Thinking green with smart home gift ideas

The following entry is a guest post from Skylar Michelle James. She is a woman who loves technology. Currently, she is a graduate student in the Boston area, and she’s writing her thesis on the Internet Philosophy. Much of her focus is on the future of Internet. When she is not studying, she is freelance writing to keep her in the technology loop. She also does research for internet websites. Connect with her via email or on Twitter @SkyJamesWriter.

When the term “smart home” was first officially coined, it was used to refer to all the automated features that streamlined the day-to-day lifestyle. However, recent incarnations of the smart home have focused more on the efficient use of resources. These smart homes feature technology and services that make smart use of energy while minimizing waste – saving money and the environment.

With Christmas fast approaching, there are lots of different things you can purchase for your loved ones. If you’re thinking about turning a white Christmas into a green one, below are a few gift ideas that can make the home just a little smarter and a lot greener.

Nest Learning Thermostat

From: Nest

One of the latest additions to the realm of home automation came in the form of the Nest Learning Thermostat. This thermostat monitors your temperature preferences and energy usage. It then puts together an automated heating and cooling profile that emulates your usage data. That means a more streamlined and energy-efficient thermostat that saves the user money and avoids energy waste.

Philips Friends of Hue Bloom Lamp

From: Philips

A lot of money and energy is spent lighting the home, and Philips has been revolutionary in curbing those costs while innovating the way we use light. The Bloom Lamp is one of the latest in a long line of energy-efficient, dynamic lighting appliances. It’s smartphone-enabled, capable of displaying up to 16 million colors and uses the more efficient 8W LED light.

HydroPoint Smart Yard

From: HydroPoint

With record highs and lows in this particular year alone, keeping and maintaining a green yard has been difficult for some homeowners. However, advances in internet and satellite technology have given rise to services like HydroPoint and their Smart Yard program. HydroPoint, in particular, uses information on the homeowner’s region – temperature, rainfall, etc. – to accurately and efficiently keep the lawn watered.

The Drop Water-Powered Clock

From: Bedol

When it comes to clean technology, it doesn’t get any cleaner than a water-powered alarm clock; Bedol’s Drop is just the latest in a long line of these remarkable clocks. You basically fill the Drop with water and the galvanic cell battery draws energy from the ions in the water for up to six months. It’s an eco-friendly alternative for anyone looking for a green energy alternative to batteries and power plugs.

Pivot Power Genius

From: Quirky

This app-enabled spin on the best-selling power strip organizes your power connections and, now, lets you manage the power output on two of the outlets. If you left a lamp on or forgot to turn off the television, all you need to do is pull up the app on your smartphone. The app lets you remotely enable or disable power to two of the outlets.

These suggestions are just the tip of the iceberg. Smart homes derive their names from not only automation but efficiency as well. More and more of these homes embrace the efficient use of energy, and gifts like these are great for anyone looking to improve their lives without damaging the planet.