Here is the technology that looks after the fridge during the holidays
There are innovations that make less noise but can have a much more concrete impact on the Planet, to the benefit of all.
3' min read
3' min read
Immersed in disruptive technologies, now more than ever focused on artificial intelligence, we run the risk of leaving aside innovations that make less noise but can have a much more concrete impact on the Planet, to the benefit of all. For example, gadgets that help us monitor what we have in the fridge, not only as an extreme control over our lives but also to increase the quality of what we eat, wasting less.
According to the latest findings of the international Waste Watcher observatory, each Italian citizen throws an average of 667.4 grams of food per week into the rubbish. This figure, recorded in mid-June, marks a 17.9% increase compared to the 566.3 grams per week in January 2024, indicating a worsening of the phenomenon. On an annual basis, that is about 35 kg of food we throw away. A new generation of smart devices then promises to drastically reduce household waste. From advanced sensors to in-house cameras, to review the way we buy and handle products in the fridge.
Vitesy Shelfy
.Shelfy promises to prolong the freshness of fruit and vegetables stored in the refrigerator. How? Its operation is based on photocatalytic technology that actively destroys bacteria, microorganisms and odours, unlike traditional filters that merely trap them. A significant advantage is the washable filter, which does not require replacement, thus reducing recurring costs and environmental impact. In tests, Shelfy proved particularly effective on perishable foods such as spinach and seasonal fruit. All managed via the Vitesy Hub app, which allows you to monitor parameters such as temperature and refrigerator door openings, choose between different operating modes (Eco, Performance, Crisper) and receive advice on optimal food preservation. Although the price of EUR 119 places it in a high bracket compared to other solutions, its economic value is realised in the long run by reducing waste. A worthwhile investment for families that accumulate a certain amount of food in the fridge, risking throwing away more than they should.
The connected eye of the FridgeCam
.It is the world's first wireless camera that can turn any refrigerator into a smart appliance. The aim is to allow you to view the contents of your fridge in real time, creating an automatic shopping list and avoiding unnecessary purchases. It also integrates with online shopping services such as Amazon Fresh, automatically updating the virtual shopping cart, and supports voice commands via assistants such as Alexa and Siri. Instead of live video, the system uses periodic snapshots to protect privacy. FridgeCam (120 euro) is an affordable solution to make food management more economical, efficient and sustainable without the need to buy an expensive new appliance.
The Govee thermometer
.Stand-alone smart thermometers constantly monitor the temperature and humidity of the refrigerator, sending an alarm if the door is accidentally left open or if a malfunction occurs that compromises the cold chain. This not only prevents waste, but also ensures greater food safety. Such is the case with Govee, small, smart and cheap (23 euros). Via Bluetooth connection, it communicates monitoring data, including temperature and humidity in real time to the smartphone via the Govee Home app, to respond to sudden changes and avoid food damage. 20 days of continuous online storage and 2 years of data export with graphs and trends.
