HYmini at Greener Gadgets conference

Despite talk of "green IT," the computer industry is not particularly green. It's very energy intensive, and many toxic chemicals and heavy metals are used in the production of electronics. Recycling rates are very low.

At the Greener Gadgets conference in New York on Friday, panelists talked about ways consumers can make more environmentally friendly choices.

Exhibitors showed off greener alternatives. One was HYmini and its namesake pocket wind power generator. The handheld generator can charge up portable electronics, such as cell phones, cameras, or iPods.

With a strong, steady wind, the HYmini could charge a cell phone in a few minutes. But the company recommends using the wind generator with its solar charger, which has a battery and plugs for USB devices or an AC adapter. (Click here for a recent photo gallery of solar chargers).

HYmini is committed to making its operations green as well, according to CEO Arthur Huang, a trained architect who founded the company. It uses bioplastics to make the wind generator, he said.

"You have to feel the green power in your hand," said Huang. The company is talking to bicycle makers so that the generators could be fitted onto handlebars. A hand crank generator is also in the works.