The absolute highlight of our recent Greener Gadget Conference was our end-of-day presentation and live-audience judging of the Greener Gadgets Design Competition. Our favorite Core77 Editor-in-chief Allan Chochinov MCed the highly entertaining event, and we never realized the man was so funny (okay we had an inkling of Allan’s comedic talents, but they really shine in the above video, so check it out).
Using a very high-tech “clap-o-meter” system, judges and audience members debated the various entries to the green gadgets competition, and then selected winners through volume of cheers and claps. Panelist/judges included Ryan Block from Engadget, Valerie Casey of IDEO & The Designers Accord, and me, Jill Fehrenbacher. We’d like to thank everyone who entered, and congratulations to the winners… (read on to see the winning entries!)
FULL-LENGTH 30 MINUTE VERSION
If you watched the short video at the top and decide you can’t get enough, we have the full-length version of the 30 minute presentation available directly below to watch as well. In the full-length version you’ll see all the weird and wonderful designs that were cut out of the overview, so check it out here >
You can download a podcast of this video here >
(or here if you don’t have iTunes)
AND THE WINNERS ARE…
FIRST PRIZE WINNER FOR $2500 – The EnerJar DIY Energy Meter Kit
Designed by Matt Meshulam and Zach Dwiel
This little downloadable DIY kit uses household materials to monitor and measure the energy output of a variety of everyday devices, allowing the user to take personal responsibility over energy use.
SECOND PLACE WINNER FOR $1000 – The Gravity Based Kinetic Energy Lamp – Gravia
Designed by Clay Moulton
Reminiscent of a grandfather clock, this gorgeous floor lamp uses the weight of a hefty component to kinetically power itself.
THIRD PLACE WINNER FOR $1000 – Green Cell Universal Battery Sold in Vending Machines
Designed by Theo Richardson
This little universal rechargable green battery would fit in every device known to man (allowing you to throw away that growing charger collection), and would allow users to charge and swap batteries in vending machines all over- providing an eco alternative to crappy Duracells and proprietary batteries.
OTHER FINALISTS OF NOTE
Kinetic Swivel-Powered Bamboo Phone (Jill’s personal favorite)
A bamboo phone powered simply by the kinetics of its own pivoting? Does it get better than this?
Computer Off Button
Okay, so our computers already have on/off switches, but the prominence and sleek design of this uber-button certainly makes energy usage more obvious.
THE INFINIT-E Stretchy Kinetic Energy Charger
This one might be more conceptual than manufacturable, but we love the idea that elasticity could provide power.
An entry from an 11 year girl – How rad is this?
Guest judges Ryan Block (Engadget) and Valerie Casey (IDEO)
ReCycle Bike Power Generator
A great way to turn pedal power into real live usable energy.
2 Comments
Dear Greener Gadgets: I have just “discovered” you and I am thankful to the Tribewanted site, and Kaz, who has linked you to the site,(http://www.tribewanted.com/users/259/blogs/2154) for diffusing the knowledge of Greener Gadgets.
I am now reading about each of the entries for 2009, and it has given me great insight into what eco-minded gifted people are up to, bringing the world closer to zero-cost to the environment-energy for the world. Many thanks for your fantastic endeavors.
You should so something with the fact that an 11 year old submitted to the competition—fantastic to showcase kids that age who show such awareness and creativity!
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