Fairphone 4
Best for: Eco-conscious smartphone users prioritizing repairability and longevity
The Fairphone 4 is designed for repairability with a removable battery and modular components. It is expected to have six to seven years of software support, according to The Guardian.
Strengths: Extreme repairability; extended software support; ethical sourcing | Limitations: Higher initial cost; potentially less powerful than flagship phones | Price: Moderate to high
Smart bulbs (e.g. Philips Hue LED bulbs)
Best for: Homeowners aiming for immediate energy savings and smart home integration
These bulbs use at least 75% less energy than incandescents and last 25 times longer. Dimming capabilities can save an additional 40% of energy use, as reported by The New York Times.
Strengths: Significant energy savings; long lifespan; smart control features | Limitations: Initial investment higher than traditional bulbs | Price: Varies by brand and features
Smartphones with extended software support (e.g. Apple iPhones, Google Pixel, Samsung phones)
Best for: Consumers seeking to extend device lifespan and reduce electronic waste
Apple iPhones receive seven years or longer of software updates. Google Pixel 6 phones promise at least five years, and Samsung offers at least four years for a range of phones, as reported by The Guardian.
Strengths: Prolonged usability; access to latest security and features; reduced upgrade cycles | Limitations: Still require physical hardware to last | Price: Varies by model and brand
Kasa smart plug
Best for: Users wanting to monitor and control energy usage of individual appliances
The Kasa smart plug provides energy usage insights through its app and is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant.
Strengths: Affordable; easy to install; provides actionable energy data | Limitations: Only controls one device per plug | Price: Under $10
Luci Charge solar lantern
Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts, emergency preparedness, or off-grid living
The Luci Charge solar lantern offers up to 110 hours of light on a single charge and can charge devices.
Strengths: Solar-powered; long-lasting light; doubles as a power bank | Limitations: Charging time depends on sun exposure | Price: Moderate
Efergy Meter
Best for: Households looking for real-time energy consumption and carbon footprint data
The Efergy Meter is a wireless electricity meter that displays household power consumption and calculates CO2 emissions, costing £40, notes CNET.
Strengths: Real-time data; empowers informed energy reduction decisions; easy to install | Limitations: Requires a display unit | Price: £40
Reln Can-O-Worms
Best for: Gardeners and households aiming to reduce food waste and create compost
The Reln Can-O-Worms is a stackable wormery designed to turn food leftovers into compost, costing £90, according to CNET.
Strengths: Diverts food waste from landfills; produces nutrient-rich compost; stackable design | Limitations: Requires maintenance; can attract pests if not managed properly | Price: £90
Water bottle with UV-C light
Best for: Individuals seeking a sustainable and safe hydration solution
This water bottle features a UV-C light in the cap that eliminates up to 99% of bio-contaminants.
Strengths: Reduces single-use plastic; purifies water on the go; convenient | Limitations: Requires charging for UV-C function | Price: Moderate to high
Ecozone Ecoballs
Best for: Households seeking an eco-friendly alternative to traditional laundry detergents
Ecozone Ecoballs can be used in washing machines to clean clothes at lower temperatures than conventional powders and liquids. They last for approximately 1,000 washes and cost £35, reports CNET.
Strengths: Reduces chemical use; enables lower temperature washes; long lifespan | Limitations: May not tackle heavy stains as effectively as chemical detergents | Price: £35
Luminair Eco Desk 36 Lamp
Best for: Individuals needing an energy-efficient and sustainably sourced desk lamp
The Luminair Eco Desk 36 Lamp features a hardwood body and 36 LED bulbs that use a fraction of the power of conventional lighting, costing £300, notes CNET.
Strengths: Energy-efficient LED lighting; sustainable hardwood materials; stylish design | Limitations: High initial cost | Price: £300