4 green tech ideas you can start doing today

Courtesy of georgehotelling (via Flickr)

We still have a ways to go when it comes to clean energy, but there are things you can do every day to make your own life more energy-efficient and eco-friendly. Making smart choices about the tech and energy you use on a daily basis, even the smallest choices, can have a big impact.

Of course, some of these Top 20 Green Tech Ideas may be expensive or are still in the works. But there are several you can use, or may already be using and you just don’t know it, that can help you save money, energy and the environment.

Here are just a few to get started:

• Recycling e-Waste – getting the latest and greatest tech is awesome, but what happens to your old laptops, phones and other gadgets? They sit in landfills – which is why it’s important to e-cycle. Find your local e-cycling center and save some waste.

• Green IT – if you’re in the market for a computer, check the model you’re interested in on Energy Star to find out how energy-efficient it is, you can also look for the Energy Star logo at the store. If you already have a computer, consider using energy-saving programs and changing your power-saver settings (like sleep mode) to reduce the amount of energy your computer uses.

• Lithium-ion Batteries – your iPhone, iPod, laptop and other electronics likely have one, so do electric cars. In general, rechargeable batteries produce less waste than disposable batteries and they release around 12 times less toxic waste than disposables. Opting for rechargeable batteries can save energy, money and waste.

• Waste to Energy – along with e-cycling, you can choose companies and products that are socially responsible, healthy and green. You can use GoodGuide to find ratings of environmentally friendly gadgets, appliances, even food. They even have an iPhone app you can use while at the store to check products before you buy.