Assembling a conservation kit that will benefit the end user — but not break the bank — isn’t as straightforward as it sounds.
At Conservationmart.com, we’ve helped dozens of clients assemble cost effective conservation kits for distribution to their customers. We’ve learned a few things along the way, too, like what end users actually want in their kits, and the pitfalls that can drive up costs.
This guide will walk you through the essential components of a good conservation kit and how to ensure it offers real value without being too expensive.
Benefits of Conservation Kits
- They help residents save on energy and water, which translates to lower bills.
- They help utilities reduce water and energy consumption in their regions. Particularly in times of high demand, even a small reduction in energy use can help grid operators maintain service
- They help educate customers on various ways to reduce water and energy consumption. Many homeowners aren’t aware of just how much they can save with some simple alterations.
- They create awareness for your conservation and efficiency programs, especially when they include your custom branding on kit packaging and customizable kit items. We often recommend kid-friendly education materials, to make sure the next generation grows up energy conscious.
- Weatherization items help residents stay warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Weatherstripping keeps out drafts and can reduce energy savings 5-10 percent when used correctly.
- Sometimes programs can incorporate safety items in kits as well, such as 10 year sealed smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Have questions? Need bulk order pricing? Call now to speak with one of our experts: 1-800-789-8598, ext 1
What Should Be in a Good Conservation Kit?
Conservation kits can help households reduce their energy consumption, save on utility bills, and contribute to environmental sustainability. But they’re also a fantastic tool for education.
Energy grids across the country are overburdened, and getting customers to think about their energy consumption can help operators avoid outages and other problems that are only expected to grow in the coming years.
When assembling a kit, it’s important to include items that are effective and user-friendly, but that will also keep costs manageable. A utility company or nonprofit distributing free kits needs to think about how to put together hundreds or even thousands of free kits for distribution, and costs can add up quickly.
We have a few criteria we stand by. A good conservation kit should genuinely help the user save energy. Most commonly that means reducing use of electricity or water — or both, in the case of some of our recommended items.
The items you choose for your kits should also be as small and lightweight as possible. Keeping size and weight in mind will help cut down on shipping costs if you plan to mail the kits, or just make them generally more manageable if you plan to distribute them in person.
For similar reasons, we recommend avoiding items that are long and narrow, or otherwise awkwardly shaped. Some types of door sweeps and weather stripping can be hard to package, leading to large boxes that are expensive to ship.
Read on for what we consider to be the must-haves in a good conservation kit.
Low Flow Shower Heads and Aerators
If there is one item we recommend for every kit, it’s a low flow showerhead. Low flow showerheads are designed to reduce water usage without compromising water pressure. They mix air with water to maintain a steady stream, which can significantly cut down on the amount of hot water used during showers. This not only conserves water but also reduces the energy required to heat the water.
Faucet aerators are another great idea for water conservation. Compact, lightweight and effective, they are among our top recommendations for conservation kits of all kinds.
Most of the other items on this list are targeted to electricity savings, but water conservation is important too. You may even consider separate water conservation kits.
Weather Stripping for Doors and Windows
Weather stripping helps seal gaps around doors and windows, preventing drafts and maintaining indoor temperature, and installation is easy — virtually any homeowner can get it done quickly and without tools.
Weatherstripping and weatherization items can be great for kits, but we recommend caution in choosing the right variety. Vinyl foam weatherstripping is a lightweight, inexpensive option that works well in almost any kit. On the other hand, door sweeps and other rigid weatherstripping products can be too large and awkward to ship, driving up costs. A folding door sweep can be a good solution if this type of item is a priority.
Sealant for Doors and Windows
Sealant is used to fill cracks and gaps in doors and windows, enhancing their insulation properties. This is crucial for preventing air leaks and maintaining energy efficiency. High-quality sealant can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs by ensuring that indoor air stays in and outdoor air stays out.
Faucet Aerators
Faucet aerators mix air with water, reducing the flow rate while maintaining water pressure. This helps conserve water and lower the water bill without sacrificing functionality. Bathroom faucet aerators are an easy addition to water conservation kits.
Similar to bathroom faucet aerators, kitchen aerators can significantly reduce water usage in the kitchen and make great additions to water conservation kits. They are simple to install and can help conserve water during everyday activities like washing dishes.
Toilet Flapper
A new, high-quality toilet flapper can prevent leaks and reduce water waste. This is a cost-effective way to conserve water in the bathroom, and can be added to any water conservation kits.
Hose Nozzle
A hose nozzle with adjustable settings can help control water flow for outdoor watering tasks. This can save a significant amount of water compared to using an open hose.
Custom Printing
You’d be surprised how many suppliers sell prefab conservation kits in plain white or brown packaging.
A major benefit of distributing conservation kits should be the chance to reinforce your brand. Conservationmart.com offers custom branding on all of our kits, and we think it’s a no-brainer. Whether you choose to buy from us or someone else, make sure you get custom branding on your boxes.
Call now to speak to one of our representatives about bulk orders or a custom kit: 1-800-789-8598
Smart Power Strips
Smart power strips automatically cut off power to devices that are not in use, eliminating “phantom” energy consumption. This can make a significant difference in reducing overall energy usage, especially for households with many electronic devices.
Our clients have told us that smart power strips are a big hit with their end users. Almost everyone can use a few extra outlets around the house, and the power savings they offer make them even more of a “wow” component.
Smart power strips can pose a challenge, though, because of their size. If you choose to include a smart power strip with your kit, keep in mind that you may need larger shipping materials, and that can increase costs.
Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats allow users to control their home’s temperature remotely and set schedules for heating and cooling. They can learn user preferences and optimize energy use, leading to substantial energy savings.
Smart thermostats are also often a priority for utility operators, because they allow for better grid management. If getting smart thermostats into the homes of your customers is a priority, they are a must-have for your kits.
We can help you find an affordable choice. Your customers — and your grid! — will thank you.
Toilet Savers
A leaky toilet can be one of the leading causes of water and energy loss, so these toilet water savers can be great sources of water and energy savings. There are a wide range of toilet water savings devices that are inexpensive and easy to ship.
A toilet tank bank or fill cycle diverter can reduce water usage on every flush, saving hundreds of gallons of water per year. Toilet leak tablets can help identify invisible water waste, while a new toilet flap can replace a part that is often brittle and worn out, and can leak all day as a result.
Hot Water Temperature Cards and Refrigerator Cards/Thermometers
Hot water temperature cards help users measure the temperature of the hot water coming out of their tap, ensuring their water heater is set to an energy-efficient level. Lowering the temperature can save energy and prevent scalding.
These cards offer a simple yet effective way to conserve energy and reduce water heating costs. Like weather stripping, these cards are light and compact, and make a great addition to any kit, including both energy and water conservation kits.
Like water temperature cards, refrigerator temperature cards are another lightweight and inexpensive item that can help conserve energy. Residents can use them to easily monitor the true temperature of energy hungry fridges.
Outdoor Water Conservation
If the kit is intended for homeowners, outdoor water conservation items can be a great way to save water and energy. A soil moisture meter can help homeowners monitor their garden or lawn, and avoid overwatering. An inexpensive mechanical hose timer can help ensure outdoor plants and grass get consistent watering without overdoing it. An inexpensive trigger nozzle can also help prevent water waste by replacing old, worn out nozzles that can be a source of leaks.
LED Bulbs and Night Lights
Residents can improve energy efficiency by replacing old incandescent or CFL bulbs with new energy efficient LED lighting and LED night lights can add some low energy lighting to avoid leaving overhead lights on at night.
Indoor Digital Thermometer
An indoor digital thermometer allows users to monitor the temperature inside their home, helping them to maintain a comfortable and energy-efficient environment. This can help households better manage their heating and cooling systems.
This is another low-cost, high impact component that end-users really enjoy. Everybody likes free stuff, of course, but it can be useful — and even a little fun — to have a thermometer around the house. Kids especially like to track temps around the home. We recommend thermometers in every kit.
Educational Items
Educational ItemsOften conservation kits not only serve the purpose of reducing energy or water usage directly, but also to educate residents on conservation and to help keep efficiency “top of mind” when thinking about their residence. This is especially true for educational kits intended for schools and children.
Some of the educational tools that we offer include bookmarks and magnets with conservation tips, and customizable educational coloring booklets that make a great addition to any conservation kit.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Some utilities make the mistake of offering large items or items that are irregularly shaped in their conservation kits. While these items might offer great value, they can make the kits difficult and expensive to ship. It’s important to consider the final package size and weight to keep shipping costs manageable. Opt for compact, lightweight items that still deliver significant energy-saving benefits.
Another pitfall includes items that sound good in theory, but residents are unlikely to actually use the items because they may be difficult to install or are cumbersome to use.
Another problem is having too many items or too few items in the kit. An ideal kit should include 3-6 items. Too many items can lead to diminishing returns and likelihood of end users not actually using some of the items, while too few items can make the kits feel skimpy.
Working with the Right Supplier
Choosing the right supplier for your conservation items is crucial. Here are a few things to watch for.
Good Customer Service
Work with a provider that offers excellent customer service. This ensures you can easily address any issues that arise and get timely support.
Small Business Designation
Consider choosing a supplier with a small business designation. Supporting small businesses can foster local economies and often results in more personalized service.
Conservationmart.com has knowledgeable reps available to answer your questions when you need them, and they’re happy to discuss bulk orders: 1-800-789-8598
Give us a Call
Creating an effective energy or water conservation kit requires careful selection of items that offer real value without being too expensive. By including essential products like weather stripping, sealant, smart power strips, smart thermostats, hot water temperature cards, and indoor digital thermometers, you can help customers conserve water and energy, reduce their bills, and contribute to environmental sustainability.
We’ve helped dozens of clients assemble fantastic kits. Give us a call today and let us help you assemble the kit that’s right for you: 1-800-789-8598