Give the gift of energy savings this year with devices that will help control household electricity use, as well as some nifty ways to conserve water and waste.
Electricity Savers
The Energy Detective (TED) original model enables people without smart meters to see energy usage, starting at $120, while the 5000 Series (starts at $200) includes TED Advisor to send real-time energy usage alerts via email or text
Bits Limited’s Smart Strips, starting at $30, are power strips that automatically shut off several devices, like Blu-ray players or game consoles, when you turn off a master device, such as a computer or television
Belkin’s Conserve line includes a range of energy monitoring and saving devices – we like the Conserve InsightTM ($30), which can be plugged into specific appliances or devices to show you energy usage, cost and environmental impact
The Volt-Star Eco Charger ($30) turns itself off when your device is charged to eliminate “vampire power”.
Honorable Mention: the Nest thermostat ($250) is simple, easy, beautiful, and smart – worth adding to your wish list even though it’s sold out until sometime in 2012
Water & Waste Savers
With the HydroRight Drop-In Dual Flush Converter, it’s easy to reduce your home water usage for under $20 per toilet with easy DIY installation
Save water with “reusable ice cubes” made from stainless steel for about $25 (set of 4) from Amazon.com
The NatureMill Composter, an easy, fast way to convert your food waste to fertilizer indoors or outdoors, starts at $200 and goes up to $400 for the quietest, largest capacity version
