Super Eco

Photo credit: BitchBuzz, Flickr

When was the last time you hit the sheets with a hottie? More precisely, a hot water bottle. They make cozy, energy-efficient bedmates, especially when you're feeling the chill from those hefty winter heating bills. Call them friends with warm benefits, then call it a night.

Why hot water bottles work:

• They don’t suck … energy that is. They’re gallons more energy-efficient than fire hazard space heaters, expensive thermostats and potentially shocking electric blankets. Your heating and electricity bills will shrink in no time. Can your clunky gas heater (or hot water heater) do that?
• They’re good in bed night after night. Your hottest FWB will warm your bed (and bod) all winter long.
• They make interesting watering “cans.” Let your plants soak up the cooled water. Just make sure it’s not soapy. 
• They do a body good. Like mom used to do, use them to ease earaches, sour tummies, menstrual cramps and achy muscles ... and a few, well, internal jobs too.
• They make funny purses. Seriously.

How to warm up your hottie for a toasty night’s sleep:

• Boil a pot of water and pour it into your hot water bottle. Better yet, fill it with hot water from your nighttime bath or shower. Some "hot pockets" can be safely reheated in the microwave. 
• Wrap it in a turtleneck sweater. Perhaps an adorable, snuggly soft, hand-knitted one from Paprika (£10.95)? Or, if you’re into hugging charming little monsters, artist Janice Yan Yan Wu’s spoon-worthy new and "pre-loved" (recycled) fabric combo cozies ($27-$35) have your hot water bottle covered.
• Stash your old-fashioned bed warmer deep in the covers, closest to your chilliest zone (mine: my icicle toes). Adjust it just so to create the perfect thermal cozy cocoon.
• Tuck in, stretch out and let your low-tech hottie do all the work.

Oh, don’t forget to name it. After all, you’re hitting the sheets with a strange, faceless hot thing. I call mine “Old Faithful,” though—knock on wood—it hasn’t sprung a leak yet.

There's only one downer: Most are made from synthetic rubber and plastic.