Green Developments from CES

You may or may not be aware that the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is happening in Las Vegas this week at which all sorts of manufacturers debut their latest and greatest electronic technologies.  Most of the items debuted feed the rampant consumerism and disposable culture that is anything but green.  In the midst of all of those newer SmartPhones, OLED HDTVs, etc., there are a few things that have a chance to make a positive environmental impact .  Here are my picks and thoughts from the first few days.

Nissan starts US Production of 2013 Leaf with faster charging and lower entry price
nissan leaf EV

While our friends love their 2012 Nissan Leaf, I am pleased to hear about the improvements in charging, range and price for the newest Nissan Leaf.

In other electric vehicle (EV) & hybrid news, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) just announced the details of the new sound requirements for hybrids and EV travelling under 18 mph.

Mpowerd’s Luci solar lantern

Luci solar lantern

While I love all things solar, this lantern only has a lifespan of 1 year making it an expensive solar light that gets thrown away well before it could be called green.

Eyes-on with 3D System’s CubeX

3D printer

While these new 3D printers print with plastic, I think their potential for revolutionizing replacement parts manufacturing provides an awesome opportunity enable more repair of broken items rather than tossing and replacing.  I use some 3D printing to make some of my custom molds for my Solar Panel Jewelry.

If you are into 3D-Printing, be sure to also check out the MakerBot Replicator 2X eyes-on

Powerful New Solar Generator from Goal Zero

emergency solar power system from goal zero

Portable solar backup power – © Goal Zero

Now here is a solar device I can dig.  Before we built our solar awning, I played around with a small 50W/12V solar setup that I made myself with a marine battery, solar panel, charge controller and inverter.  This package makes that so much easier and more affordable for anyone to use for remote power, say when camping, or in the event of natural disaster.

If you are interested in more on Green News at CES, check out Treehugger’s CES posts.

Happy Greening!
Jon



You might like these:

Speak Your Mind

*

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.