Conservation Style

The Wattson.

The Economist has an interesting read on portable energy meters - those little devices that measure an appliance's energy efficacy. Some, like The Wattson, go even further:

Contained within a stylish case, it can remember four weeks' worth of electricity-consumption data, which can be downloaded to a computer for further scrutiny. Besides showing usage patterns, it can produce coloured “mood” lights which change according to energy consumption: blue when you are being frugal, red when consumption soars.

Energy conservation presented in a sleek, contemporary design worthy of Dwell - finally the hard line between efficiency and style has been erased.

Elsewhere, Ray Unger of the Capital Times writes about market response to increased energy costs. As gasoline prices continue to soar, gas consumption has fallen for the first time in 16 years. Conversely, mass transit ridership is up nationwide.

All of this supports the theory of 'green living' as less a trend, and more a necessity to slow down global warning and sustain Mother Earth. Even US construction firms are ensuring developments and properties meet strict energy-saving requirements in order to be approved for real estate investment trusts (REITs.) 'Green' products and services are crossing industry lines. Consumers are responding. And how can they not, when everywhere you look something or someone is being touted as 'green'. Consequently, as 'green' saturation spreads, consumers must hip themselves to what's legit and watt's not.

By the way, Happy St. Patrick's Day!