Something doesn't seem quite right about the concept of green gadgets. After all, aren't environmentally friendly products meant to be organic and natural? Patchouli-scented shampoo and recycled paper towels, sure – but come on: None of the cool tech toys you'd see in Wired could possibly pass for green, could they?

Actually, you'd be surprised. We've rounded up 5 of the greenest gadgets on the market – because even though you care about your environmental footprint, you care about checking your email, too. Here are a few tools that should make your wired life a little nicer to the earth.

1. GreenSwitch. Did you know your TV, computer, and other appliances draw power every second they're plugged in, even if you're not using them? You could be using way more electricity than you need – but now there's a simple solution that doesn't involve pulling plugs every five minutes. With GreenSwitch, a wireless energy-controlling system for your home, all you need to do is flick a single switch to cut off the juice for all your unused electronics (and you might just cut your bills down too). Available at Green Switch. 

2. Wind-Up Gadgets. Back in your grandparents' day, if you wanted to hear some tunes, you had to turn the crank on the old Victrola. These days, most of the wind-up toys you see are simply retro throwbacks – but a few companies are producing wind-up gadgets for practical purposes, such as the wind-up radios, lanterns, and flashlights available from http://www.freeplayenergy.com/. It's a great way to save on disposable batteries, and you'll know you're covered in case of emergency, even if you're clean out of double-As.

3. iPod Touch. OK, you're probably wondering how in the world we can call an iPod an eco-friendly gadget. And in the strictest sense, it's probably not – but if you're going to buy an iPod anyway, this is the greenest you can get. Instead of the standard hard drive common to other models, the Touch uses a lightweight flash drive, which contains less metal and is far more energy-efficient. Available at Apple.

4. Spin Dryer. Hanging your laundry on a clothesline may be the European way, but it's never caught on across the pond – Americans want their clothes dried fast. But if you want to cut back on your energy consumption without going French, there's a middle ground: The Spin Dryer, a device that spins your clothes dry in only 2 or 3 minutes. If you don't mind a little dampness, you can use it as a stand-alone dryer – but if you follow up with a cycle in your regular dryer, you'll cut drying time down by 30 minutes or more. Available at Laundry Alternative. 

5. Juice Bag. You've got so many gadgets to power: Your cell, your PDA, your iPod – the list is endless. Rather than drain the grid, wouldn't you rather charge them up using the best energy source out there – the sun? With the Juice Bag, just charge any of your high-tech devices into a standard cigarette adapter that's plugged into the bag, and you'll be all set for your hyper-powered day. Available from Reware.

Original story by Kathryn Hawkins