Using rechargeable batteries is the greenest choice, since they can be recharged up to 1,000 times before they lose their ability to recharge. Plus, rechargeable batteries are easily recyclable -- check out the nonprofit Call2Recycle.org for recycling sites. But when shopping for rechargeable batteries, there is a difference. Cheaper nickel-cadmium batteries tend to drain quickly and need to be charged more often. Plus, cadmium is highly toxic. Instead, buy batteries called "NiMH" (nickel-metal hydride). They are rechargeable and do not use cadmium. Plus, NiMH batteries keep their charge longer and have a longer shelf life.

Here's an old but good tip about what to do with burned-out compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL): recycle them. While CFLs do last a lot longer than incandescent bulbs, they eventually die, and they contain a toxic material -- mercury -- that shouldn't be thrown in the trash. Fortunately, Lowe's, the Home Depot and TrueValue hardware stores all accept unbroken CFL bulbs in-store for recycling in drop-off recycling bins. It's important to put the bulbs in the recycling bin plastic bags that are provided individually, seal them up and carefully deposit them into the bin.

If you feel like lingering in a hot shower to luxuriate and relax a little, why not take a bath instead? A typical shower uses about 5 gallons of water per minute, while a hot bath uses around 30 gallons total. If you shower longer than 6 minutes, a nice hot bubble bath will actually be much more water-efficient. And with a bath, you can linger and soak for as long as you want, all without the guilt of wasting water.