Ceiling fans are always a good investment to circulate air in the home, keeping it as cool or warm as you need it in the most efficient manner possible. When you want it cooler inside, have the fan go in a counterclockwise direction to push cool air down. When you want it warmer inside, set the fan in the opposite direction, which helps move warm air down from the ceiling. And remember: Opt for Energy Star ceiling fans, which can be up to 40% more efficient than standard fans.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you buy food packaged in cans, you’re probably choosing the most environmentally friendly option. Nearly 70 million tons of steel is recycled every year and made into new steel products. And the long shelf life of canned food (typically three to five years) makes cans the ideal packaging to stock a pantry. But a big reason why cans are far superior to any other packaging is this: They don’t require any refrigeration, from transporting to stores to filling store shelves to keeping at your home.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When you’re watching your favorite shows on a streaming platform, the way you watch it can have a profound impact on how much energy you use for your entertainment. Start by watching at a lower resolution; instead of the super-high res 4K or 1080p, try for 720p to reduce energy usage. If you watch shows on your phone, always stream over a Wi-Fi network instead of cellular, since the latter uses significantly more energy. And if you watch on a television, opt for an Energy Star-certified TV.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION