Each passing year brings us cooler and cooler green gadgets, and 2010 was no exception. Check out some of our 5 favorite green gadgets to catch our attention over the course of the past year (and just in time for CES 2011).
1. Anti-Theft Bike Lock
The one problem with the most eco-friendly way to get from point A to point B in a decent amount of time -- cycling -- is how easy it is to steal someone's beloved two-wheeler. The German-based Conrad company hit a home run with this clever theft-proof bike lock that stores your cycle high up on any telephone pole.
You just better hope someone else doesn't store their bike lower down on the pole than yours! Check out a video of this bad boy in action.
2. Human-Powered Monorail
Speaking of eco-friendly modes of transportation, Google decided to invest in the world's first human-powered monorail this year. The Shweeb system is only available at a New Zealand amusement park for the moment, but the company is hoping that Google's investment capital can help spur on a real-world unit in a secret location.
Check out a video of this bad boy in action too!
3. Solar-Powered Wireless Keyboard
Logitech changed the face of wireless peripherals this year with their new K750 wireless solar-powered keyboard. What makes this keyboard unique is that it can be charged by the sun OR regular old office lights.
A full charge will run the keyboard for 3 months in total darkness! Talk about efficiency. Not only is this one kickass green gadget, but I'd feel totally comfortable putting it on any list of must-have green office gadgets.
4. Photovoltaic Spray Paint
Ok, so this really isn't exactly a gadget, but it's just way too epic to not put on this list. One of the biggest problems facing wide-scale adoption of solar power is the price point. Many people feel they simply cannot afford to pony up the upfront cash to install a solar system on their home.
Enter photovoltaic spray paint.
Tata Steel Europe and Swansea University are developing a spra ypaint that can turn any steel surface into energy-generating photovoltaic panels. How cool is that?
5. 200 MPG Urbee Vehicle Made of 3D Printed Material
Last, but not least, is the super-efficient Urbee. This highly-anticipated vehicle finally made its debut at the SEMA show in Las Vegas this year. It's not just the fuel-efficiency that makes the Urbee so amazing, it's what the vehicle is made out of too.
Urbee is the first prototype car ever to have its entire body 3D printed with an additive process. All exterior components - including the glass panel prototypes - were created using Dimension 3D Printers and Fortus 3D Production Systems at Stratasys' digital manufacturing service - RedEye on Demand.
So there you have it. Some of our favorite green gadgets and green tech of 2010. What was your favorite bit of green technology from 2010?
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