There’s no reason you can’t turn your passions for technology and green living into some cash. With a recession on, everyone’s thinking of clever ways to earn some extra income. Do you have some gadgety know-how and a drive for being resourceful? We have a few ideas that can help you pad your wallet through greener technology.

1. Refurbish gadgets to resell on eBay or Craigslist.
   A lot of people resell their used electronics on eBay, Craigslist, and similar websites. You can take this a step further by accepting electronics from friends, family, coworkers, and others, spiffing them up to a like-new state, and reselling them. It’s a great way to keep your gadget-loving hands busy while making a few extra dollars on the side.
2. Collect gadgets for resell to refurbishers.
   You might have liked that first idea but want to skip the part where you refurbish the gadgets. Make greening gadgets easier by offering to collect used electronics from the people in your neighborhood and social circle. You can relieve them of the burden of finding a responsible recycler, while making pocket money by selling the gadgets to companies that do the refurbishing for you.
3. Teach people how to use their green home gadgets.
   Many people are catching on to the idea of monitoring their energy use and cutting back. That includes buying power monitors. However, many people are likely confused on just how to best implement these gadgets and make the most of them. Perfect your knowledge on utilizing and reading power monitors, and what to do to improve home energy efficiency, and offer your expertise to others for a consultation fee.
4. Become a hacker.
   No, not a computer hacker. Learn how to hack old electronics and fit them with new technology. One excellent way to do this is with LED lighting. Learn how to hack everything from Maglites to bike lights to table lamps, and sell your new and improved greener gear online or at local swap meets.
5. Making money the passive way.
   Finally, there is one more way to grow funds with greener technology. Use your gadgets to save money wherever you can, and put what you save into an interest-bearing savings account. It might be a slower way to gather up some cash, but not saving money is a good way to ensure you have a little extra down the road.