Dell Changing the Bulbs

As part of its “commitment to become the ‘greenest’ technology company on the planet”, Dell has announced its intent to convert its entire line of laptop displays to LED technology by 2010, with 80% of models achieving this goal by end of 2009.  Considering the numerous benefits associated with such a move, from ceasing the use of mercury-laden cold cathode fluorescents, to dramatically increasing energy efficiency, while decreasing the heat generation of the computers themselves,  there is certainly reason for laptop users to rejoice.  Hopefully this is a sign of things to come, not just for other computer and electronics manufacturers who will surely do the same, but for manufacturers of all lighting-related technologies, which could make the cumbersome process of mercury sequestration for recycled CFLs a short-lived challenge.  Currently, Apple has transitioned a number of its products to LED technology, and intends to do so for its entire product line in the future, and Hewlett Packard offers a few of their models with optional LED displays.  Surely however, such a dramatic move by Dell will only make them move faster in that regard, leaving the laptop user and the environment to benefit from a competitive ramp-up in “green computing”.  It appears that Dell has heeded the call to become more environmentally friendly, so we can only look forward to more environmentaly friendly yet business-savvy initiatives like this.

Dell

Dell’s press release

From ReUse to ReGlow

In the vein of inventive reuse, industrial designer Shelley Spicuzza has created a versatile and attractive globe lamp called ReGlow, with the aid of used PET bottles.  The lamp is configurable as a hanging pendant, desk or table lamp, as well as a dramatic floor-to-ceiling lamp, with multiple units fixed along a tall aluminum pole.  What makes ReGlow interesting is it’s simple central element, made from a two-part clear plastic sphere with holes arrayed around it, which allow the user to secure the bottles by placing their necks through the holes and then screwing their caps back on inside the sphere.  With its ease-of-access, the sphere allows one to replace  bulbs as well as even the bottles themselves, in order to achieve an array of color schemes depending on the color of the bottles at hand.  Straightforward in design, this lamp helps us imagine the potential reuses of the standard PET bottle, an unfortunately under-recycled product.

Who Needs Batteries? (The Simple Genius of Solar Flashlights)

It’s hard to imagine a more complete and practical “green gadget” than a solar-powered LED flashlight made from recycled plastic. Well, at least manufacturers have the solar and LED part down, with the the recycled plastic part hopefully not too far behind, as some company out there incorporates this added benefit to their product line (think Recycline’s toothbrushes and razor handles).

As columnist Thomas Friedman has suggested, for so long, the United States had been considered the leader in technological ingenuity and development, but when it comes to clean technology and its related offspring - including something as straightforward and logical as a solar-powered flashlight - the nation lags behind others. For example, even China, which has recently matched or surpassed the U.S. in terms of its negative environmental impact, is manufacturing solar-powered flashlights and other related energy saving products, and may ironically be poised to surpass the U.S. in the rapid development of green consumer goods. However, once local, State, and Federal governments finally comprehend the enormous benefit that would come from creating a massive green manufacturing sector, including wind, solar, hydrogen (and beyond), these products may be manufactured here, and Friedman will have his wish of the U.S. living up to its potential. With problems ranging from water and food scarcity, to inadequate or non existent energy generation infrastructure, a new wave of designers and social activists are being inspired to develop a range of environmentally progressive products and services to serve various populations, and the solar-powered flashlight represents just the beginning.

BoGo Light

Earthtorch

Eclipse Solar Powered Flashlights

Wire-free Wall Switches That Never Need Batteries

Lightning Switch sells wireless wall switches that are battery-free. They use piezoelectric electric technology and work great in situations where wiring can’t be accessed, flexibility is desired or a non-invasive switch is needed. These battery free controllers are currently being used in residential homes, on factory floors, in areas where electrical shock is a concern, on boats and in office environments. To learn more or try them out for yourself visit lightningswitch.com.