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Our technology has progressed rapidly over the last 100 years. Sometimes, however, we don't need a technological upgrade. The old technology worked just as well or even better than new technology. By switching back to these older technologies, we can save energy and resources and reduce overall pollution.
1. The Push Lawnmower. Works just like a regular mower only slower. Gives you exercise while you work. It's not as easy to use as a gas-powered or electric mower, but it is much greener. The high-tech alternative would be an electric mower that is recharged with solar power. Gadgetry like this is costly to repair and has a tendency to break down. A push lawnmower is a fairly simple machine that almost any person can repair.
2. The Manual Toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes shouldn't even be made. How hard is it to move your arm in a rapid, circular motion? Unless you have a physical condition that impairs this, you should use a hand-powered, recyclable toothbrush.
3. The Rake. Leaf blowers are out of control. They are obnoxious and wasteful. Like the lawnmower, some can be made to run on solar power-i.e. an electric leaf blower can be recharged from a solar-powered grid-but that doesn't stop the noise. How long do machines like leaf blowers last? My father owns rakes older than me. The rake is the sustainable choice.
4. The Shovel. Snow blowers need to let the shovel take back its proper place. Snow blowers can be charged by solar power, but they are also loud and can break down. A shovel is quiet, simple and nigh-indestructible if taken care of properly.
5. The Wind-Up Alarm Clock. The electric alarm clock is a bit more convenient. You don't have to wind it every night. It may not seem like the alarm clock is an energy abuser, but if everyone did this, the impact on the environment would be enormous.
