I like collecting easy tips on small ways that people like me can make a difference. Here are a few I've picked up over the years.

Small ways to be energy-conscious:

• Are there lights or electronics on that could be turned off?
• Did you know that electronics can leech electricity by being plugged in, even if they are turned off? It's great to invest in a surge protector so that you can unplug only one cord to remove all electronics.
• Make sure you're not heating or cooling rooms that aren't in use. Always close vents to empty rooms.
• Don't mess with the thermostat, and don't max it out! Find a decent, average temperature that you're comfortable with, and leave it alone.
  

Some tips to reduce waste:

• STOP drinking out of plastic water bottles! Invest in a good aluminum drinking bottle that can be reused (like KleenCanteen). Not only is it better for the environment (it takes a plastic water bottle 700 years to decompose!), it's healthier for your body, as plastics are under scrutiny right now for their dangerous health effects. Avoid them if possible.
  
• Carry a large tote in your car. For quick trips to the store or small shopping expeditions, use it. Additionally, you can request that your items not be bagged at all, if you only have a few small things.
• Reuse, reuse, reuse! Don't throw away plastic bags, jugs, or bowls. Plastic bags, if you don't want to reuse them for shopping, can be donated to animal shelters or local farmer's markets. Jugs and bowls are great to keep around the house if a guest wants to take leftovers home.
• Turn off the water when you brush your teeth! It may not seem like much, but you are wasting thousands of gallons of water a year by letting it run while you brush.
• PLEASE recycle! It can be frustrating if your community doesn't offer curbside recycling with the different bins, but it's not hard or expensive to set up a couple of different trashcans in your own kitchen and label them for plastics, aluminum, cardboard, etc.
• Compost! This is a great way to recycle household waste as well as help out your garden.
  

And lastly, here are some of my faves:

Some of my favorite tips:

• Consolidate car trips. Make a list of what you need and do it all at once, if possible. If you are close with your neighbor, you may occasionally ask if they need items when you have to run to the store. Carpool anywhere you can!
• Spay or neuter your pet, and please adopt from animal-shelters. The world is becoming more and more overpopulated with both animals and humans that no one will care for.
• Check out natural items that you can use for wonderful results in many areas such as cleaning (vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda, etc.), pain and stress relief, or health and beauty. Get rid of harsh chemicals!
  
• If you shop online, shop websites that donate to charities with each purchase. (JustGive.org's Charity Malls; Shop For Charity; The Animal Rescue Site)

Never think that you can't change this world! As a matter of fact, the exact opposite is true. Only YOU can. Visit the Peculiar Pea for more links, and check out my best pal's blog over at the Space Between Us for even more awesome tips on being green and staying healthy.