those, too. The USBCell AA Rechargeable Battery works just like a normal AA, but the lid can be removed--revealing a USB port that allows for re-charging.

The USBCell AA Rechargeable Battery (2-pack) is priced at $17.78 on Amazon.

Shower Timer Alarm

Reducing your water usage can be as simple as taking shorter showers. But a little nudge might help. The Shower Timer Alarm attaches by suction cup to your shower, and you just select one of four times -- 3, 5, 7 or 9 minutes. The timer counts down and gives an audio and LED light alarm when your time is up.

The Shower Timer Alarm is priced at $17.95 on Amazon.

High Sierra Low Flow Shower Head

For those looking to go further in their water-saving efforts, High Sierra says that its 1.5-gallon-per-minute showerhead provides a spray that feels nearly as strong as a higher-flow showerhead. That's thanks to High Sierra's patented technology around its shower nozzle.

The High Sierra Low Flow Shower Head is priced at $39.95 on Amazon.

Niagara Conservation Tri-Max Aerator

You can also save water from the faucet with ease, with the help of the Niagara Conservation's Tri-Max Aerator, which fits over most faucets. The aerator not only adds air to the flow of water, reducing the amount of water used, but also lets you adjust your flow setting based on the task (soaping, washing or powerful rinsing).

The Niagara Conservation Tri-Max Aerator is priced at $5.20 on Amazon.

Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd Generation)

With the latest iteration of the Nest Learning Thermostat, the device now works with Amazon Alexa for even easier control of temperatures in the home. Due to the ease of usage, learning capabilities and sensors, the Nest says that its device saves an average of 10 percent to 12 percent on heating bills and 15 percent on cooling bills.

The third-generation Nest Learning Thermostat is priced at $219 on Amazon.

Otis & Eleanor Bongo Bluetooth Speaker

If you're in the market for a new Bluetooth speaker, going with a speaker made from sustainable materials -- such as the ever-abundant bamboo -- is a great option. The Bongo Bluetooth Speaker from Otis & Eleanor is made from a 100 percent natural bamboo shell, which is not only eco-friendly but also helps to produce a full sound.

The Otis & Eleanor Bongo Bluetooth Speaker is priced at $140 on Amazon.

Impecca Wireless Keyboard And Mouse

Why stop at just having your Bluetooth speaker made from bamboo, when your keyboard and mouse can be, too? Impecca says its wireless keyboard and mouse set is hand-carved from 100 percent bamboo, and is compatible with computers running Windows 2000 up to Windows 10.

The Impecca Wireless Keyboard And Mouse is priced at $79.99 on Amazon.

The Copenhagen Wheel

If you're looking to really put a dent in your carbon footprint, then maybe it's time to start biking rather than driving. But that's a tall order for those of us that aren't exactly in biking shape. The Copenhagen Wheel from Superpedestrian may be the solution, though (for an investment). The Copenhagen Wheel snaps onto your bike wheel and provides a boost to your pedaling power of up to 10X, which can be crucial especially on hills -- or just when you're tired.

Superpedestrian is offering The Copenhagen Wheel for $1,499, or offering a full bike with the wheel for $1,999.