10 Green Ways

All Gain: No Pain
10 Easy, Cheap Ways to Save Energy, Save Money & Save the Planet

1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Do your part to reduce waste by choosing reusable products instead of disposables. Buying products with minimal packaging (including the economy size when that makes sense for you) will help to reduce waste. And whenever you can, recycle paper, plastic, newspaper, glass and aluminum cans.

2. Use Less Heat and Air Conditioning
Turn down the heat while you're sleeping at night or away during the day, and keep temperatures moderate at all times. Remove or cover window air conditioners in the winter. Weatherize your home or apartment, using caulk and weather stripping to plug air leaks around doors and windows.

3. Change a Light Bulb
Wherever practical, replace regular light bulbs with compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs.

4. Drive Less and Drive Smart
Less driving means fewer emissions. Besides saving gasoline, walking and biking are great forms of exercise. Use mass transit system, and check out options for carpooling to work or school.

5. Clean green.
Use non-toxic cleaning products or make your own using baking soda, club soda, vinegar and salt.

6. Use Less Hot Water
Set your water heater at 120 degrees to save energy, and wrap it in an insulating blanket if it is more than 5 years old. Buy low-flow shower heads to save hot water. Wash your clothes in warm or cold water. Use the energy-saving settings on your dishwasher, don't pre-rinse, and let the dishes air-dry.

7. Use the "Off" Switch
Save electricity and reduce global warming by turning off lights when you leave a room, and using only as much light as you need. And remember to turn off your television, video player, stereo and computer when you're not using them.

8. Do the Maintenance
When you do drive, make sure your car is running efficiently (check tire pressure, fluids, hoses, belts; change fluids) Change air conditioner, air cleaner filters.  Clean radiators. Fix leaky valves and faucets.

9. Eat smart
If you eat meat, add one meatless meal a week. Meat costs a lot at the store-and it's even more expensive when you consider the related environmental and health costs. Buy locally raised, humane, and organic meat, eggs, and dairy whenever you can. Purchasing from local farmers keeps money in the local economy.

10. Encourage Others to Conserve
Share information about recycling and energy conservation with your friends, neighbors and co-workers, and take opportunities to encourage public officials to establish programs and policies that are good for the environment.