A contradiction that works

Our multibillion-dollar love affair with gadgets carries an environmental cost. Most guzzle power, contain toxic chemicals and are tossed out shortly after the next model debuts.

But being environmentally smart doesn't have to mean going off the grid and moving in with Grizzly Adams. Consumers have a range of options, starting with tools to cut energy costs by managing the power consumption of TVs, computers, cellphones and other electronic gizmos.

You also can ask the right questions when buying devices. Manufacturers are starting to make it easier for shoppers to compare green attributes.

And what happens to the gadgets when they're no longer wanted? Americans toss out 400 million devices each year, less than 13 per cent of which are recycled, according to the Electronics TakeBack Coalition.

Eco-friendly devices are trickling into the market, but they're not spilling off store shelves. It will take some time before companies build environmental factors into all of their product designs. Until then, read on for tips on giving your gadgets a green makeover.