It may seem highly ironic that buying things can lead to saving energy, but with just a few small changes around your home, you can make a long-term impact on your utility bills and the planet.

We’ve compiled a handy-dandy list of simple gadgets that you can buy at most hardware and home stores. These products are easy to use and install - no professionals necessary. Just spend a few bucks, pop them in yourself, and Mother Nature will thank you.

CFL Light Bulbs

You’ve heard it before and you’ll hear it again – replacing your light bulbs with compact fluorescent versions (CFLs) will save you copious amounts in electricity bills in the coming months because they both use less energy and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. Keep in mind that, “CFLs are not appropriate for every place in your home,” says the Environmental Working Group. Visit their new online Green Lighting Guide for details on the best CFLs available on the market and everyday helpful hints.

Power Strips

You might have also heard of the possible “vampire power” objects around your home, sucking electricity even when they are turned off. Some of the most common culprits are computers, TV’s, cell phone chargers, microwaves, coffee makers, DVD and media players. The solution is simple – turn them off. Instead of going around plugging and unplugging devices all day, just connect the bulk of your electronics to surge protectors, also known as power strips.

You can save up to 15% on your electric bill by turning off your power strips every night and when you leave the house during the day. A basic surge protector is sufficient for basic electronics, but for TVs and computers, you’ll want to look for one that has a higher voltage protection. Everyone from Target to Home Depot sells surge protectors – they are a popular item that makes it easy to turn off the whole entertainment system, or office computer center all at once.

A Solar Charger

To take an even larger chunk of pressure off our electrical grid and try charging your favorite electronics (cell phones, laptops, MP3 players … etc.) with a solar-powered charger. Thankfully, the government has not yet found a way to regulate our usage of the sun, so solar power is free, free, free!

Solio is one of the most popular portable solar charger makers, with numerous cable tips that allow you to charge a wide assortment of electronics. For an even more powerful system that can charge laptops (and carry them), check out Voltaic’s line of recycled plastic bags that have built-in solar panels.

Computer-powered Batteries

Rechargeable batteries are a popular alternative to the traditional use-and-toss variety. Even though you can recycle both one-use and rechargeable batteries, many forget to do so. When powering any of your battery-needed electronics, try out the new USB Cell batteries from the UK.

Available in AA, AAA, 9 volt, and various small device versions, the USB Cell batteries are charged with, you guessed it, any USB port in a desktop or laptop computer. You can also find USB ports on many new TVs, video game consoles, keyboards, and more. By charging batteries via USB ports instead of traditional in-the-wall chargers, you’ll use your electricity more efficiently when you are already using your computer, TV, or game console.

Battery-free Flashlights

When the power goes out, the last thing you want to find is that the batteries in your flashlight aren’t charged. This problem is permanently solved when you have a battery-free flashlight from Forever Flashlight. To use the flashlight, all you have to do is shake it back and forth for 15 to 30 seconds.

The science behind this awesome device is the Faraday Principle of Electromagnetic Energy. “The Faraday Principle states that if an electric conductor, like copper wire, is moved through a magnetic field, electric current will be generated and flow into the conductor,” says the Forever Flashlight website. The flashlights also use LED lights, which you often see in crosswalk signs and stop lights, and are super-efficient.

Dimmer Light Switches

Lowering the brightness of your indoor lights saves energy – it’s an obvious concept. The amount of electricity (and therefore money) you save is based on the dimmer you use and how far you dim your lights. Easy to install yourself, most new dimmer switches can save you up to 15% on your energy bill (just like the previously mentioned CFL bulbs) and can make your light bulbs last up to 4 times longer. When it comes to options, Home Depot alone has 86 different dimmer switches in different styles and colors!

>> Check out Greenopia's Home and Garden Products Guide for more earth-conscious products for your home!