Green Gift Guide

Are you searching for the perfect gift for someone that “has it all?” Or looking for a gift that promotes energy efficiency or renewable energy? Have no fear - The Governor’s Energy Office (GEO) is here. We’ve put together a list of energy conscious gifts, and some tips to keep your holiday season energy smart. Whether you are giving to a loved one or treating yourself, we hope these gifts will warm the heart - or at least make your home more comfortable. Happy Holidays from GEO!

Home Energy Efficiency Gifts

• Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL’s)
• Home weatherizing materials
• Kilowatt meter
• Hot water heater insulating blanket
• Programmable thermostat
• Furnace filter
• Attic or wall insulation
• Home energy audit
  A home energy audit is the first step in making your home more efficient. An audit can help you assess how much energy your home uses and evaluate what measures you can take to improve efficiency. But remember, audits alone don't save energy. Supplement this gift with a gift card to the local hardware store so the recipient can follow up on the recommendations made in the audit. Home Energy Auditors can be found with the ENERGY STAR® for Homes Partner Locator.
• ENERGY STAR® all your appliance purchases
  If you’re buying an appliance like a computer or flat screen TV, make sure it has the ENERGY STAR® stamp of approval to ensure it is energy efficient

Commuting & Travel

• Mass transit passes, or an RTD Ecopass
• A bike or bike accessories to make bike trips more convenient

Memberships & Donations

• Give gifts that give again – donations to favorite charities in the name of the loved one
• Memberships – Science Museum, Denver Botanic Gardens

More Green Ideas

• Homemade baked goods in a decorative, reusable tin
• Handmade gifts / crafts – make them yourself (check out www.makezine.com for ideas), or support local artists
• Solar lights for the patio or deck
• Compost bin
• Coffee and teas that have been sustainably grown
• Plant a tree in someone’s name, or give a tree – find out what is best for your area by visiting www.arborday.org
• Solar Power
  If efficiency in the home is already covered, and an energy audit already done, consider adding renewable energy. The sun can provide electricity and heat and home systems are becoming more affordable. Visit www.coseia.org for a directory of Colorado solar companies.
  

Tips for Shopping and Celebrating

• Consolidate your shopping trips to save gas, money and time
• Take public transportation, walk or bike to shop when possible
• Ask yourself if your gift really needs all of that packaging and paper
• Purchase gifts that are packaged minimally when you have the choice
• Use reusable shopping bags
• Wrap your gifts in used paper or old newspaper – get creative – what else are all of those old magazines for?
• Reuse last year’s holiday cards for this year’s gift tags
• After the gifts have been opened, be sure to responsibly recycle what you can
  Visit www.colorado-recycles.com to find out what your local recycling options are
• Use LED holiday lights to save energy
• Serve your holiday meals on reusable plates with reusable utensils and napkins
• Buy gifts that are made locally
• Keep your holiday travel carbon neutral by purchasing carbon credits
• Recycle your Christmas tree when you’re finished with it
  Visit www.recycleyourchristmastree.com for local options for tree recycling