Tip #1: Take a shorter shower. In doing so you will save water and save the energy it takes to heat it which in turn reduces carbon dioxide emissions.
Tip #2: By allowing more natural light into your home you can lower your use of electricity. Artificial light adds up to almost 15% of your home's total electrical use.
Tip #3: Recycling is important, but first and foremost, use less: Instead of using a paper or plastic cup, invest in a mug and use that throughout the day.
Tip #4: Buy locally produced items, including produce and other goods. It reduces the amount of fossil fuels required to transport the things you buy from other parts of the country or the world. It also reduces the amount of plastic and paper products consumed in the packaging of such far-traveling products. Buying local reduces the consumption of valuable natural resources.
Tip #5: Individual servings at grocery stores use up more packaging. When possible, purchase the family size.
Tip #6: Use non-toxic, environmentally safe, biodegradable cleaning products, including laundry products, which you can find at any natural grocery and even many mainstream stores. Just read the labels carefully.
Tip #7: Set aside bins in your green home to separate and collect recyclable materials, including newspapers, white paper, clear and colored glass, plastic water and milk bottles, aluminum, cardboard, batteries and fluorescent light bulbs.
Tip #8: Instead of using grocery stores´ disposable plastic or paper bags, bring your own reusable tote bags, which are available for sale at many grocers and other retailers.
Tip #9: Use nontoxic gardening techniques. Many gardeners over-apply or improperly apply pesticides, putting themselves, their families and pets at increased health risk.
Tip #10: Choose ENERGY STAR® appliances. ENERGY STAR®-qualified products meet a high level of energy efficiency, which can translate into savings on electric bills. So when it´s time to replace that old refrigerator, microwave, clothes washer or other appliance, remember that even if an ENERGY STAR appliance costs more, you could reduce your energy bill by $50 yearly for each appliance. Also, check with your electric utility ? some offer incentives for replacing old appliances with more efficient ones.
