Ideas for making your home more green!

1. Overview

For a great overview of ideas for green living, check out http://www.greenhomeguide.org/living_green/sustainable_lifestyles.html.

2. Lights

Consider replacing you old, incandescent light bulbs with compact flourescent (CFL) light bulbs or LED bulbs.
http://www.ccrane.com/lights/led-light-bulbs/cc-vivid/

3. Showerheads

To save on your water bill, replace your old showerheads with newer, eco-friendly ones. http://www.pristineplanet.com/eco-friendly/water-conserving-shower-heads/5967_a_0.html.

4. Hot Water Heater

Another way to make your home green and save money is to replace your old hot water heater. You could replace it with a tankless hot water heater, or one that conserves energy better. http://greenbuildingelements.com/2008/04/30/low-impact-living-the-low-down-on-tankless-hot-water-heaters/.

5. Landscape Shading

To save on cooling costs during the summer, consider planting a 6-8 foot deciduous tree in the southern part of your home. If it is shading an existing air conditioning unit, this can increase its efficiency by 10%.
http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/landscaping/index.cfm/mytopic=11940

6. Energy Audits

By testing your home's insulation, heating/cooling equipment, lighting, and locating air leaks, performing an Energy Audit on your home can have long-lasting benefits. For a guide, please visit:
http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/energy_audits/index.cfm/mytopic=11170

7. Green Appliance Incentives

Plan to purchase a new appliance soon? Take advantage of hundreds of company and federal incentives to make buying energy-efficient solutions even more economical.
http://www.greenmadesimple.com/incentives

8. Compost Heaps

Building a Compost Pile is a great way to recycle grass clippings, coffee grounds, food scraps, and much more.
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHQNlDIMxp8
http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/homecompost/building.html

9. Recycling

Consider these creative solutions to re-using everyday items in your home.
http://www.thefrugalshopper.com/tips/recycling.shtml

10. Electronics

Electronics and home appliances are typically responsible for over 20% of a home's energy costs.
Therefore, buying energy-efficient products is an easy way to save money as a homeowner.
http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/appliances/index.cfm/mytopic=10020