The best sustainable tech at CES 2021

Most tech products aren't exactly environmentally friendly. From electric vehicles to smartwatches, the majority of these products are resource-heavy, requiring precious metals like cobalt for batteries or plastic for parts and packaging.

So it's refreshing to see a handful of devices at this year's CES tech conference that are trying to mitigate their environmental impact, even if it's just to reduce water and energy use.

Here are some of this year's best tech options for the home that do more than just distract you from the pandemic with games and streaming videos.

1. Shower Power

Belt it out. Credit: shower power

This water-powered speaker uses the energy from your shower stream to run the device and charge its internal battery. It connects to your devices via Bluetooth like a smartphone, so you can sing along to music playlists or even listen to the morning news while you soap up.

The device, which launched on Kickstarter, is made out of recycled ocean plastics and is purported to work with any shower configuration.

2. L'Oréal Water Saver

Saving water, one salon visit at a time. Credit: L'Oreal

This haircare washing system works for a salon, but can also be used at home.

With most salons shutdown until the pandemic subsides, L'Oréal's home setup can almost mimic the real thing. The washing system is a partnership between the beauty company's tech incubator and Swiss water-saving tech company Gjosa.

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The way the water comes out of its spigot is supposed to be more effective at rinsing out shampoos and conditioners. Compared to a standard hair wash, this system claims to use 80 percent less water — without sacrificing flow and pressure — at a rate of two liters of water per minute (compared to eight liters in most homes).

The water can also be infused with a "micronized haircare product," which means the hair product particles are essentially shrunk down and put into the water droplets. This process creates small droplets which can then be absorbed by hair faster and require less rinsing.

Select salons in New York are already using L'Oréal's washing system, with more arriving in Paris next month. A bigger rollout will continue into 2022.

3. Schneider Electric light switches & home energy management

Lights on Credit: schneider electric Safety first Credit: schneider electric

Light switches can be sexy and sustainable, right?

At CES, energy company Schneider Electric launched its Square D smartphone-connected light switches as part of its energy management system to make sure your home isn't an energy hog. Since the lights are connected to a smartphone app, you can control them remotely and schedule when they turn off and on. With these "smart" switches you can also track how much energy the lights are using and adjust your behavior accordingly.

The company also introduced the Acti9 Active, a small device that connects to your home wiring to prevent electrical problems and power disruptions. Through the home system, you can get reminders and notifications on your phone.

4. Kohler home water monitoring system

Your sink just got smarter. Credit: kohler

It's back to water saving with Kohler's and water-saving tech company Phyn's Whole Home Water Monitor, including a version with an automatic shut-off. As a DIY home improvement project, you mount the monitor under a sink and it will notify you on your smartphone if there's a leak and also let you know how much water different fixtures are using.

SEE ALSO: Give the shower karaoke performance of your life with this water-powered speaker – Future Blink

A more professional version has the automatic shut-off feature, which alerts users when a leak is happening and then turns off to prevent damage and wasted water. Both versions will be available later this year.