In case you're still among the set doubting if the smart grid is really necessary, Earth2Tech has a solid post explaining how record heat (something that is going to happen a lot more often, unfortunately) is a prime example of how the smart grid can

Study shows that customers think the non-monetary benefits of the smart grid are great. That is, once someone explains what they are...

A judge rules against smart meter opponents in Naperville, Illinois who wanted to hold a vote on whether the devices should be installed in their city.

California state regulators voted that PG&E customers can opt-out of smart meter installations, but they'll have to pay a fine and a monthly fee.

A new report says utilities around the world will ramp up smart grid spending, with worldwide projects hitting $46.4 billion in 2015.

How would design for obsolescence change if materials that conduct electricity or emit light could be grown and repair themselves, like bone?

The company says this system is simpler than other wave devices that need to be finely tuned to the waves to pick up their energy.

Because everyone knows that bike paths are just the thin edge of the wedge. Next, they come for your cars.

New research suggests that mother bears have found a loophole in hunting laws and are using it to protect themselves and their cubs.

I love this little vehicle. If it ever becomes commercially available outside of carsharing schemes, I may have to get one. Or maybe I should just start a carsharing scheme in my city....

One designer tackles how the ubiquitous egg carton could be rethought in order to waste less.

This modern houseboat can accommodate up to two people comfortably.

High-end materials meets smart home automation in this country-styled tiny home.

It takes a lot of metal to make this stuff.

A new breed of solar panel can do double duty on greenhouse roofs by not only generating renewable electricity, but also by using a light-altering dye to help optimize photosynthesis in the plants beneath them.

The device monitors the energy use of all the power loads in your house.

And now, in the 'Give me a break' category, the folks behind this garbage can scanner assume you can't make a grocery list on your own.

Not only will this save home owners money, but it will also allow utilities to manage demand during peak times.

The fully automated aquaponics system grows lettuces, herbs and small fruits right in your kitchen.

The teen has been building the DIY microwave, hoping to solve many cooking problems with one device.

This WiFi- and Bluetooth-enabled smart bulb features plug-and-play functionality, doesn't require a central smart home hub, and is designed to last for "up to 50,000 hours."

Because of course you're thinking about water conservation in your yard in the middle of winter.

It learns your usage patterns but can do a lot more.

A new study claims that energy efficiency is driving the Smart Home market, but in fact every bit of smart tech is a little vampire.

Alea Labs is introducing the "smart vent 2.0", which again raises the questions we had about Smart Vent 1.0.

Combining elements of natural beekeeping, citizen science, open source hardware, and networked smart devices, these DIY beehives could be a powerful tool in the fight against Colony Collapse Disorder.

But there is a real question of how much one should pay for an artisanal shelf bracket.

The high tech answer to keeping you moving while working.

Made by NextDesk, the Encore is ideally green, with bamboo top, recycled aluminum frame, and VOC-free coating - perfect for this TreeHugger writer!

Open terrace in Kimmel Center was too hot or too noisy; now it's fixed.

Using the flow of water inside the pipes to power the water network's own monitoring devices could eliminate the need for batteries in those systems.

The kit includes an LED headlight and tail light and a rugged case that attaches a smartphone to the handlebars.

I slice and dice some recent posts on technology

The material could also one day charge our devices.

Alarms, notifications, and digital lists can only go so far; instead, use these tricks and your own brain power to learn things by heart.

But is this really a good idea? Maybe it is better to get up and flick a light switch instead of asking Alexa.

Has anything really changed since 1939?

You are going to hear a lot about this. It makes everybody's problems go poof. Just don't mention the CO2.

It's less flashy. In fact, it kind of blends in. But it's still designed to save energy.

This automated smart home system for small apartments takes the effort out of having to transform your all-in-one furniture unit by hand.

In partnership with CleanTECH San Diego, the University of California, San Diego plans to develop and construct a smart grid system for the San Diego region. In total, over 25 local national and global organizations will

Douglas Rushkoff explains that the real costs of a new phone are not measured in just money.

Here's one room in the house that might benefit from a bit more tech.

If only we could buy it in North America.

Phonebloks was a great idea - mix-and-match pieces means upgrading from a basic platform is forever. Now it has a first competitor - the Eco-Mobius.

A coating made from copper nanowires could make those smartphone screens a lot tougher and help the gadgets to last longer.

The best way to extract all of those valuable metals in old electronics may be to grow some fungus.

But is it truly modular?

Alphabet, Google's parent company, has scrapped the release of the Project Ara phone.

You just can't fool Mother Nature.