(re)think your electronics

The world of electronics is going green. Case in point is the [re]drive from SimpleTech, an external hard drive that bills itself as “the world’s most eco-friendly.” How is it friendly? Well, first off it’s compatible with Macs and PCs and holds up to 500GB of data, which nicely solves our little information hoarding problem.

Now for the eco part: The case is made from bamboo locally grown at the SimpleTech manufacturing facility in San Mateo, CA so as to minimize transportation. It’s then processed with a chem-free, steam-press system that leaves seals it without varnish. The use of interchangeable parts, including a mirrored top and bottom, mirrored side panels and two identical fasteners, minimizes the energy and resources put into production. The aluminum in the case is 70% recycled and totally recyclable. And the box it comes in is made with post-consumer waste materials and features an instruction manual that’s printed on it, making inserts obsolete.

The power adapter is Energy Star Level 4, which counts for a 30% power savings over non-accredited adaptors, and the unit is fanless, to cut down on power—as well as noise. Simple Tech estimates the total power savings could equal up to 90 percent when compared to traditional external drives—or the equivalent of reducing approximately 475 lbs of carbon dioxide emissions over the life of the drive, at which point the drive is easily disassembled for recycling.