If you run small loads of laundry throughout the week instead of running full loads, you are wasting a ton of water. Even brand-new, energy- and water-efficient models still use a lot of water, around 27 gallons per load (vs. 54 gallons in older models). While that's a significant savings, it's still a lot of water. Waiting for a full load can save you water, energy and money in the long run.

Using an automatic dishwasher is more energy- and water-efficient than washing by hand. And it's even more efficient if you run the dishwasher during non-peak hours, which are usually during late-night hours. But instead of waking up in the middle of the night to turn on the dishwasher, check to see if yours has a "delay" feature. This allows you to fill the dishwasher during the day and automatically start whenever you want, preferably during non-peak hours.

Around 40 percent of the food we have in the United States ends up in the trash -- primarily food that's gone bad at home. One way to cut back on waste is to buy exactly what you need from the grocery store when you're trying a recipe at home. If a recipe calls for two potatoes, don't buy a whole bag. Instead, look at loose produce and get what you need. Use the bulk bins for spices, grains, nuts, seeds and flour. Approximate what you need and avoid pre-packaged bags and boxes, especially if they aren't commonly used ingredients. You'll cut back on waste and save a significant amount of money, too.