1. A faucet aerator -- that cylindrical device that threads onto the end of a faucet -- reduces the amount of water needed to do jobs such as hand washing and dish rinsing. Look for one at the hardware store; it will be marked with the flow it permits, measured in GPM. A 2.0 GPM aerator is ideal for kitchen faucets, while a 1.0 GPM version works great for the bathroom sink.
2. The efficiency of a furnace for turning energy into heat is described as Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. Older furnaces may have an AFUE rating as low as 60 percent. New models may have an AFUE of 90 percent or higher. Additionally, old furnaces often have pilot lights that burn fuel 24/7. New models feature electronic ignition, eliminating this waste as well. Look for Energy-Star-qualified furnaces with a high AFUE.
3. Fine-tune your refrigerator for optimum energy use by checking to see that the temperature in the main refrigeration box hovers at 37 degrees, while the freezer stays at a relatively steady 3 degrees. A weather thermometer will do the trick.
4.  A Smart Strip Power Strip can save up to 73% of the energy used by eliminating idle currents from peripherals. The Smart Strip is a Surge protector that saves energy on computers and home entertainment equipment. It shuts off power to the peripheral equipment when the TV (at your entertainment center) or the computer (at your desk) is turned off. The average computer system uses 260 watts/hr just sitting idle (Long Island Power Authority). A computer with the Smart Strip uses less than 25 watts. Would you leave two, three or even more 60 watt lamps on 24 hours a day? The Smart Strip Power Strip is available at our online store.
5. A Carbon Footprint Calculator--how does your home add up? Use The Nature Conservancy's carbon footprint calculator to measure your impact on our climate. The calculator estimates how many tons of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases your choices create each year.
6. Cut your lawn with a battery-operated lawn mower and recharge the battery for just 10 cents. We purchased a 19" neuton mower last summer, and it has been great. It turns on with the push of a button, hums along quietly, is very lightweight and needs no gasoline, oil or tune-up. Due to the size of our lawn, we purchased the accessories package as we need to change out the battery about 3/4 of the way along. The only drawback is that it doesn't mulch the cut grass as well as we'd like, but all the benefits outweigh that issue. While there are a number of companies with battery-powered mowers, we mention the neuton because that is the only one we have had personal experience with. For more information, visit http://www.neutonpower.com
7. Plant a shade tree to reduce your air conditioning bill by 15-30%. (Source: USDA Forest Service)
   The net cooling effect of a young, healthy tree is equivalent to 10 room-sized air conditioners operating 20 hours a day. (Source: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture)
   A single tree can absorb one ton (2,000 pounds) of carbon dioxide, and provide 1,000 pounds of oxygen, over its lifetime.
   One large tree provides enough oxygen everyday for four people.
8. Programable thermostats are relatively inexpensive, but have great potential for reducing your energy use. In the winter, try lowering the temperature 5-10 degrees at night, and again while you are gone at work. Just set it to go back to your desired temperature 30 minutes before you wake, or return from work.
9. CFL's (compact florescent lightbulbs) are one of the best energy efficiency choices you can make. It is important to realize that lighting and appliances consume from 10-50% of the total energy in an average home!  Compact florescent lights (CFL's) use only a quarter of the energy, and can last up to 10 times longer than traditional incandescent light bulbs. In addition, each CFL can save $30 in electric costs over the lifetime of the bulb.

THERE ARE AN AMAZING NUMBER OF WAYS THAT YOU CAN ADD "GREEN" INTO YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE. THE TIME TO START WITH CHANGE IS NOW!!

EVERY LITTLE CHANGE YOU MAKE ADDS TO THE TOTAL CHANGES FOR YOUR COMMUNITY, WHICH IN TURN RIPPLES OUT EVEN FURTHER.

We will add an idea one or two at a time, with the newest ones at the top. If you have a great idea to share, let us know at: amy@energyaudits.com