1. Make the switch to Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs
By switching to CFL light bulbs, you can save an average of $30 in energy costs over the course of the light bulbs lifetime. It may be a few dollars more expensive, but it is definitely worth it. If every American household were to change just one of their regular light bulbs to a CFL, we would save enough energy to light more than 2.5 million homes for a year.
2. Monitor your thermostat
If you lower your thermostat 2 degrees from what you normally have it set at, you can save up to $100 dollars a year on your electric bill. Not only will you save money, but you will lower about one ton of greenhouse gases that would have been produced by the energy you saved.
3. Clean or replace your air conditioning filter
By cleaning or replacing your air conditioning filter, you will save more on your energy bill and also lower the emission of greenhouse gasses produced by the energy. These filters can get dirty very quickly, and by cleaning them you will also benefit from fewer particles in the air that cause allergies.
4. Unplug idle appliances and electronic devices.
It is important to unplug idle devices because they can use up to half the energy they use when they are in use. To make this effective,you must not just turn off the device; it must be totally unplugged. The average household can save up to hundreds of dollars a year by unplugging idle devices.
5. Buy a low-flow shower head with a shutoff valve.
Benefits from changing your water head are pretty substantial. By changing your shower head, you will save money on the energy it takes you heat your water; water heaters can account for about 25% of a homes energy bill. You are also benefiting your community by saving the energy it takes to treat the wastewater. It is also important to minimize the time you spend taking a shower to save on the heating costs and conserve water.
6. Drive smarter
There are many things you can do to drive smarter. The first is to keep your tires properly inflated because you can save gas. Anther suggestion is to use your cruise control on the highway. This alone will improve your mileage up to 15%. The most effective way to save gas is by driving less aggressively. Avoid rapid breaking, accelerate out of stop lights more gently, and drive the speed limit.
7. Get an annual tune-up for your car
Even though full engine tune-ups can be price,it is important to get your car tuned annually. It is necessary if you want to save fuel and money. Many things can get clogged causing your mileage to go down and also causing air pollution.
8. Dust-off that bike
Not only does bike riding burn calories, it is the most efficient form of human transportation. Bikes are environmentally sound and give you exercise. Try using your bike at least once a week, where you would normally drive a car, and build from there. By riding your bike, you are eliminating the pollution let from your car which is one of the biggest causes of global warming.
9. Go meatless once a week
You do not have to be a practicing vegetarian to cut out meat for one day a week. Livestock production absorbs about sixteen pounds of grain and soy feed for every pound of meat that actually gets to your plate. About half of the consumed water in the United States goes to livestock production and irrigation. You can try meatless substitutes like Boca Burgers or find vegetarian recipes.
10. Buy local and buy in season
Many foods that you buy in the grocery store travel thousands of miles to get there. According to the non-profit group Sustainable Table, the typical carrot travels 1,838 miles before it ends up in your kitchen. All these miles waste fossil fuels for traveling and waste packaging. It is important to buy your goods locally because it will save on these energy costs and also support your local farmers and economy.
This information was taken from http://lighterfootstep.com/ten-first-steps-toward-lighter-living.html