Super Eco

Photo credit: gerard79, SXC

How many people—maybe you're one of them—want to go greener but don't know where to start? Kits make it easy to get started, and Eco Hatchery has a boxful of ways to help anyone get started greening their home, using less energy and living green all year long.

Focusing mainly on the little things that add up, the Eco Starter Kit ($97.50), contains tools that help you use less energy and water in your home, saving the typical user $260 a year in utility bills and reducing their carbon footprint by 2.5 tons. Here's what it contains:

• energy monitor so you can see which appliances are sucking energy
• insulation kit including weatherstripping, outlet sealers, and water pipe insulation fitting tools
• water quality test kit
• 2 aerators
• water leak detectors
• CFL light bulb
• eco soy candle
• reusable water bottle with filter
• refrigerator coil brush
• refrigerator/freezer thermometer
• Eco Roadmap to determine your personalized eco makeover needs

We'd also suggest adding a reusable coffee mug for your on-the-go cuppa joe; a bottle of vinegar, some baking soda, and lemon for cleaning; and a programmable thermostat. Most homes will need more than a single CFL and more than 2 aerators, and likely you'll need more weatherstripping and insulation than provided, but the kit's a great start to inspire people go further in greening their lives and homes.

Know anyone who needs a jumpstart like the Eco Starter Kit provides? They've been a big hit with realtors as housewarming gift for new homeowners, and Eco Hatchery is rolling out two new kits soon, the Green and Healthy Home Kit ($50) which includes some of the items in the starter kit, and the Energy Efficiency Kit ($60) with a focus on lowering utility bills.

What else would you add?