Attention last-minute shoppers… you may have missed Black Friday or Small Business Saturday, or possibly even Cyber Monday, but don’t fret! You waited just long enough to be informed about some of the newest green gifts available. If you are still gift shopping for that “special someone,” this article may indeed be your Christmas miracle. Check out these practical gift ideas.
1) Verilux® CleanWave Sanitizing Light Wand
For the germaphobe in your life, Verilux® CleanWave has just come out with a great new green product—the UV-C Sanitizing Light Wand. Whether you are eco-sensitive or not, the smell of all those toxic cleaning chemicals likely makes you cringe. Now, we can all hang on to our valuable brain cells as we disinfect the world.
The wand is as straightforward as it looks. Simply wave the cordless, rechargeable UV-C light over virtually any surface to eliminate up to 99.99% of viruses, bacteria, germs, mold, dust mites and flea eggs in seconds. Among the microorganisms it kills is the E. coli bacteria and the H1N1 virus.
Moreover, it’s silent, and involves less whining than traditional methods.
While not meant for people, pets and food, its uses are nearly infinite. The wand is perfect for countertops, computer keyboards, remote controls, telephones, pillows and upholstery, and is excellent for travel. In addition, three to five minutes of UV-C exposure a day on personal hygiene tools such as toothbrushes, jewelry, tweezers, and dentures ensures sterilization of these germ-breeding objects. As for foul odors, this light wand kills just about every type of odor-causing bacteria that stands below its UV rays.
Its long-lasting UV-C bulb is rated for 15,000 of operation, and its price tag of $69.95 is nothing compared to chemical disinfectant costs. One must also consider the priceless peace of mind that comes from knowing something is germ-free.
2) Anywhere® Ventless Fireplace
Fireplaces can define the ambiance and charm of any home. Unfortunately, many homes do not have the space or the proper ventilation ability for a fireplace—until now.
Introducing the Anywhere® Ventless Fireplace series. Unlike other fireplaces, Ventless Fireplaces don’t need a vent or gas line. Every model has the potential to instantly add warmth and style to any room.
Anywhere® makes fashion a key priority, and offers several different models from which to choose. Their wall-mounted Chelsea model conveniently attaches to any indoor wall with almost no assembly required. Tabletop models include the “high-style” Lexington (finished with a high gloss white paint), the sleek Metropolitan (that combines tempered glass and brushed stainless steel), and the solid, yet elegant Gramercy (which pairs painted black metal with tempered glass). Prices range from $119.95 to $199.95.
High fashion—meet low impact. Amazingly enough, these fireplaces are completely green. They run on liquid bio-ethanol fuel (made from renewable plant resources) and don’t create any smoke, gas, soot or ash. Bio-ethanol fuel burns clean, and emits only water vapor and a minimal amount of carbon dioxide. Plus, one liter of fuel burns for about 5 hours.
Warmth may only be a secondary priority, but don’t underestimate the heating power of these convenient centerpieces. Every model is rated at ~13,000 BTU or 3.5Kw/H of heating energy—sufficient to heat about 375 square feet of living space.
3) Solio® Bolt™ Solar Battery Charger
This Christmas gift is truly universal. The average American has more handheld gadgets than they can carry, but charging remains an inconvenient fact of life, and a serious dilemma for those that are always “on-the-go.” Finding an open power outlet can be impossible, and gadgets can drain computer and car batteries.
Solio® offers a solution to this age-old (or at least, decade-old) problem with their Bolt ™ Solar Battery Charger. This durable charger produces a 1A USB output that charges just about any pocket gadget. There’s even an optimized setting specifically for Apple gadgets. All gadget tips are included.
As you may have guessed, this little tool harvests the power of the sun, but its utilitarian design may catch you off guard. Simply unfold the solar panel-equipped blades and optimize the angle of the charger throughout the day by using a standard size pencil as its stand. Hook up your gadget to the device, press start, and the charging will begin. Users are guaranteed to have a whole new appreciation for the sun after just one use.
Typically, the word “solar” often equates to expensive, but this cool little charger will only set you back $50. If nothing else, it’s surely worth the convenience and “awe-factor.”
Green gift shopping has never been easier. Gifts are supposed to be an expression of love. Share some of this love with Mama Earth as you go shopping this holiday season, and the whole world will thank you.
