Save Money, Save the Planet - Green Holiday Gift Guide 2008

These gifts give back by helping save resources and cash. Help your family and friends go green on a budget.

Roadrunner Low-Flow Showerhead $40 Why it's green: One minute of hot water wasted every day can cost up to $25 in utility bills and up to 1,000 gallons of water. The Roadrunner both reduces the water flow (not that you'd notice as you bathe) and stops wasted hot water before you get into the shower. Recommended by: TerraPass
Brondell Swash Ecoseat Bidet Seat $250 Why it's green: The Swash Ecoseat reduces toilet paper use by 75% (so it reduces all the energy, water, and trees needed to make that TP). It's also very energy- and water-efficient while keeping you fresh and clean. Recommended by: Green Home Huddle

“I Am Not a Paper Towel” Kitchen Towels $20 Why it's green: With clever reusable towels like these, you'll think twice about how much paper we waste in the kitchen. Printed with “I am not a paper towel,” these 100% organic cotton towels help reduce trash and even save some money in the long run. Recommended by: Green Picks
Blueline Home Electricity PowerCost Monitor $120 to $150 Why it's green: Why wait for the electricity bill when you can see the numbers race before your very eyes? Blueline Innovations' PowerCost Monitor helps homeowners cut back on energy and money wasted by offering real-time feedback on electricity use. Recommended by: The Daily Green

Clothesline $12 and up Why it's green: If we air-dry clothes three months of the year, we could save 25% of our home's total energy bill. Give a portable or full-size clothesline to spread that fresh, sunshiny feeling. The small ones can be used indoors year-round. Recommended by: Green Picks
Laptop Lunches Complete Lunchbox System $37 Why it's green: Upgrade brown-bag lunches and fast-food stops with a reusable bento-box style kit and drink bottle. Fill these handy containers with your own organic treats, or use the recipe book included. Great for kids and adults on the go. Recommended by: Green Picks

Outdoor Water Conservation Kit $15 Why it's green: Just a few little fixes can help save water (and money) for your favorite gardener. This kit includes a six-position water gun, hose washers, and rain gauges for accurate watering, plus a hose repair kit to prevent water loss. Recommended by: Green Picks
Rain Barrel $100 and up Why it's green: A rain barrel lets you harvest rain water and use it to nourish your garden instead of turning on the sprinklers. It can save you up to $125 in water and fertilizer (since rain water has more nutrients than tap water). Recommended by: Green Home Huddle

"Ready, Set, Green: Eight Weeks to Modern Eco-Living," by Graham Hill and Meaghan O'Neill $5 to $115 Why it's green: This definitive guide to eco-living, from the editors of TreeHugger.com, proves that going green doesn't require a radical overhaul of your life, just some simple know-how. Recommended by: TreeHugger
Smart Strip Power Strip Around $30 Why it's green: This smart surge protector automatically turns things off, even when you forget. Ideal for use with a computer (turns off printer and monitor when not in use) or your TV (turns off surround sound, DVD player, etc.). Recommended by: TerraPass

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Posted by Alex Sun Nov 30, 2008 4:27pm PST
The rain barrels are just the bomb. I love mine
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Posted by katief Thu Dec 11, 2008 8:12pm PST
the rain bareel look cool, but expensive, and how often does it rain in ca?
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Posted by Natalie M Sat Dec 20, 2008 5:08pm PST
cool! but almost all the cool ones r expensive
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