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EnergyTree: Guilting You Into an Eco-Friendly Lifestyle
Posted at 02:30 PM on November 26, 2007 comments (2)
By Peter Pachal, SCIFI.com
We all know we should use less power, recycle more and take shorter showers, but few people really live as efficiently as they can. What might help is a visual reminder that's ever-present, constantly reminding us of the impact we're having on the environment, and how much we can do better.
Enter the EnergyTree. A concept proposed by designer Ben Arent, the tree is like any houseplant, except you never need to water it. Its container does that for you, though the amount of water and nutrients the tree gets depends on how energy-efficient you are. Turn down your heat at night and the Tree will be strong and healthy; leave your Xbox on when you're not playing and those branches might start to look bare. How would this all work exactly? More pics and info below.
Exactly how the EnergyTree would monitor your energy consumption is a little hazy, though from Arent's description, it would involve connecting devices via control ports (so the tree could turn off gear not in use) and weighing the content of recycling bins. Sounds like a custom installer might be involved. Of course, there's the obligatory Internet connection, too, which would let you score "green points" online and boast to the world about how green you are. 'Cause that's what it's really all about, isn't it?
Peter Pachal
SCIFI.com
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comments
Posted by: Miguel Artiles on November 28, 2007 05:59 AM
Very good,i will like to have one.
Posted by: Angie Carson on November 30, 2007 02:09 PM
Well, no. Recognition is NOT what it's all about. Too many people think it's "cool" to be green, and don't really do anything to help the environment.