Eco Charging Solutions: Charging Technologies Articles: Eco20/20

Eco Charging Solutions

As concern about environmental degradation and climate change continue to gain momentum in the public dialogue, many consumers are looking for more environmentally friendly technologies, and other ways to reduce their impact on the environment and their greenhouse gas emissions. This doesn't, however, mean that consumers are ready to give up their cars and all the fun electronic gadgets that continue to hit the marketplace each year. So manufacturers are heeding the calls for ore responsible technologies, and thus, charging your favorite gadgets - and even your car! - can now be done without adding to the negative impact humans have been placing on our planet.

When it comes to cars, hybrid gasoline-electric cars have become very popular alternatives to the internal combustion engine, all-gasoline vehicles. But many want to move beyond the gasoline powered vehicles entirely - enter the electric vehicle. Many niches, and now even major automobile manufacturers, are coming out with lines of all-electric vehicles, giving consumers the option of reducing the dependence on oil. These all-electric vehicles can be charged from electricity generated from wind, solar, tidal, or geothermal power for a zero-emissions vehicle!

For our other gadgets, the options for eco powered charging solutions are as endless and varied as our beloved gadgets. From traditional chargers that have been updated to include a chip that turns them into smart chargers, to purely solar or human-powered options, there is an environmentally friendly charging solution that works for anyone!

Though certainly not as environmentally friendly as solar or other renewable energy-powered charging solutions, the smart charger is an excellent start towards environmentally responsible charging Smart chargers have a chip embedded in them that measures the voltage of the battery you are charging, and discontinues charging as soon as your battery is full. As opposed to traditional chargers that continue to give your battery a charge long after it is full, these chargers allow you to only use the power you need to charge your device - no more, no less.

Solar powered chargers now come in a huge variety of styles and forms and are able to charge most electronic devices. They also no longer require huge amounts of direct sunlight to generate energy. A new wave of solar chargers is made for use in the home. These chargers take advantage of the ambient lighting in your home throughout the day, charging a battery within the device. You can then charge your gadgets via a USB port overnight using the energy collected during the day. Solar powered chargers come in a range of options from key chain sized devices, to jackets with solar panels in them that allow you to capture the sun's energy while you are out and about your town!

Other up and coming eco powered chargers are focusing on human power, as opposed to solar or wind. Hand crank chargers are becoming more prevalent on the market. Using the hand crank, you turn a small turbine, which in turn produces electricity that can be used to charge a variety of electronic devices. Bike powered chargers use this same concept, expect it is the spin of the wheels that generate electricity.

Even major companies, such as cell phone, mp3 player, and other mobile device manufacturers, are getting on the eco powered charging solutions bandwagon. From cell phones that are made to be energy efficient and made from recycled materials, they are now including things like Smart Chargers with their new devices. One major cell phone manufacturer now also offers a human powered, bike charger with their eco friendly cell phones!

No matter what gadget you have, there is an eco powered charging solution available to meet your needs. If you want to be environmentally conscious, while also continuing to enjoy the ever-increasing range of available technologies, look for an eco powered charging solution that allows you to enjoy your gadgets without the guilt.