Dumb green ideas that leave ya wondering, why?
January 27, 2010 by Tom GuayPosted in: energy efficiency, In this week's e-newsletter, Latest News & Views, News, solar power
Even the greenest wannabes can only roll their eyes when overly enthusiastic marketing departments get behind these gems.
Some highlights gleaned from the musings of Web bloggers since the green thing really exploded in the last couple of years.
Bad idea #1: Reusable grocery bags. Sure the idea sounds like a great way to get away from the plastic bag. But as one blogger pointed out: Where else can you get a free source of trash-can liners and plastic bags to carry home a wet bathing suit or to pick up after your dog? She also discovered that reusable bags totally outperform paper and plastic. They’re so strong and durable that she ended up buying way more groceries than she planned and needed help getting them out to her car.
Bad idea #2: The computer-powered flower pot. Relying on the basics, like sun, soil and water is too much bother. What busy exec has time to remember to water the thing? Why bother when your computer can do all the work and just tell you about it? That’s the thinking behind the plastic flower pot that hooks into your computer’s USB port to supply light and monitor growth. Computer gets to run 24/7 on your dime, to do what the sun did in only half a day for free.
Bad idea #3: Green anti-virus spyware. Oh, think you can save the planet by somehow cutting power usage of your computer while you’re working away? Don’t bet on it. There’s a new computer bug linked to the “Eco Anti Virus” software that claims to hunt down evil software while improving the efficiency of your computer. Don’t touch this one. It is a virus and will deluge you with fake security alerts and force you to go to the Eco Anti Virus Web site to buy its product.
Bad idea #4: Solar powered necktie and jacket. Haven’t seen one yet in church, at the diner or while waiting in a Wal-Mart checkout line? What’s the power for? To hold the tie flat in a breeze? Maybe it really does repower your cell phone, but it didn’t win any kudos from the green movement. Maybe if they had made a solar-powered fork and spoon to go with the electric knife it might have caught on.
Bad idea #5: The Energy Curtain. What a great idea, this solar powered window shade collects enough juice during the day to provide free light at night. Unfortunately, the shade must be drawn all day to soak in the sunlight, so anyone in the house has to turn on a light to get this electric glow at night. Hmmmm.
Seen any other oddball green ideas? Share them in the comments section for everyone to enjoy.
Tags: eco virus, Energy Curtain, reusable grocery bags, solar powered necktie
GreenandMore.com
Loading ...
February 5th, 2010 at 10:25 am
I’m glad that companies are coming out with green products as cleaner air, water & crops will better guarantee the future of humanity. Green is a trend, but at least it’s a good trend for once, & no matter how many things come out that aren’t actually green, many are. I hope consumers continue to demand green-ness from companies & reward the ones who do come up with the best ideas for cleaner air, water & food. Who knows, maybe the cancer rate could finally start to decrease with this…
February 5th, 2010 at 4:50 pm
I have a serious problem with #1. I am sorry, but reusable bags are a great idea! Even though they should not necessarily replace the plastic version, I think the reduction of useage and amount of plastic bags is a great trade off. The plastic bag use as a reusable trash bag or dog duty clean up is good, however the fact that they are stronger and carry more grocery items; therefore, causing someone to “buy more groceries” is completely absurd. Just because they’re stronger doesn’t mean you automatically buy more groceries. You buy more groceries because you consciously make the decision to buy more items. With that said even, what is the real problem with buying more items? It’s not that you needed the help to carry the bags out to your car, it might even be more beneficial in the fact that you buy the items you need with less trips to the store…..conserving energy! The reduction of plastic, not elimination is what we all should try to achieve.
February 8th, 2010 at 8:21 am
I’d like to disagree that #5 – that the light curtain is a bad idea. There are many people who work during the day who could have the shades drawn during the day while they are gone. This could be useful.
I also agree that reusable bags are a great idea! It is about reduction not complete elimination.