Did you know that the low-flow showerheads hitting the market today have technological advances like integrated speakers with Bluetooth technology? Why is this important? Because to save water at home, you should use a low-flow showerhead and only shower for about 3 1/2 minutes. But since it's hard to tell time in the shower, try listening to one song, which is just about the perfect amount of time. It's fun, it's eco-friendly and it's a surefire way to get your family to shut off the water.

Want to save time and energy, and still get a home-cooked meal in minutes at home? Try using a pressure cooker. This airtight cooking pot uses steam pressure to cook food very quickly. Unlike a microwave, which can give varied results, a pressure cooker uses about 70 percent less time and energy than conventional cooking but still delivers delicious results. It's also foolproof: Just dump ingredients inside to make stews, chili, breads, desserts and even roast a whole organic chicken.

Are you working on a kitchen renovation right now? When choosing countertops, many homeowners prefer a solid surface, like marble or granite. But the reality is that these surfaces are mined from deep in the Earth, are very heavy and can come from faraway places, which means large amounts of fuel are used to transport them across the world. If you want a solid surface, consider quartz countertops instead. They are made using one of the most abundant minerals on Earth, have the look and feel of marble or granite and are more durable over time. Quartz countertops are nonporous, never stain and can be cleaned with just soap and water. There is no resealing that has to be done, and dollar-for-dollar, they are usually less expensive than marble and granite.