Power-consumption warning labels for gadgets
According to UK-based Energy Saving Trust (EST), current electricity use is on course to double by 2011 . . . because of gadgets. The company points the finger at the increased popularity of cordless phones and electric toothbrushes, but surely MP3 players, cell phones, and notebook computers are to blame as well.
True to its name, the EST is all about energy efficiency and conservation. Obviously, then, the idea of energy use doubling in a few years does not sit well with the organization (or anyone who cares about saving the planet, for that matter). Similar to the Energy Star program in the United States, EST would like gadgets to carry Surgeon’s-General-like warning labels detailing a device’s power consumption. The company’s hope is that the warning will discourage consumers suffering from gadget lust to either break their addiction or buy more earth-friendly gear (sorry, Apple).
[Tech Digest]
