Greenie the Elf

Greenie the Elf: 12-Day Count Down to an Energy Elf-icient Christmas

In the North Pole, I see naughty elves, and nice elves. Most of the nice elves tend to be energy elf-icient.  I am one of the nice elves. My name is – Greenie, and I’m all about saving green by being green.

This holiday season, as part of my elf duties, Santa sent me to San Diego to share some tips for achieving elf-iciency in the 12 days leading up to Christmas. So between now and Dec. 24, I will provide a savings tip a day. Happy Holidays! May you save money and the planet by becoming more elf-icient.

Energy Elf-icient Tip No. 1 – Dec. 13

“Ask Santa for a smart thermostat so you can save $.” - Greenie the Elf’s 12-Day Countdown to an Energy Elf-icient Xmas.

Elf Thermostat

 

Energy Elf-icient Tip No. 2 – Dec. 14
“Let ‘em air dry.” -  Greenie the Elf’s 12-day Countdown to an Energy Elf-icient Xmas.

Let 'them air dry

Energy Elf-icient Tip No. 3 – Dec. 15
“Deck the halls with LEDs - think Luminous Efficiency Delights.” - Greenie the Elf’s 12-Day Countdown to an Energy Elf-icient Xmas. Fa la la la la la la la! 'Tis the season to be jolly, 
Fa la la la la la la la!

Elf Decking the Halls with LEDs

Energy Elf-icient Tip No. 4 – Dec. 16
“’Tis the season for parties.Throw a weather stripping party to keep your home cozy!” - Greenie the Elf’s 12-Day Countdown to an Energy Elf-icient Xmas.

weather stripping

Energy Elf-icient Tip No. 5 – Dec. 17
“Don’t want to see your money go down the drains? Do the laundry only when you have full loads.” – Greenie the Elf’s 12-Day Countdown to an Energy Elf-icient Xmas.

Energy Elf-icient Tip No. 5

Energy Elf-icient Tip No. 6 – Dec. 18
“Don’t overheat. Keep it at 120°F.” - Greenie the Elf’s 12-Day Countdown to an Energy Elf-icient Xmas.

Energy Efficiency Tip No 6 Keep it at 120 F.

Energy Elf-icient Tip No. 7 – Dec. 19
“One of the worst things you can do this holiday season is to cause Santa to have a sneezing fit when he stops to drop off gifts under the tree ‘cause your air filter is filthy. Fresh filters are a gift that keeps on giving all year-long.” - Greenie the Elf’s 12-Day Countdown to an Energy Elf-icient Xmas.

Energy Elf-icient Tip No. 7: Filter Out the Filth

Energy Elf-icient Tip No. 8 – Dec. 20
“Need a last-minute holiday gift idea? Forget about socks or ties. Get the fam a smart power strip to plug in all the shiny new toys that Santa is sure to bring (Nintendo Switch anyone?) ‘cause it will help cut down on phantom energy.” - Greenie the Elf’s 12-Day Countdown to an Energy Elf-icient Xmas.

Power Strip Away the Phantom Power

“Nothing says Christmas like a cozy fireplace with stockings hanging over the mantle. But when your fireplace is not in use, be sure to put the damper on to keep out cold drafts.” - Greenie the Elf’s 12-Day Countdown to an Energy Elf-icient Xmas.

Put the damper on drafts

Energy Elf-cient Tip No. 10 – Dec. 22
“Sometimes we all (elves included) need to vent, especially during the holidays. But when it comes to our bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans, vent only as needed.” Greenie the Elf’s 12-Day Countdown to an Energy Elf-icient Xmas.

Vent only as needed

Energy Elf-cient Tip No. 11 – Dec. 23
“I bet some of you are going away for the holidays. Control your outdoor lights with a timer, motion sensor, or dusk-to- dawn photocells so they are on only when needed.” - Greenie the Elf’s 12-Day Countdown to an Energy Elf-icient Xmas.

Time Your Outdoor Lights

Energy Elf-icient Tip No. 12 – Dec. 24
“When goodies are baking, it’s hard to resist the urge to open the oven to check and sample what’s inside. But please don’t! Every time you do, the oven temperature drops, and more energy is used.” Greenie the Elf’s 12-Day Countdown to an Energy Elf-icient Xmas.

Resist the urge to open the oven