UnPlug!

Anything that has an LED (light emitting diode) that glows even after you turn it off continues to draw power (that you pay for). Your TV, cell phone charger, and printer are likely culprits. Unplug the offenders from wall sockets and plug them into power strips instead. When you leave a room, flip the strip switch to cut the flow of electricity.

Save Energy and Water

Install low-flow showerhead and faucets.. You'll use less water and save on the energy needed to heat your water.

Air Conditioner Tip

Setting the temperature a little higher(around 25 - 26 Celsius or 78 - 80 Fahrenheit) , you can save 6 to 8 percent of your cooling costs for each degree above 25 Celsius, and most people will be comfortable.

Eat Lower on the Food Chain

Generally speaking, eating less meat is good for the environment. Livestock production involves feeding animals large quantities of grain. Producing all this grain means greater use of energy, water, and chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

It takes 2500 gallons of water to produce 1 lb of beef.

And...animals are often raised on land that was once rainforest.

E-Reader

If you're an avid reader, save trees and $$ by getting an E-reader this year

Cleaning Alternative

Stock up on white vinegar. A wipe with vinegar will take water marks off stainless steel sinks and the handprints off brushed steel appliances.

Keep the Rivers Clean

Never put garbage of any kind down the sink drain. Cooking fat and greases, household cleaners, paints, solvents, pesticides and other chemicals can be very harmful to the environment and your piping system

Cold Water

Keep a pitcher or bottle of tap water in the fridge. This will mean that when you want a drink of cold water, you won't waste water waiting for it to get cold out of the faucet.

Dishwashing

Don't run hot water while you try to take baked on food off a pan.

For really grimy or baked on food, fill the pot or pan with hot water. Add a few drops of dish soap and a bit of baking soda. Let soak for about an hour. You'll be amazed at how easily the baked on food comes off

What a Way to Save!

You can save lots of electricity by refusing to iron. Of course, you run the risk of looking a little uncared for. Just explain that you're doing it for the earth!

Swiffer Waste

Reduce the waste from Swiffers. Instead of using the prepackaged swiffer wet cloths, make your own swiffer cloths from old towels. Measure what you need to wrap around to the push holders and cut to that size. Serge the edges and there you have a washable and reusable swiffer cloth.

There are also several "green" all-purpose and floor cleaners that can be used with your reusable cloth.

Red Wine Spills

For red wine spills, hydrogen peroxide is amazing. Blot up as much as you can with a paper towel, and then mix a teaspoon of eco-friendly dish soap with a cup of hydrogen peroxide. Blot it on the stain, with a dry towel behind the fabric to soak things up. This works on carpet, clothing, and other fabric, too. We've seen a glass of red wine literally disappear from snowy white carpet. Hydrogen peroxide can also remove ink stains.