Gadgets have the potential to be either incredibly helpful or closet fodder. Before you click "buy" or pull out cash at the store, consider whether you really need the gadget that you're about to own. Some pitfalls to consider include labels that say "green" and "eco-friendly" when the product wastes more energy than it saves. Some gadgets are novelties without any useful function. As soon as you know what you need and want, here are some things to keep in mind:

Shop locally. Find out where the product is manufactured, either by looking at the packaging or taking a moment to visit the company's website. While local is ideal, getting a gadget that has traveled a long distance shouldn't be out of the question. Many foreign companies are making innovative energy-efficient products and it helps to support those efforts. Be aware, however, that the long haul does reduce the positive environmental impact. Don't forget that electrical plugs differ by region, although converters exist.

Look for the Energy Star label. Products that earn the Energy Star rating use less energy than their conventional equivalents. You'll most likely find ratings for gadgets that could be considered home electronic devices, appliances, or office equipment. While looking for this label, check for other eco-friendly labels, including electronics that carry the EcoLogo, awarded by TerraChoice. These electronics are not only energy-efficient but also adhere to stringent limits on heavy metals and toxic chemicals. GreenerChoices.org has a handy eco-label translator that tells you what a label really means.

Think big picture. Devices that aren't just energy-efficient themselves but also reduce overall energy usage will pay for themselves and save money in the long run. Some gadgets are designed to let you know how much energy you are using in the home, others replace conventional energy hogs. A green gadget that changes your habits for the better will be a winner.

Buy only what you know you will use. Avoid getting something that will just end up in a garage sale by taking your own behavior into consideration before purchase. Live in a cloudy place and spend a lot of time indoors? A solar-paneled backpack probably isn't a wise choice. But rechargeable batteries that plug directly into your computer might be just right. You'll be saving money by making wise choices.

Seek out the best materials. A great deal of energy goes into making a product. If the materials used in constructing it come from renewable sources, the gadget will have saved energy and resources along the line. Mainstream manufacturers are beginning to use corn, bamboo, recycled plastic, recycled paper, and reclaimed metals. They're experimenting with bioplastics and organic light-emitting diodes or LEDs, which use only a fraction of the electricity that incandescents do.

Check for specific features. Seems obvious, but you want to make sure the device has an on/off switch. Consider getting a USB-powered gadget that can plug into your computer instead of a wall outlet. If relevant, look for low-power and sleep modes as well as an adjustable brightness setting.

Consider alternative energy options. Believe it or not, hand-cranked devices are making a comeback. Search online and at local retailers for solar, wind, and human-powered options. Even alternative energy-powered devices sometimes need a boost so make sure that there's a way to power the device with conventional electricity if the sun isn't out or the wind is low. Read user reviews before buying so you don't find yourself powerless.

Measure the output. Small readers that measure energy input are becoming more common in homes throughout the country. Plug anything from a toaster oven to a television set into the reader to find out how much energy it sucks up. Some readers will even tell you how much it costs every month to leave the device on. This is a good way to find out the true effectiveness of a gadget and you might get away with testing out products in the store.

Search for gadgets that do more than one useful thing. Powering one gadget instead of three will save electricity and money. Think strategically about how you're going to use a device. Channel James Bond and seek out devices that can do it all. Just make sure that the functions are ones you will actually use.

Upgrade up front. Considering a device and have a long wish list of things you want it to do? Avoid obsolescence later by buying the most advanced product, one that is the most energy-efficient and made from the best environmentally-friendly materials out there. The investment in extra money will be worth it when you don't need to buy new one four years from now.

Dispose of old gadgets properly. Send old gadgets back to either the manufacturer (some will pay for the shipping) or to a local consumer electronics retailer for recycling. Some companies give you a discount on new products when you recycle your old one. Donate functioning old gadgets to a nonprofit such as Goodwill or to friends and family members to keep it out of a landfill.

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