Thanksgiving 2010: a time for random acts of kindness by helping others save energy. These are things you can probably do for yourself, but think about doing them for a relative or friend.

Do you have parents or grandparents who might benefit from some energy efficient kindness? Thanksgiving can be more than a celebration of food and football.

Buying compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) is something you can do today. Not all CFLs are created equal, some actually work. CFLs are now available in the warm white color temperature which most people prefer for ambient lighting, and daylight balanced for task lighting. Replace their light bulbs and it's probably the last time they'll have to think about this chore for years to come.

If you're comfortable with tools, touch up the caulk or weather-strip around their windows and doors – especially if you can feel a breeze from any of them. It's not just energy efficient; it could help keep them warm during the winter.

As Harry Truman pointed out, “It's amazing what you can accomplish if you don't care who gets the credit.” Maybe all of the adult “kids” and extended family could “chip in” together and replace an older, inefficient heating appliance.

Newer EPA-approved wood burning stoves and inserts are markedly cleaner than old stoves, and produce significantly more usable heat from the same amount of wood. If your parents or grandparents still want to burn wood, the upgrade is a good investment in health and wood use.

Maybe replacing their 30-year-old propane furnace is going to have to be deferred; however, a professional tuneup, including accessible ducting, often results in a 30- to 40-percent improvement.

It’s too late to form an ad hoc family committee to contract the weatherization upgrade of your parent’s attic and crawl space or installing other major energy savings measures before Thanksgiving; however this Thursday’s celebration is only the kickoff of our holiday season.

Consider showing thanks by a “random act of kindness,” making their home more energy efficient and comfortable. You're not only saving them money, you're showing them how much you care.

Jim Tanner is a resident of Cob, Calif., who is always interested in learning about new and old tricks for finding shelter from the storm.