It’s the start of a brand new year and the time for a fresh start. How about making a commitment to go green? Not only will you have a healthier home, you’ll save a little money in the process. Here are a few ideas so you can get started.

Replace those light bulbs.  Incandescent light bulbs emit heat. Compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL’s) convert most of their energy into light. And, they use less energy and last longer.

Start unplugging.  Guess what? When you leave a cell phone charger plugged in, it still uses energy. And, that costs you money. Be sure to unplug unused cords, you’ll save money in the long run.

Change the way you do laundry.  Half loads of laundry waste a lot of energy. Waiting until you have a full load and washing on cold can save gallons of water a year and scrape some money off your energy bill.

Shut down that computer.  Yes, it takes a little more time in the morning to re-boot, but your computer uses lots of energy at night while you sleep. So, does your printer. Shut them down at night. You wallet and the environment will thank you.

Fix anything that leaks.  The sound of your toilet running may just be a nuisance, but it causes you to use lots of water. And, a leaky faucet can waste gallons a day. Call a repairman.

Buy energy saving appliances.  If it’s time to replace an appliance, look for one with an Energy Star label (you can find them on everything from light bulbs to dryers). The Energy Star program is sponsored by the EPA and the products are guaranteed to be more efficient and use less energy.

Going green doesn’t need to be time-consuming or expensive. All it takes is a few small changes and a little re-training. Isn’t it time you commit to a healthier home and better environment?