There are many ways to go green, some of them having a small impact, and some of them larger, however every little bit helps, whether you like to believe it or not.

If you do anything, try one or all of these Top 10 Green Things:

1. Unplug: Many electronic devices, and chargers and left plugged in for the entire day which consumes a lot of energy even if they are not turned on.

Try unplugging computers, chargers, etc when they are not in use, or over night. Also, with appliances like coffee makers, toasters, blenders etc, they really only need to be plugged in when they are in use.

Doing this little trick everyday, even if you only end up unplugging things over night, can add up to big savings on your electric bill over time! And you don't have deal with the annoying sounds that some electronics make!

2. Use Less Water: Water heaters can be large consumers of energy in homes (second to the heating/cooling system). Try lowering the temperature, and using cold water as often as you can. If you must let the water run in order to warm up, catch the water in a bucket and use it to water plants. Cutting down on the amount of water, especially hot water, that you use can conserve energy and save you money!

3. Switch to Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs: Here is one of those things where you really have to care about saving energy in order to make this decision. Many people will not buy CFL's because they contain mercury, do not give off the "right light," or because of there expensive price. However, if you care about saving energy, having a brighter whiter light, and saving money in the long run CFL's are right for you. Just make sure to properly dispose of them!

4. Drive Less: Take public transit, walk, bike, carpool, what ever your mode of transportation just drive less! If the reduced emissions isn't enough to sway you, I am sure the rising gas prices are. If you must drive, drive smarter and combine errands to not only conserve gas, but also cut down on the amount of trips you make.

5. Buy Local and Organic, or Grow your Own: Buying locally not only supports local business conserves fuel, and reduces emissions. If the food is organic, it also means that you will be ingesting less pesticides, helping protect water from pollutants, cut
down on soil erosion, and conserve the energy and expense it takes to
produce synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.

Or if you have a green thumb, trying growing your own, organic fruits and vegetables, even if its just two or three. Not only will you be helping the environment, but you can feel proud when you are eating produce you grew yourself.

6. Buy Products with Less Packaging: Have you ever opened the box to find that your new product is not only encased in a plastic shell, but then in plastic wrapping as well? What a waste of resources, time, and energy. Try to find products that have less packaging, these are probably the companies that also care about being environmentally friendly. Also, try buying refills instead of new items, and try not to buy single use or single serving items. And remember to always bring your reusable grocery bag with you!

7. Recycle More: You recycle, but how can you do more with it? Recycle any aspect of packaging that you can, and if its not recyclable see if it can be reused. When buying paper products, choose ones made from recyclable materials that are better the second time around. However, you can recycle more than just paper, plastic, and aluminum.

Donate your old cell phone and other electronics to charity's, or bring it back to the retailer if they accept them. Bring your used car batteries, antifreeze, and motor oil back to
participating mechanics. If you don't use reusable grocery bags, at least return plastic bags to the grocery store. Compost your leftovers, and leave grass clippings on the lawn instead of bagging them. Also, think outside the box for larger items, such as turning an old tire into a tire swing. Pretty soon, you will have a smaller amount of garbage to put out on the curb!

8. Plant a Tree!: What better way to give back to the environment than to plant a tree, or two or three! Planting a tree will give you some exercise, something nice to look at, and you can be proud of your hard work! The
tree will convert pollutants to pure oxygen and offer a home to wildlife.

In addition, dependent upon what type of tree you choose, and where you plant it, the
shade can gradually help to cool your home as well as offer a perfect
spot for relaxing.

If you don't have the space or resources to plant a tree, there are plenty of organizations that accept donations and plant trees all over the world!

9. Buy or Use Green Power: Many states allow you to purchase renewable energy from your local power company.Check out Green Power Network's U.S. map to see if your area offers this.

If this isn't an option, try buying solar powered products. Whether its simple solar powered lights for your walkway, or a solar panel for your roof. If you can do it, why not!

10. Encourage Others! One of the most helpful things you can do after you do your part,m is encourage others to do so as well. Even if people do not start recycling or conserving energy in their own home, tell others about your effort might encourage them to make other good choices.

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