Easy Ways to Go Green at Home

You don't have to build your own solar-power station, or remodel your entire house, to go green. Even if you aren't rich enough to make huge changes in your home, you can still do things that will make your space more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Here are a few ways that you can go green.

• Recycle what you can. Even if you don't have a recycling center or service in your part of the world, you can still reuse things. Plastic tubs, like the ones that hold your soft margarine, can be washed and used to store leftovers. You can also use plastic jars to store non-food items.
• Reduce the amount of water you use every day. Turn off the faucet while you're brushing your teeth. Turn down the stream when you're rinsing your dishes. Alternate between showers and baths: a quick shower uses less water than a bath.
• Re-use water whenever you can. If you use buckets of water to wash your car, for example, dump them out on the lawn - not the driveway. You need clean, pure water for drinking, and you don't really want to bathe in 'used' water, but there are many other ways to re-use your water.
• Make your heating and cooling systems more energy efficient. Seal off drafty areas, like the gap between your door and floor. Insulation, like a curtain or aluminum foil, will make the windows less leaky. You should also have your climate-control systems serviced on a regular basis.
• Warmer in summer; cooler in winter. Adjusting your thermostat just a few degrees can save a lot of energy - and make you a bit happier when you receive this month's utility bill.
• When you need to buy a new appliance, look for the Energy Star label. This label indicates that the appliance is energy efficient. Many major appliances, including computer monitors, have this label.
• Unplug phantom appliances when you are not using them. Things like your TV set, your microwave and your computer drain electricity even when you aren't using them. Unplugging them will save electricity.
• When you aren't in the room, shut down the things that don't need to stay on. You might want the air conditioner or heater on low for when you return, but the lights, TV and other such things can be off for a while.

These are just a few easy ways to go green. Every little thing you do will help. Combine several little things and you're making a significant difference.