Super Eco

Photo credit: Ingorrr, Flickr

While you're still blissfully basking in the delight of the new electronic toys you scored during the holidays, a baleful pall looms ever closer: dead batteries. You might think "a baleful pall" that "looms" is a wee bit melodramatic—but if you've objectively considered the reaction of someone whose iPod just conked out midway through the morning run, you'll recognize that this is serious business indeed.

Fortunately, saving energy = being greener = more battery juice for you.

The first way to head off battery death is to cut down on how much battery your gizmos use to begin with. The biggest power-sucker on most gadgets is the lights. Set backlights to dim sooner, or turn them off entirely (unless you truly use your gadgets in the dark). If your iPhone is attached to your hip, try turning off the Wi-Fi radio and the equalizer, and hogtie all those constant e-mail checks. Laptops and computers offer an entire array of energy-saving features, including sleep modes and power-saver settings.

Once you've dampened the drain, amp up on renewable power. You've got loads of options: the Solio solar charger, the Solar Style charger, a Coleman charger ... even solar power-generating sunglasses and  water-powered batteries.

Of course, no matter how you power your gadgets, they may not be the greenest choice. Many companies are making their electronics with an eye toward more environmentally friendly components, so if you're still in the shopping stages, check out  who's got the greenest goods. If your electronics aren't so eco-friendly, you can always offset your web surfing emissions—or simplify and ditch the extra gadgets entirely.