Haverford Township, Pennsylvania

1.      Use power strips - plug multiple appliances or lights into a power strip that can be turned off when items are not in use. Even when appliances are not being used, they use energy if they are plugged in.

2.      Wash your clothes in warm or cold water -About 90% of the energy used for washing clothes in a conventional top-load washer is for heating the water; washing in warm or cold water will reduce energy.

3.      Switch to energy-saving light bulbs - An EnergyStar florescent light bulb uses 75% less energy and lasts about 10 times longer than an incandescent bulb.

4.      Recycle your old appliances - If you have an older refrigerator or freezer, it may be costing you more money than you think. Did you know that it could use three times more electricity than a newer model, consuming nearly $150 in energy each year? Check out PECO's Smart Appliance Recycling Program

5.      Use Natural, Sustainable products -Natural, sustainable, biodegradable household items such as cleaning products, laundry and body soaps, and office supplies can help you reduce, reuse, recycle. Check out some of these products at GreenWorksCleaners and Seventh Generation online.

1.      Recycle old computers  - Many computer companies, like Dell, have implemented "asset recycling" programs; they will recycle your old electronic equipment when you purchase a new item. Staples and other office suppliers are also offering e-waste recycling programs - sometimes, companies will even compensate you for recycling!

2.      E-mail, E-mail, E-mail - Communicate with employees through e-mail or telephone, send out electronic memos and add this statement to the bottom of all employee sign-offs "think before you print." Reducing the amount of paper usage will benefit the environment and your budget.

3.      Turn off the lights! - Encourage your employees to turn off lights (and any other non-essential appliances) when they leave the office for lunch, meetings or the end of the day.

4.      Turn down the thermostat - Each degree you turn down the heat saves 3 percent of heating costs, while each degree you raise the temperature of your air conditioner saves 3-4 percent of cooling costs. By changing the temperature by 2 degrees all year, you can save about 2,000 pounds of C02 a year. (From www.care2.com)

5.      Carpools and public transportation - Encourage employees to carpool or use public transportation to get to work by offering incentive parking spots, discounted train/bus tickets, or just flexibility if and when there is traffic or train/bus delays.