Turn off those trickles

TrickleStar’s power-saving devices can give your home an eco-friendly vibe. Normally, when you turn off your TV, connected devices, such as game consoles and DVD players, continue to consume power in stand-by mode. By attaching a TV TrickleSaver to a shared power strip, the flow of power to connected devices is automatically stopped when the television is turned off. It costs $35.

A similar product, the PC TrickleSaver, shuts down power to connected printers, speakers and other gadgets when a computer is turned off. It costs $25. For more information, go to www.tricklestar.com.

Say goodbye to another home decor magazine

The September-October 2009 issue of Southern Accents, which hits newsstands Sept. 1, will be its last because of the weak economy, according to Time Inc.

Barry Dixon, a designer in Virginia, called the magazine gracious, hospitable and inviting and said it was never a slave to fads. “It had the quality of hospitality and good taste, a sense of timelessness and appropriateness,” he said. “Not every magazine has that.” Then he added optimistically, “It might be down, but I don’t count it out.”

Southern Accents spokeswoman Jennifer Zawadzinski cited the “difficult economy” as the reason for its shuttering. Subscribers to Southern Accents will receive another Time Inc. magazine as a replacement and will be notified about the change by mail. Subscribers can also transfer the balance of their subscription to a Time Inc. magazine of their choice by sending an e-mail to southernaccents@customersvc.com. Refunds will also be available.

Products for the green movement

Turning your kitchen into a more environmentally aware space doesn’t have to involve expensive renovation. You can start going green with a few well-chosen products.

Recycling-themed magnets stick to metal recycling bins or are fun on the fridge. $5.99 for a set of six at www.simplehuman.com.

Bambu plank board, which can be used as a cutting board or serving tray, is made of organically grown bamboo. $23 at www.planitgreenhome.com.

Plastic compact dish rack frees up space. $29.99 at www.simplehuman.com.

For those who separate their recyclables, a front-load recycler has a dial that lets you know what’s inside. $29.99 at www.simplehuman.com.

Star news-service reports