Do Just One Thing

Nearly half of the electricity usage in your home is for heating and cooling, so every little step you take to reduce consumption really ads up. Start with the basics: Set your thermostat at 78 degrees in the summer and 65 degrees in the winter. Replace dirty air filters; when your air filters are clogged by dust and particles, your heating/cooling system has to work harder. Close curtains on hot days to block the sun’s rays; open them on cold winter days to create heat indoors. Finally, get cozy with blankets and scarves in the winter.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

While air conditioners, furnaces, kitchen appliances and water heaters make up the bulk of electricity usage in your home, your entertainment devices account for about 4% of the total energy used. This consumption is easy to reduce simply by making sure the devices are totally powered off when not in use. This includes televisions, cable boxes, Wi-Fi routers and video game consoles. To avoid wasting energy, unplug items whenever you're not using them, and turn down the brightness on anything with a monitor.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

To help with cleanup and extend the life of your bakeware, consider silicone liners. Silicone bakeware and liners that go on top of existing metal bakeware are naturally nonstick, and they're safe -- they do not leach any harmful chemicals into your food when you use them. They are a breeze to clean, and they also allow you to bake, roast and microwave food without the need for extra oil or grease. While silicone is not recyclable or biodegradable, it is highly durable and is considered ocean-friendly, too.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION