Modern-day game consoles like the Xbox and PlayStation 4 can do more than just play games. In fact, many of them can stream movies, TV shows and internet video through the console to your TV. While convenient, it is also a disaster when it comes to energy efficiency. Streaming this way makes the console eat up 30 times more energy in comparison to watching programming on your TV. Instead, opt for on demand shows and internet-ready devices for the convenience without the waste of electricity.

As technology allows us to work on the go, the idea of sitting at a desk with a desktop computer to work is slowly becoming obsolete. If you’re in the market for new technology, you might want to consider downsizing to smaller electronics. When you replace an energy-hogging desktop computer with a tablet, you reduce the energy usage by as much as 35 percent. And if you need a bit more computer speed and drive, even choosing a laptop over a desktop can be much more energy-efficient -- not to mention more portable!

Using wood chips as mulch around the house is an eco-friendly and natural way to control weeds and lock in moisture for your landscaping and gardens. But not all mulch is the same. When choosing wood mulch, consider cedar as an option for your home. In addition to looking beautiful and being long-lasting, it also emits a natural repellant called “thujone,” which can help prevent invasive insects like termites, carpenter ants and even cockroaches from entering your home.