EASY WAYS TO SAVE FOR THE NEW YEAR!!

Save money in the bathroom
Buy water-efficient showerheads. With low-flow models, a family of four can cut water usage by as much as 280 gallons a month — and yet not feel much difference in water pressure.

Bring home superhero plants
Certain greens can help remove indoor air pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene. Don't have the gardening gene? Golden pothos, English ivy, and peace lilies are all easy-to-grow toxin fighters.

Recycle rechargeables
Cell phones, digital cameras, and camcorders have made these batteries more popular than ever, but in certain states — Florida, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, and Vermont — it's illegal to throw them away.

Adjust fridge and freezer temps
Refrigerators eat up the most electricity in the household. Maximize efficiency by keeping the fridge at 37° F. and the freezer at 0° F.

Lighten up with energy savings
Consider using compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs). They cost a bit more than regular bulbs, but you'll lower your electric bill and pay less in the long run — CFLs last up to 10 times longer than traditional ones. (Worried that fluorescents will fill your house with a greenish glow? That's no longer a problem. When we compared a regular bulb with a GE Energy Star Qualified CFL, testers couldn't tell the difference.) You can buy CFLs at most hardware and home stores. To save more on lighting, install dimmer switches and use timers, indoors and out.

Recycle smart
From furniture to electronics, one person's trash is another's treasure — so when you want to dispose of an old item, don't make the dump your first stop. The Rockdale County Recycling Center accepts recyclables at no charge, as well as household garbage and certain non-allowed items for a nominal fee.   For more information,   visit the Rockdale County website at www.rockdalecounty.org or contact the Rockdale County Recycling Center at 770-785-6883.

Mow-ercise!
Today's non-gasoline-powered reel lawn mowers are easier to push than the old models. Their eco-benefit: zero emissions (plus, you're getting great exercise). If you prefer a power mower, consider a quiet, battery-operated model from Black & Decker.

Warm up to solar energy
You may not be ready for a totally sun-powered home, but you can get a taste of the technology by using solar-powered lighting in your yard or on your patio.

Go native
Plant flowers and shrubs that are well suited to your climate (the staff at your local nursery can help). The benefit: You'll use less fertilizer and pesticides.

Buy a laptop
It uses considerably less power than a desktop computer.

Get off junk mail lists
Register with the Direct Marketing Association's Mail Preference Service and you'll see a significant reduction in mail after three months.

Double up on printing
Configure your printer so that it prints on both sides of the page. You know those extra pages you get when printing out one simple email? Turn them over and put them back in the printer for reuse.

Protect the earth while you picnic
At your next outdoor party, ask people to write their names on disposable cups so they'll use only one (to make it easy, put out markers). If you use disposable dinnerware, buy the kind that won't clog landfills or kill trees.