Did you know landfills do not decompose? Decomposition occurs when water, oxygen and sunlight break down materials. A banana peel, a readily degradable material, will likely take decades to decompose because of the nature of landfills. "…modern landfills are lined on the bottom with clay and plastic to keep waste from escaping in the soil...covered daily with a layer of earth to reduce odor. The landfill then acts as a garbage tomb [receiving] little air, water or sunlight." To start your own composite pile, select a dry, shady spot near a water source. You can start the pile with twigs, dead leaves, vegetable waste, coffee grounds, grass clippings, etc. Once the materials at the bottom are a dark, rich color, you can use this nutrient rich soil for flower beds or potting soil! For more information on compost piles, visit www.epa.gov

Ever notice a diamond ring comes in less packaging then a toothbrush? Not only is excessive packaging wasteful, it’s irritating! Trying to get through the tape seal, the plastic guards, the cardboard, the plastic ties on the cardboard… makes you wonder if the product is worth the work. By choosing products with minimal packaging you are not only saving energy and resources that went into it, but your own frustrations.

Move over Edison, there is a new bulb on the block! Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs, or CFLs, have been designed to replace the more conventional, or antiquated, light bulb. Studies have shown that a CFL bulb uses only a quarter of the energy an incandescent bulb does, and saves 2000 times its own weight in greenhouse gases. The price of CFLs is higher but with the extended lifespan (up to 15,000 hours v. 1,000 hours) and the energy efficiency, you will re-coop that money in no time. Don’t like the bright blue color? Look at the Kelvin, or thermodynamic temperature. The higher the Kelvin temperature, the cooler, i.e. bluer, the shade. Color Temperature Kelvin Warm white or soft white < 3000 K White or Bright white 3500 K Cool White 4000 K Daylight > 5000 K For a CFL most resembling your current incandescent bulb, you will need to look for a CFL with a Kelvin temperature less than 3000. For more information on CFL bulbs, choosing the right bulb, and proper disposable, visit www.energystar.gov

Buying from your local farmer’s market just makes sense. Not having to be shipped means no wax covered fruits and vegetables or preservatives to keep them fresh. With no shipping you are helping to reduce fuel consumption, and pollution. And who doesn’t want to support their community and local farmers?

Think just because you turn off your curling iron it doesn’t pull energy? Think again. Outside of a power strip, anything plugged into the wall is pulling energy, and money from your wallet. Power adapters often stay warm even after you have unplugged your camera, or cell phone – energy is being wasted through heat! By unplugging infrequently used lamps, power adapters after charging, the toaster in the morning, anything not being used on a constant basis, will help lower your energy costs.

Let’s face it… we love our cars. It is an extension of ourselves… at a very high price, and not only at the pumps. 1 passenger car on the road for one year is the equivalent to 5.5 metric tons of carbon dioxide! Passenger vehicle… not the more popular SUV. Carpooling, even only half of the time, will not only save you money, but the planet as well.

A dripping faucet can waste 20 gallons of water a day… one drip at a time. Keeping your fixtures in good working condition is step one to saving water. Or take things one step further and purchase new, low-flow fixtures, now offered in low-flow faucets and showerheads, and dual flushing toilets. For more information and water saving tips, visit green.yahoo.com.

For each degree you adjust down your thermostat, you are saving 10% on your energy use. To help stay warm, you can throw on your favorite sweatshirt and warm socks or cozy up with a blanket. Also, closing doors and vents to rooms not in constant use will help. During the warmer months, use table fans or ceiling fans. Most people can raise their thermostat by 3 or 4 degrees and feel just as comfortable