Greener Gadgets 2009 Competition is over and the Power-Hog took one of the glory spots.  The Power-Hog is a wonderful way to teach younger kids how to manage their energy usage.  If you super glue your teenagers power plug into it, Power-Hog is the perfect way to minimize your teenagers computer usage or game console usage.

What exactly does the Power-Hog do?  It acts as a go-between for your appliance/gadget and your power outlet.  This gadget is shaped like a piggy bank.  You plug the Television in the snout and the tail in an outlet.  You turn the TV on by dropping a coin in the top of the Power-Hog.

This gadget allows the user 30 minutes of television/computer/game box time per coin.  It not only provides a lesson on how much electricity costs but also provides a frequently needed reminder about time usage.  An added plus is that someone has to get up to feed the pig.  Minimal exercise but exercise none the less.

Having to put a coin in the piggy bank for every 30 minutes of use will require both coins and a clear idea of what you value most to spend your 30 minutes watching or doing.  Getting involved in surfing the Internet can cost you a lunch out.  Playing on your game console may cost you your allowance.

Of course, the adults in the family have access to the money inside and can recycle it as necessary or use it to pay the power bill.  Overall it is a great way to teach children and parents alike to get the greatest value for their money.  Who wants to pay to watch a crappy TV program, when you can save up your money for a long Nintendo session?

Of course, the Power-Hog doesn’t fit the “save-the-environment” bill if it uses excessive resources to produce.  The pig is made out of recycled PET and is 100 percent recyclable.  Of course the packaging follows the sustainable coalition packaging guidelines.

The Power-Hog is made out of environmentally friendly recycled material while providing an excellent educational tool on the cost of electricity and value of time.

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Entry was posted on Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009 at 9:47 am under Green Technology.

Read more entries by Susan Wilson.
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