Five Energy-Saving Gift Ideas

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year and a great time to remember that energy efficiency is a gift that keeps on giving in lower utility bills and increased home comfort year-round.
Here’s our Top 5 energy-saving gift ideas that won’t break your holiday budget:
  1. Pressure cooker. These pots – great for preparing rice, beans, soups and some meats — use up to 70% less energy than regular pots and pans by sealing in hot air to quickly cook food.
  2. High-efficiency lights. Need some stocking-stuffers? LED bulbs use up to 75% less energy than regular incandescents – and the price continues to drop. You can also find handy gadgets, such as highly efficient LED reading lamps and flashlights, which are perfect for smaller gifts.
  3. Smart and programmable thermostats. One of the best ways to compel someone to save energy is giving them real-time feedback of how much they’re using and spending. A programmable thermostat can track a home’s electricity usage by connecting to heating and cooling systems. Popular brands include Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Emerson and Honeywell.
  4. Solar-powered gadgets. You can now find solar-powered lights, cell phone and battery chargers, and solar backpacks. And what better way to teach kids about renewable energy than buying them a solar-powered toy?
  5. Energy-savings guidebooks. You can find a treasure trove of good energy-savings ideas in books available online or at most book stores. Check out some good titles here and here.
Not excited about leaving an energy-saving guidebook or LED bulb under the tree? Consider giving ENERGY STAR TVs, appliances or electronic devices. ENERGY STAR products use less energy than standard models.