Have you thought about investing in an "energy monitor" for your home? Think of it like the fitness tracker you wear on your wrist, but it's a device that tells you how much energy is being used in your whole home, as well as where it's being used. The monitor syncs with your phone and can pinpoint energy usage all the way down to the exact spot in your home. It'll help you see where energy is being wasted so you can remedy it and reduce consumption.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

We may have been taught it's rude to refuse a gift, but in an effort to be more environmentally conscious, there are circumstances where it's OK. Is a store offering a free gift with purchase? If you really don't want it, politely decline. Is an online order offering to upgrade your shipment to overnight delivery for free? Opt out if you don't need it right away and stick with the more fuel-efficient ground shipping option instead. And when you have a special occasion like a birthday, ask for waste-free things like plants for a garden or edible things you can all share.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

We all know that LED lightbulbs are the smartest and most energy-efficient choice when it comes to lighting in the home. They use a fraction of the energy of traditional bulbs and last a very long time. But did you know you can up your green game by choosing LED bulbs that are also dimmable? By dimming LED bulbs, you not only can create mood in your home, but you can reduce energy use even more and extend the life of the LED bulb, too.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION