Global warming. Climate change. Alternative fuels. Renewable energy. By now, we've all become familiar with these terms. The question is what can we do? Believe it or not, there are small, easy changes we can all make in our day-to-day lives that can have a big effect on the environment. Not only can these practices help in reducing the negative impact we place on the planet, but they can also save you money! By going green you can save the planet, and literally save some green, too. That's a win-win situation for everyone. So take a look at these helpful (and simple) tips on how you can establish a "green" house-hold.

Cold Water: It's Hot!

Washing your clothes? Doing the dishes? Use cold water. It's one of the easiest and most effective household changes you can make. It takes a lot of energy to heat water. Reducing the amount used means big savings, not only on your energy bills, but also in carbon dioxide emissions. Using cold water for your wash saves 500 pounds of carbon dioxide a year, and using a low-flow showerhead reduces 350 pounds. Make the most of your hot water by insulating your tank and keeping the temperature at or below 120 degrees. Take a quick trip to the hardware store or home improvement store for a hot water insulation kit to wrap your water heater and save on water heating costs.

Slow your flow!

Whether it's cold or hot, water is a crucial resource, and trying to conserve the amount of water you're using is another key step in maintaining a green household. Even the slightest adjustment in water use can have significant, positive effects for the environment. The following are just some of many easy steps to take in reducing water usage:

• Install a water saver in your toilet to reduce the number of gallons your toilet uses every time it flushes.
• During long showers, turn off the flow of water while you scrub and turn it back on to rinse. This saves a few minutes of water use, which adds up. Use a low-flow showerhead for even greater efficiency.
• When brushing teeth, just wet your toothbrush before you start and rinse at the end; there's no need to have it turned on the whole time.
• You could also look into HE (High Efficiency) washers for your laundry. Couple that with a HE detergent, like Tide® HE, and you can get the same sized load clean using nearly half the detergent, water, and energy!

Go light on the lights

Going green with lighting doesn't mean you have to sit in the dark. Advancements in technology have allowed for more highly energy efficient and longer lasting light bulbs. They've also become much more prevalent and increasingly affordable. Check out these two energy-efficient light bulb options:

• CFLs: CFL bulbs (compact florescent bulbs) are widely available and economical alternatives to conventional incandescent light bulbs. You might have seen CFLs before, as they have that recognizable swirly, twisty shape. CFLs have longer life spans, use significantly less energy, and work faster than conventional light bulbs.
• LEDs: Another bulb alternative, LEDs (light emitting diodes) use a technology that allows for even greater energy efficiency and are extremely long lasting. Though a bit more expensive and harder to find than CFLs, they allow for greater savings, both economically and in energy efficiency.

Small, simple changes can have significant positive impact on the environment, and your pocket. So start taking small steps in creating a "Green" household. You'll save the planet and save some green!

http://www.greatlakesdirectory.org/Global%20Warming%20Fact%20Sheet.html
http://www.eartheasy.com/live_energyeff_lighting.htm