If you're in the market for a new set of pots and pans, consider two things when shopping: Look for copper-bottomed pots and pans. Copper is the best conductor of heat and creates an even and more efficient cooking surface. Also, test the lids on your new pots to make sure they are tight fitting. Tight lids help shorten the overall cooking time and save you energy. And one more bonus tip to save energy at the stove: Be sure the reflector pans inside are spotless. Clean reflectors on electric stovetops help reflect heat upward when cooking, which improves efficiency.

Most of us know throwing away leftover paint, chemical cleaners and prescription medicines isn't just bad for the environment, but it's illegal, too. Those items are called "household hazardous waste," and they need to be properly disposed of. But did you know that common household items like hair dye, nail polish remover, nail polish and even batteries are also considered hazardous waste? If these items end up in the trash or down the drain, they can interact with other chemicals and create deadly gasses and explosions. Your community has designated hazardous waste collection days where you can drop off these items. They are properly contained and disposed of, so save your waste for those special collection days.

Did you know many exotic flowers sold at the supermarket or by florists come from far-away places like China and South America? Stems that come from far away are flown in on gas-guzzling planes. If you think flowers that have more frequent flier miles than you is crazy, think local instead. To find locally grown flowers -- which are also often less expensive -- use the website localharvest.org to find nearby growers. Just type in your zip code, and a list of local farmers, farms and retail stores will pop up.