• Use these tips to begin living a more eco-friendly life.Global Recycling image by Megan van Dyck from Fotolia.com
  
  With the cost of energy increasing constantly and the threat of global warming looming ominously overhead, there is an increased interest in becoming more energy efficient. Cutting down on wasteful habits can be a little tricky, especially if you are unsure of what you are doing (or aren't doing) that's detrimental to the Earth's well being. Using a few simple tips can assist you toward living a more eco-friendly life.
  
  

Water

• One of the easiest ways to become more energy conscious is to observe and monitor the amount of water you use. According to the California Energy Commission, taking showers instead of baths helps save about half the amount of water you would normally use to bathe. And considering about five gallons of water is used a minute taking a shower, it's even more ideal to take the shortest, most efficient shower you can.
  
  When brushing your teeth, make sure you turn the water off during the brushing, and turn it on only during the rinsing. This saves about four gallons of water per brushing.
  
  

Around The House

• You can save energy around the house in other ways as well. Changing your light bulbs from normal incandescent bulbs to fluorescent ones, for example, will help you use 75% less energy. Also, make sure that lights are turned off in rooms that aren't being used.
  
  According the the U.S. Department of Energy, you should unplug, and disconnect power to appliances that you won't be using again for several hours. At least 75% of the electricity used to power appliances in the average home is consumed while the electronics are turned off.
  
  Also, turn down the thermometer a few degrees lower than usual during the winter, and a few degrees higher during the summer. You stand to make a 10% decrease on your energy bill during these seasons by doing so.
  
  

Traveling

• Becoming more efficient in using an automobile will also help to cut back on gas usage, and the overall well being of our ecosystem. Combine errands to handle miscellaneous business. Before you go out, prepare an agenda of tasks you need to complete, along with their locations, and see if you can do most of those things together in one ride.
  
  Optimize your vehicle's performance by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Doing so, according to U.S. Department of Energy, improves your gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent. To be even more efficient, walk or ride your bike to a nearby locations instead of driving.