Green Gadget Geek Alert!

By Lexi Green
January 5, 2011

For eBay shoppers, 2010 was the year of “Sustainably Geeking Out.” With sales of green gadgets in the Electronics category with the listing term "eco-friendly" up 157% this past month (11/30-12/29) compared to a month-long period six months prior and a growing list of eco-gadgets hitting the market, we’re all becoming a little savvier at how we feed our tech addictions while decreasing our carbon footprints.

Fortunately, the market is full of green gadgets that are both eco-consciously manufactured and can help you cut back on your own electricity usage. Want to learn more about the last in green tech? Check out our eco-friendly tecyhnology picks below.

And remember that buying and selling pre-owned gadgets of all kinds keeps them—and the harmful toxins they secrete—out of landfills and into the hands of someone who will give these high tech gadgets a brand new life. At eBay Instant Sale, you can actually trade in your used electronics for cash. Just plug in the name, make and model of your device, answer a few questions about the item condition, and get a cash offer instantly from one of several eBay sellers. You'll even get a free shipping label. Even if your items return a zero value price, you'll still get a free shipping lable to send the electronic device where it can be responsibly recycled.

Energy Saving Surge

Even if you’ve turned off the TV, it actually drains power simply by still being plugged in. This Belkin surge protector makes it easy to turn off all of your electronics at once. In addition to six switchable sockets, it also has two “always-on” outlets, making it easy to turn off only the items you want to.

New Belkin Conserve Energy-Saving Surge Protector (buy it now price, $36.37)

Recycled Circuit Board

OK, so it won’t help you cut your energy bill. But these coasters, made out of recycled circuit boards, are a great way to show off your inner Sustainable Geek.

6 Recycled Circuit Board Coasters (buy it now price, $10.99)

Water Powered Clock

Curb your electricity usage by using a water-powered clock. Simply add water to the body of the clock and enjoy a resourceful way to keep time.

Water Powered Digital Alarm Clock (buy it now price, $29.28)

Solar Watch

This light powered watch is another great way to sustainably tell time.

Citizen Eco Drive Chronograph Men’s Watch (buy it now price, $153.99)

Bamboo Laptop

Bamboo is often used as a sustainable material. In the case of the exterior of this laptop, it greatly reduces the amount of plastic used while still protecting a highly-functional, sleek, and lightweight computer.

ASUS Core i3 Bamboo Collection Laptop (buy it now price, $1,039)

Vers iPod

This durable (and stylish!) iPod case, made of sustainable materials such as bamboo, will not only protect your iPod, but it will also help you cut down on plastic use.

Vers Handcrafted Wood Case for iPod(buy it now price, $34.95)

Eco Computer

Yet another great way to protect your electronic devices while mitigating plastic consumption! This Kena Kai computer sleeve is made from 100% recycled PET water bottles.

Kena Kai Eco-Friendly Computer (buy it now price, $24)

Wagan Solar

Here’s another great eco-gadget for an Apple device. Considering eBay sold 1,634,674 for the Apple iPhone 4 alone in 2010 alone in 2010, this easy-to-tote solar charger for the iPhone might come in handy for more than a few shoppers.

Wagan Solar e Charger for iPhone (buy it now price, $59.95)

Sunshine Buddies

Sunshine Buddies is a great eco-gadget for your most stressed-out friend. Apparently, the silent nodding head of this little guy, which is completely solar-powered, has a calming effect on people.

Sunshine Buddies (buy it now price, $25.49)

Eco Speakers

For music-loving eco-geeks, these portable compact speakers, made of 80% recycled materials, are a smart choice.

Eco Nation I-Pod/MP3 Portable Speakers (buy it now price, $12.75)

Solar Toy Car

A solar powered toy car marries the traditional with the innovative. It's a great teaching tool for kids, too.

Mini Solar Powered Car Toy (buy it now price, $0.99)

LED Light

This quirky, wireless LED light is small enough to fit in your wallet along with your credit cards. Just pull up the light bulb to create a fun source of light anywhere and anytime you need it.