Energy Saving Superstars

As we close energy month here is a selection of energy saving or monitoring superstars from our store.

With a power strip, you can stop energy vampires (those appliances that drain electricity even when turned off) in their tracks. Switch off the power strip and the energy stops flowing to whatever is plugged into it.  With a smart power strip,  you don't even have to flip a switch. It simply senses which devices are not being used all on its own (that's why it's smart!) and cuts off their power automatically, no clicking off on your part required. It's perfect for an office or home entertainment system set up.

The Kill-A-Watt is more of an electricity tracker. You attach it to any appliance and it tells you how many killowatts are being burned every minute, hour, or month of its operation. It's an amazing tool for compiling your own home efficiency data and for finding out what it's important to unplug or even replace with an Energy Star version. 

If you can't yet afford solar panels or live in an apartment (though government rebates on solar are glowing these days!), you can start small. Like with this hybrid solar gadget charger from Solio. It'll charge ipods, cell phones, cameras, any handheld digital device. It's especially handy if you've got access to a bright window or the outdoors most of the day--then you may never have to plug in again--just talk on your phone, hang up, and charge up. Then repeat.

A solar flashlight could be a perfect Father's Day gift or accoutrement for a summer camping trip. The coolest part? The solar charge holds for three years! So even if you store in a closet for a few months, you can still switch it on whenever you need it in a jiff.

Finally, these are not as much gadgets as old-fashioned contraptions of the simplest kind. We carry a retractable clothesline and wooden clothespins for all your clothes drying needs.  By skipping the dryer in favor of the power of our planet's sun, you save major energy and get the benefit of sun-fresh, still toasty-warm laundry. I hang almost all of my laundry--even towels and sheets--out to dry. 

See them all at our new online store!

And find out more of the nitty gritty on Saving Electricity.

Revving up Energy-Saving in May

We'll be focusing on ENERGY, efficient energy that is, at All Shades all month. And specifically, at our energy workshop with Sustainability Coach, Deborah, who knows a thing or two about changing lightbulbs and a whole lot more about energizing your efforts to save and harness light and heat and cold in your home.

You're invited to:

Energy Efficiency: It's Easier Than You Think 

Wednesday, May 27th

7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

@ All Shades of Green in Silver Lake

30.00

Come and learn ways to save the planet and save money!

For more information or to register for this workshop, please email creativegreen@hotmail.com or call (323) 665-7454.

Saving Electricity: The Gadget Hall of Fame

We want to share with you some of our bestsellers for saving power in your home or apartment.

We've told you before about the Smart Power Strip.  It's so smart that it powers off what you've got plugged in when you're not using it. Pretty smart and pretty energy savvy.  And no clicking required.

We've also told you about the Kill-A-Watt.  You plug it into any appliance you've got and it automatically tells you how many kilowatt hours it's burning every minute, hour, or week.  Then, you make your decisions about which devices are sucking up too much juice to justify having them, and those that are worth their weight in gold for their efficiency.

Now, we'd like to remind you again of LEDs.  One LED can last 60,000 hours making it the most efficient over the long haul when compared to the 1500 after which a conventional lightbulb fizzles out.  Add to that how they don't have any mercury, can last for years, and can save you 80% on your lighting bill and the argument is pretty well-powered.  While they cost a pretty penny up front, you actually save money over the long haul.

We're happy to give you all the info you need as you make choices that will save power and save money at the same time.  Just give us a ring-- (323) 665 - 7454 or visit us online.