Greener Gadgets is returning to New York City in search of outstanding design innovations for green electronics.

The challenge?
Create the greenest blueprint solving issues behind energy, carbon footprint, health and toxicity, product lifestyle or social development. No easy task, but we’re calling on students, emerging designers, and even you seasoned firms out there to bring us your budding new ideas and most verdant developments.

The Greener Gadgets Conference is once again tapping Core77 to manage the competition. The top 50 entries will be published online for voting and comment. Overcome public scrutiny and find yourself among the top finalists showcased live on February 27 in front of conference goers and an expert panel of sustainability pioneers and chroniclers.

Winners receive a chunk of $5,000 in prize money, as well as immeasurable notoriety on Core77.com, GreenerGadgets.com, CE.org, and Inhabitat.com.

Be there for the live judging on February 27, 2009. Entrants wishing to attend must also register for the conference.

Enter today.

The first Greener Gadgets Design Competition kicked off in January 2008 and was a tremendous success, drawing over 1000 entries from all around the world. Winning designs were widely published in major media outlets ranging from BusinessWeek to The New York Times. Check out last year’s competitors to see if you measure up!

2008 Design Competition Winners

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 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 Duracells and proprietary batteries.

Notable Finalists

Kinetic Swivel-Powered Bamboo Phone
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.

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