If you haven't thought about it, it may be time to consider what you can do to help the enviornment and your wallet.  Here you'll find shortcuts to catalog and article searches, news, recommended websites, plus tips and ideas for saving energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, recycling, and more.

AIRE - Climate blog | ENN | New York Times* | Washington Post
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Use compact fluorescent light bulbs. CFLs use only 1/4 to 1/3 as much electricity as regular bulbs, while producing the same amount of light. CFLs cost more to purchase than old-style bulbs, but CFL prices are falling...and they are available in a great variety of shapes and sizes.

Before you buy, try the "bulb finder" and more at How to Choose the Right Light.

Over eight million tons of trees are consumed each year in the production of paper catalogs. If it seems like the postman is delivering most of those to your door, consider Catalog Choice. This free service can reduce your mailbox clutter, while helping save natural resources. Registration is free but required. 

Use less hot water
It takes a lot of energy to heat water. You can use less hot water by installing a low flow showerhead (350 pounds of carbon dioxide saved per year) and washing your clothes in cold or warm water (500 pounds saved per year) instead of hot.

Consider A Hybrid - Looking to buy a new car? First, check out our Consumer Subject Guide for Cars. Next, calculate your own cost of driving. Then, review the "Greenest vs. Meanest" ratings.

Clean or replace filters on your furnace and air conditioner. It can save 350 pounds of carbon dioxide a year. [more]

Consider setting your thermostat around 78 degrees or so. And install a programmable set-back thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home overnight and/or when you are not home. They can help you save up to $100 per year! [more]

Use a clothesline instead of a dryer whenever possible.
You can save 700 pounds of carbon dioxide when you air dry your clothes for 6 months out of the year. Read more basic household energy efficiency tips.

"Watts killing you?"
According to EnergyStar, 40% of all electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off.

Buy locally grown and produced foods
The average meal in the United States travels 1,200 miles from the farm to your plate. Buying locally will save fuel and keep money in your community.

Are your tires properly inflated?
Proper inflation can improve gas mileage by more than 3%, and that reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Unplug electronics from the wall when you’re not using them.
"Even when turned off, things like hairdryers, cell phone chargers and televisions use energy. In fact, the energy used to keep display clocks lit and memory chips working accounts for 5 percent of total domestic energy consumption and spews 18 million tons of carbon into the atmosphere every year!" [learn more]

Energy Saving & Green Living

Energy Savers - U.S. Department of Energy
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/
"Tips on Saving Energy & Money at Home." Find how-to info on conducting a home energy audit, a major appliances shopping guide, plus tips on insulation, heating and cooling, windows, and water heating, lighting, home office and electronics, driving and cars, and renewable energy.

Green Matters
http://www.greenmatters.com/gm/index.html
"Simple answers and guidance for busy people going green."

Home Energy Saver - Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
http://hes.lbl.gov/
Find the best ways to save energy in YOUR home! Just put in your zip code and receive a "comparison of the energy costs of an average home and an energy-efficient home in your area," and learn how to save money on heating and cooling your home, hot water heaters, lighting, and appliances..

Water Heating - American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
http://www.aceee.org/consumerguide/waterheating.htm
Everything you ever wanted to know about hot water heaters, which "next to heating or cooling ... is typically the largest energy user in the home." Discusses types of water heaters (storage, demand, heat pump, indirect, and solar), selection, efficiency, cost comparison, and upgrading your current water heater.

Global Warming / Climate Change

10% Challenge - City of Burlington, VT
http://www.10percentchallenge.org/
A voluntary program to raise awareness about climate change and to reduce Burlington's greenhouse gas emissions by ten percent.  Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy says "A small state can lead the way in the effort to stop climate change. By taking the 10% Challenge, Vermonters can be part of the solution, and set an example for other states.

Climate Change - EPA
http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/index.html
EPA's Climate Change Site offers comprehensive information on the issue of climate change in a way that is accessible and meaningful to all parts of society – communities, individuals, business, states and localities, and governments.

Global Warming 101
http://www.globalwarming101.com/
Polar explorer Will Steger leads this online expedition to "put a face on a complex and sometimes seemingly remote issue. Through an interactive website students will witness the impacts of global warming on human beings and the Arctic ecosystem in which they live." Also committed to "bringing the most accurate, informative and readable information on subjects like global warming, climate change, sustainability, green chemistry and more."

Global Warming Research – Ask.com
http://www.ask.com/web?o=0&qsrc=6&l=dir&q=Global Warming Research
Use this search engine’s saved search feature to quickly check updates and overviews for Global Warming, Climate Change, and more. Narrow the search with right-side links

Stop Global Warming
http://www.stopglobalwarming.org/default.asp
Online grassroots movement aims to bring citizens together for solutions to global warming. Practical, do-able steps we can all take to reduce emissions.

Overview

Environment & Environmental Quality
http://science.gov/browse/w_123.htm
Gateway to authoritative selected government science information about Air/Water/Noise Quality, Cleanup, Climate Change , and more.

One World Many People: An Atlas Of Our Changing Environment
http://grid2.cr.usgs.gov/OnePlanetManyPeople/index.php
Compelling satellite images that document dramatic changes to our planet due to global warming and the exploitation of natural resources. Based on the book of the same title.

One-Stop Research – National Geographic Society
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/onestop/?fs=crane.nationalgeographic.com
Find maps, photos, articles, and info which discuss environmental issues.

Science Topics
http://www.usgs.gov/science/
See the sections for Ecology and Environment and Environmental Issues for info from the U.S. Geological Survey. Or search their resources by keyword here: http://search.usgs.gov/