10 Simple Choices

It's easy to get started living a greener life with the 10 suggestions below.

• Buy energy efficient appliances

  What’s on the inside really counts here. Home appliances look pretty much the same on the outside, but they vary greatly in terms of energy-efficiency and operating costs. The more energy-efficient an appliance is, the less it costs to run.

• Use Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

  In general, Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) use 70-75% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last 8 to 10 times longer. You can save money by using CFLs instead of incandescent light bulbs.

• Plant a tree

  Trees around your home can increase its value by up to 15% or more. They also help cool your home and neighborhood, break the cold winds to lower your heating costs, and provide food for wildlife.

• Recycle

  Recycling means taking a product or material at the end of its useful life and turning it into a usable raw material to make another product. Recycling provides community, economic and environmental benefits.

• Consider buying a hybrid car

  Fuel-efficient, hybrid cars are becoming increasingly popular. Hybrids are high-tech autos that get great gas mileage, cut polluting emissions and earn you a tax break.

• Conserve water

  Every day, on average, Americans use a total of 40 billion gallons of fresh water. There are numerous ways you can save water inside and outside your house.

• Buy locally grown organic food

  Locally grown organic food is fresher than anything in the supermarket and that means it is tastier and more nutritious. It is also good for your local economy -- buying directly from family farmers helps them stay in business.

• Switch to Green Power

  Electricity generation is the leading cause of industrial air pollution in the U.S. Most of our electricity comes from coal, nuclear, and other fossil fuels power plants. Renewable energy sources (solar electric, wind, geothermal, biomass and small and low-impact hydro) can produce electricity with fewer environmental impacts.

• Install a Programmable Thermostat

  Using a programmable thermostat, you can control when the heat or air-conditioning comes on according to your schedule. Doing so will save you up to 10% on your energy bill per year.

• Increase Fuel Economy

  You can put a few extra dollars in your pocket while helping to reduce pollution. Increase your fuel economy by making sure your tires are inflated properly, your car is properly tuned, and oil and air filters are clean. Consider more ways to increase fuel economy - car pool or even walk or bike!