My boyfriend is concerned about the environment and wasting energy. I’m stumped what to buy him this holiday. Do you have any ideas?
Manufacturers are continually introducing new, creative ways to help us reduce energy use and minimize our impact on the environment. This year, our research found something for just about anyone.
Conserving energy
Start by considering a watt meter that shows how much electricity individual appliances are using.
Or buy a wireless whole-house monitor that displays the amount of electricity being used throughout the home in real time. These monitors even work with software that allows you to view your usage over the Internet from smart phones and other digital devices. You may want to consult an electrician before installing a whole house monitor.
Maybe you want to give the family a TV or computer? Look for models sporting the orange Energy Forward sticker. These electronics are extremely energy efficient — such TVs are at least 30 percent more efficient than those meeting Energy Star standards.
According to the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, if all Pacific Northwest consumers bought Energy Forward-labeled TVs, they’d save “an estimated $60 million in annual energy costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of removing 60,000 cars from the road.”
Another great gift for the electronics lover is a smart surge protector strip. These plug-in strips protect electronics from power spikes, but also automatically turn them off when they’re not in use. Use them with computers, printers and fax machines, as well as with TVs, DVRs and sound systems.
Help your grandparents save on their heating bill by having a programmable thermostat installed for their heating system. It will automatically adjust the temperature settings to match their lifestyle.
For every degree homeowners lower the temperature for an eight-hour period, they can expect a one to two percent savings on the heating part of their energy bill.
Presents from the sun
Solar powered chargers are turning up just about everywhere, including on backpacks for those on the go. Or consider a flexible roll-up solar panel, which can be taken to the beach or campground to charge a laptop or phone.
Give dad a solar powered LED barbecue light. For outdoor dining, buy mom a decorative solar-powered table light or stepping stones for the yard. Solar powered yard lights or address lights are popular with many homeowners.
Practical purchases
How about a wind-up LED flashlight or solar wind-up radio in case of a power outage or emergency? Plug-in flashlights that turn on when the power goes out are another suggestion.
Buy a battery charger for those with numerous battery-powered gadgets. While rechargeable batteries cost more initially, they last longer.
We at Clark Public Utilities wish you and your family a happy and safe holiday season.
The Energy Adviser is written by Clark Public Utilities energy counselors, who provide conservation and energy use information to utility customers. Send questions to energyadviser@clarkpud.com or to Energy Adviser, in care of Clark Public Utilities, P.O. Box 8900, Vancouver, WA 98668. Past topics are available at www.clarkpublicutilities.com.
