5/4/12

When defrosting food, avoid the common mistake of defrosting on the kitchen counter. Instead, do it in the refrigerator. Placing a frozen item -- a steak, bag of soup or chicken -- in the refrigerator at least 24 hours before you need it will ensure it defrosts properly without spoiling. Slowly defrosting in the fridge also releases cool air, keeping the overall temperature of the refrigerator down, allowing it to use less electricity to keep cool.  

5/3/12

While using an outdoor clothesline is the most energy efficient way to dry clothes, it isn't the most practical for most people. When you must use a dryer, try not to overdry clothes -- which is when they are scalding hot and bone dry. Drying clothes to the point where they are still slightly damp is enough to get the job done. You'll also prevent clothes from being scorched, shrunken and wrinkled. Shirts, pants and dresses can be hung on hangers to dry within minutes. You'll save your clothes and energy at the same time.

5/2/12

Here's the easiest Do Just One Thing that comes to mind: Use revolving doors when visiting stores and office buildings. Rotating doors stop heat and air conditioning from escaping from the building. Using a regular door can create a vacuum effect: The hot air of summer is forced into the store, causing the system to work harder to cool the place. Choosing a revolving door is an easy and green thing you can do every day.