Far-Out Green Gadgets

This would be a charming way to track your home's energy gulping--and a way to reward yourself for reining it in. The FlowerPod concept, designed by Designnord of Denmark, presents you with a full-grown digital flower (right) if your energy use is moderate. If your eco-consciusness flags, so does the flower. The idea is that the reward of a healthy-looking blossom will encourage everyone in your family to do their part to shrink the home's carbon footprint. The FlowerPod also hooks up to an Information Portal, which displays your usage of electricity, heating, cooling, and water.