If you’re scratching your head trying to shop for the last person on your list today, consider the practical appeal of gifts that cut back on power consumption, shrink carbon footprints, and keep giving all year.
For gifts that plug-in or cordless electronics and tools with chargers, look for Energy Star certification and compare energy use. Lots of power tools and entertainment equipment come in energy-efficient models that use significantly less energy. A lower electric bill is a gift that lasts long after the luster of other gifts has faded.
Maybe external speakers that beef up the sound of your new razor-thin flat-screen TV are on your list. Energy Star-certified soundbars are up to 78 percent more efficient than conventional models. On the other hand, game consoles can be energy hogs. To make sure you’re not paying for wasted energy, plug accessories and gaming devices into a smart power strip that will turn everything off when the TV’s not on.
Speaking of smart power strips, these simple devices are always a good energy-saving gift idea. Newer ones have amped up the energy savings by adding a motion-sensing detector that automatically turns on the power when you enter the room, or turns off computer peripherals after you exit the work area. Prices vary from a solid stocking stuffer to a “smart” investment.
By going solar for kids’ toys, you can decrease your dependence on the bane of holiday toy gifting: batteries. Solar toys start at about $2 for solar-powered cars. Educational solar toys, like a solar robot kit and the Smithsonian Solar-Powered Eco-House can be found for under $25, and teach budding engineers and science-lovers about sustainable energy.
Recharge in nature
Hikers, campers, and travelers find solar power battery chargers helpful to charge cellphones in the car or when exploring the wild outdoors. They can vary in size from a C-cell battery to larger palm-sized units, so pick a size based on its intended use.
For camping and emergencies, the Mr. Beams LED Camping Lantern with a smartphone USB charger can keep you going. It’s also water-resistant. For college students, consider a solar-powered backpack, which is great for refreshing a cellphone, tablet or laptop between classes as well as trekking around town or in the woods.
The innovative Ecobutton takes power savings a step further. It might be just the ticket for your favorite computer geek or for someone working from home. At around $25, it easily retrofits a PC computer with extra power savings. Users simply push the button each time they leave the computer and the button shows how much energy they’ve saved. Designed to motivate behavioral changes, this simple button is showing evidence of helping reduce other types of energy use, in addition to the computer, by making it top of mind!
Finally, take advantage of lower LED bulb prices and don’t overlook the practical appeal of the gift of light. Many bulbs start at about $2 for a traditional style bulb and only slightly more for candelabra bulbs. Other options are decorative string lights, LED flashlights, reading lamps and nightlights for stocking stuffers.
For the last on your list, there’s an energy-efficient option in a local store aisle or a simple click away!
Energy Adviser is written by Clark Public Utilities. Send questions to ecod@clarkpud.com or to Energy Adviser, c/o Clark Public Utilities, P.O. Box 8900, Vancouver, WA 98668.
