FEB 25

The Greener Gadgets Conference is this Friday in New York City and your resident EcoGeeks will be there to bring you all the interesting details. Like last year, the conference includes a design competition among 50 green gadget ideas with the winner receiving $3,000 to develop their design. Voting has closed on the website, but there will be live voting at the conference to determine the winner. I'd thought I'd highlight some of the entries with the highest votes to give you all a sense of the innovation included this year.

First up, the Power Hog. This piggy-bank-style device aims to teach children about energy cost and conservation. The tail plugs into an outlet and any electronic device like a video game console or TV, plugs into the snout. Children deposit coins into the hog, which grants them 30 minutes of use. The dollar signs on the side of the Power Hog turn green when electricity is available and flash red when the time is running out. The coins are kept inside just like a piggy bank, so children are learning about the cost of electricity and about saving money.

The Power Hog is marketed to parents who want to teach their children that electricity isn't a free, never-ending resource as well as those who want a clever way to limit TV time. The product is made from recycled materials and is 100 percent recyclable itself.

via Greener Gadgets

Comments (7)

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written by ..., February 25, 2009

... where's the rest?
"I'd thought I'd highlight some of the entries with the highest votes to give you all a sense of the innovation included this year."

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written by Tom, February 25, 2009

This is a pretty cool idea. I'd be interested in seeing how kids interact with it and if they really do learn from it.

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Just for kids?
written by Kelly Wester, February 25, 2009

This pig is hysterical! And I don't think it should be limited to just the children...

We need something like that around here for all of the overhead lights that are on switches.

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A bit unrealistic
written by Bob, February 25, 2009

Am I the only person who realized the novelty of that thing will wear off the minute a child realizes they can take the bottom off of it, or just use the plug its connected to?

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written by Rob Chant, February 25, 2009

"Am I the only person who realized the novelty of that thing will wear off the minute a child realizes they can take the bottom off of it, or just use the plug its connected to?"

Not if they get a quick clip round the ear 'ole if they try it! :p

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written by Charles, March 21, 2009

when will they be out? I want one..

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written by Jess, March 21, 2009

When and where will these be available? I think its a great idea to teach children that it costs money to do the things they have become accustomed to with electronics. My son always wonders why we have to pay the bills. Even though I explain it, seeing it would be better.

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