Some of us might avoid light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs when lighting our homes because we're afraid that the light will feel cold and clinical. But LED bulbs are highly energy-efficient, and finding the right bulbs can make all the difference in keeping your home warm and inviting. When shopping for LED bulbs, key words to search for are "warm white" or "soft white" on the packaging. But more important, look for the Kelvin rating -- a metric to measure color temperature -- on the packaging. LED bulbs that are 3,000 Kelvins or less cast a yellow light; any higher, and it'll likely be a cooler, bright white light.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

It's no surprise that the least eco-friendly fabrics are the ones that are human-made. These include polyester, acrylic and rayon, because they are made from synthetic materials and can take hundreds of years to break down in landfill conditions. But the list of least-sustainable fabrics also includes a natural fiber: conventional cotton. The reason? The tremendous amount of insecticide and water involved in manufacturing cotton. And the amount of chemicals used to make cotton T-shirts and jeans is worse. If you love cotton, go with organic.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When it comes to saving electricity at home, appliances that involve water or keeping things cold account for nearly 25% of the average household's energy use. Choosing energy-efficient dishwashers and refrigerators is a good way to start, and opting for cold water whenever possible when washing clothes really adds up. If you're buying a refrigerator/freezer, select the smallest one possible that will meet your household's needs.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION