What if you could give someone a gift that is useful, will save them money for years to come, helps the environment and promotes energy independence all at once? These gifts accomplish all of these task so well, you’ll probably want extras for yourself.
Smart Strip LCG3 Energy Saving Power Strip with Autoswitching Technology – Most electronic gadgets these days draw power even when off. It’s not much, but recent studies suggest 5% of residential energy use is this wasted standby power. This remarkable surge protector has a neat trick – it watches one “controlling device”, and totally powers off other devices when it is placed on standby. So, for example, you could use it to completely power down your computer monitor, speakers and printer when your computer goes on standby. This power strip can easily pay for itself.

Keep your tires propery inflated with this gauge
Accutire MS-4652B Key Chain Digital Tire Gauge - Experts say that keeping your tires at the recommend pressure (or slightly higher) can improve gas mileage. It's not much, but they say a loss of 0.3% is typical for each psi of under-inflation. If you drive 10,000 miles a year at 25mpg,, that’s 400 gallons a year. If correct tire inflation even saves you 1% of that, it’s 4 gallons of gas. Even at today’s surprisingly low prices, this gadget will pay for itself in just a year; faster if you take into account longer tire life.

Compact flourescent bulbs quickly pay for
themselves
Compact Fluorescent bulb sets in
100W equivalent or
60W equivalent. Compact fluorescent bulbs provide such enormous energy savings that some places are outlawing incandescent bulbs. The only incandescent bulbs I have left at home are a few specialized bulbs and those in the dining room candelabra (and I’ll replace those as soon as I can find some decent equivalents). If you have friends who are still using incandescent bulbs, getting them a set of fluorescent bulbs is like giving them cash every month.

Reduce heat loss through windows with this kit
3M 2141W Indoor 5-Window Insulator Kit - I was visiting a friend the other day and noticed the heater going on and off all evening. No surprise, I was sitting under the living room window (closed) and could feel the constant draft. That’s energy and money being wasted for no reason, given the availability of kits like this one. As a bonus gift, offer to help with the installation.

The greenest of the game consoles
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