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Much of the greenhouse gases emitted into the environment come from cars and energy usage. You can get an idea of your carbon footprint by using the EPA’s online calculator (www3.epa.gov/carbon-footprint-calculator) to assess your home energy, waste, and transportation. Your local extension offices or utility provider may have programs and incentives for conducting an energy audit to find out where improvements can be made in the home. You can download a free energy guide as well (www.energy.gov). Simple fixes include teaching children not to leave a trail of lights on behind them, using dimmers and timers on lights, sealing cracks around electrical outlets and plumbing fixtures, and using power strips to turn off electronics at night. In 2012, new lighting standards went into effect so that more energy efficient light bulbs are commonly available for household use. Other proactive strategies include placing windows or skylights to maximize natural light and heat from the sun; properly insulating the attic, crawl spaces, water heater, and pipes; and seeking help from a professional certified by the Building Performance Institute (BPI, www.bpihomeowner.org).

A candlelit chandelier conserves electricity and provides a cozy and romantic touch to meals.

When purchasing new or used appliances, look for the Energy Star label. This designation means that they use less energy, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Keep your heating and cooling systems in tip-top condition by servicing them regularly. Install a whole-house fan to cool your house overnight in lieu of the air conditioner. If you are not using the television, radio, or another appliance, turn it off. A microwave oven uses less energy than the stove to heat small meals. Consider an on-demand water heater instead of the standard tank model, which wastes energy heating water when it’s not being used. Dry your laundry outdoors instead of using a clothes dryer.

There may also be some passive energy-saving techniques you can use in your home design and landscape. For example, awnings and deciduous trees on the southern exposure provide shade in the summer; when leaves fall and awnings are rolled back, they welcome the sun’s heat into your home in the winter. Tile flooring absorbs warmth when exposed to the sun through energy-efficient skylights or south-facing windows. Use cross ventilation, screen doors, and ceiling fans to increase airflow and help keep your home cool in warmer months.

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