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Guide to being green

Going green doesn't mean completely uprooting your life. You don't have to live in a house made from tires or give up showers, or blow your savings account on every product with spectacular claims of environmental friendliness.

What going green does mean is making changes - even small changes - in your daily habits.

We've compiled simple, inexpensive and even free changes you can make in your daily life that will have a positive impact on the planet.

Many of these tips ultimately will save you money over time. Others just ask you to take a closer look at certain things, such as consumption habits or energy use, in your daily life and be mindful of the impact you have. Even if you adopt just a few things into your life right now, you're working to make a difference.

Have at it. Go green.

Green up your house/shopping cart, save green in your wallet

1. Rather than purchase items in single-serve containers, buy larger sizes. Not only will you save money in the long run because you're paying less per ounce, you'll reduce the amount of plastic and paper garbage heading to the landfill. Prepare single-servings at home in reusable containers.

2. Invest a few dollars in reusable shopping bags. While you may fear not having bags when you make an impromptu visit to the store, it's easy to make a habit of taking empty bags to the car and leaving them in the backseat or trunk.

3. Break the bottled-water habit. Water flowing from the tap is essentially free, whereas bottled water is on the store shelves at significant cost. Invest in a reusable water container and, if you don't like the taste of tap water, purchase a water filter.

4. Purchase whole ingredients and learn to cook rather than purchasing processed food. In addition to being healthier and cheaper, it ultimately saves a lot of energy because the product doesn't have to be processed and then stored in freezers. It also saves landfill space and reduces plastic trash.

5. When buying just one or two things, pass on the bag. Think about how many bags you can save each week.

6. When buying new appliances, keep energy efficiency in mind as one of the selection criteria. You'll pay more for that efficiency up front, but the savings on your power bill will quickly add up.

7. Purchase no-spray local produce when it's in season. It's better for you, tastes better, helps your local economy, doesn't impact the environment from pesticides and doesn't spend days traveling to your grocery store.

8. Buy recycled products or products made from sustainable materials. Buy items that come with as little packaging as possible. All of that packaging just ends up in the landfill and was only put there in the first place to make the item look attractive on the store shelves.

9. Forego disposable products. You will save money over the long run because you aren't buying new every few weeks. Some examples are paper towels (use old rags that can be washed,) disposable floor mops and container liners meant for a single use.

10. Rather than driving everywhere, walk or ride your bike for short errands or visits. That gives you exercise, and it saves gas - ultimately saving you money and improving your health.

Ten ways to make your house or apartment more energy-efficient

1. Turn the thermostat down a few degrees; While sleeping or away from home, turn it down even more. True, it will take a little bit of energy to heat or cool your house back to what's comfortable, but it's not nearly enough to match how much energy will be saved if you don't keep the temperature high or low (depending on season) at all times. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates each degree you turn up or down has a 3 percent impact on your power bill. Whenever possible, open your windows and turn the thermostat off.

2. Seal windows and doors with strip caulking or door snakes. You can even insulate windows and doors with blankets and towels when it's very hot or cold. You can use plastic to seal windows during the winter, however if using disposable plastic doesn't sit well with you, invest in storm windows. Also, clean or change filters for air conditioning and heating - that simple step will make your system work much better while using less energy. Another tip is to make sure your attic is properly insulated. Insulation is cheap and the investment will pay off quickly. You can even do the work yourself.

3. Keep shades drawn during the day during the summer and keep shades open during the day in the winter. Let the sun help you warm your house when it's cold and tell the sun to take a hike when it's hot. When it's a relatively comfortable temperature outside, open the windows. Make sure you turn your thermostat off when doing this. Also, turn your hot water heater down to 120 degrees at all times.

4. Unplug your appliances and appliance chargers when not using them. Even though they may not be turned on, when plugged in they still are draining a small amount of energy. Over time, that adds up. Certain appliances, such as TVs and computers, use even more energy when turned off than others. It's easier to do this by plugging groups of like appliances and electronics into power strips that can be switched off.

5. Replace burnt-out light bulbs with compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. These light bulbs use a fraction of the energy that incandescent bulbs do, and they last for years. Newer models contain less mercury than older, but do take care if you break them or when they burn out. While the bulbs are more expensive, the energy savings gradually will add up on your power bill over time.

6. Invest in solar panels or alternative energy solutions around the house. It may be a big investment up front, but there are significant tax credits to help with the cost, while the ultimate savings on your power bill will make the work pay off sooner rather than later.

7. Use cold water to wash clothes. Only run with full loads. Same with dishwashers. Air-dry dishes rather than using the heat-dry option on dishwashers. Air-dry clothes as often as possible. Make sure you clean your dryer's lint trap after every load - that makes your dryer work better, plus it's safer.

8. Use high-energy drain appliances, such as washing machines, dishwashers, etc., at night, a typically lower energy demand time. It will have a bigger impact for the power company that doesn't have to supply more energy during a high-use period.

9. When cooking, select a burner that's appropriate for your pot. Also, use microwaves or slow-cookers instead of stovetop burners and your oven.

10. Plant native deciduous trees (trees that lose their leaves in the fall) on the south and west sides of your home. In the summer, the leaves will shade your house and in the winter, when the leaves are gone, the sun will help heat your home.

Nine ways to green up your yard

1. Cut your grass high and often. By keeping your grass tall, it helps establish a stronger root system, which makes grass healthier and less thirsty. When you do cut the grass, use a mulching mower and leave the trimmings right where they are so they can naturally help fertilize your lawn. Also, rethink the gas mower and switch to a push mower. It's cheaper and doesn't pollute the air. If you must have a motorized mower and are in the market for a replacement, consider switching to an electric model.

2. Go native. Plant native species in your yard. They will need little to no fertilizer and will be more suited to handling Virginia climate extremes. An added benefit is that you will draw more wildlife to your yard. If you must fertilize, test your soil and contact your extension agent for guidance so you don't over-fertilize.

3. Use landscaping fabric to protect your garden. The fabric keeps weeds from taking root, which makes it easier to maintain your garden. The fabric also helps the soil retain moisture, thus lowering the need to water in the heat of the summer.

4. Sweep your sidewalks, driveways and decks with a broom rather than using the hose. That helps save water and reduces polluted runoff heading into the storm drain and nearby waterways.

5. Compost your yard waste rather than disposing of it at the landfill. It's easy to do and if you plant a small garden, using compost will save you money and make your plants healthier. If you don't garden, let a friend or neighbor know you have compost that you want to give away.

6. Mind your water use. If you must water your lawn, do it in the early morning so plants can absorb water before it evaporates. Aerate your lawn so water can soak in, and only water your lawn when it needs it. You can tell by walking across the grass. If you leave footprints, it's time to water. Set sprinklers so they don't water the sidewalk or driveway. Divide the watering cycle into shorter increments to reduce runoff.

Ten ways to protect waterways from your home

1. Pick up pet waste. When rain hits the material, it washes it into area waterways, along with pathogens such as E. coli and excess nutrients that contribute to poor water quality. If you don't want to toss the waste into the garbage or even compost it (do that properly - don't put it in your regular pile if you use it on vegetable gardens) find a way to bury it beneath your lawn. Check with the local health department for more information on how to do it safely.

2. If you live along a stream or lake, maintain a forested buffer between your lawn and the water. In addition to adding wildlife habitat to your yard, the trees will significantly reduce nutrients and other pollutants running off into waterways.

3. Make sure your septic system works properly. Pump it out every few years and do scheduled maintenance.

4. Don't dump chemicals into storm drains or flush them down the toilet. If you change you car's oil at home, make sure you dispose of leftovers properly. Don't flush old prescription medications down the toilet. Call the landfill for guidance on hazardous waste disposal, including old paint and chemicals.

5. Salt and de-icing chemicals used on roads and sidewalks in the winter wash off into waterways with the next rain. That can cause significant water quality problems. You can help by finding ways to reduce your own salt and chemical use. Use a metal shovel to chip away at ice rather than using salt. If you must use salt and chemicals, sweep up leftovers after the sidewalk has dried. Also, use small amounts of non-clumping, clay-based cat litter or small amounts of sand for traction. Never use pellet fertilizer.

6. Use biodegradable soaps and cleaners when washing your car. It's best to use a commercial car wash where runoff is filtered or even recycled, but if you must wash your car at home, use small amounts of soap in a bucket with a sponge, saving the hose for a final rinse. Park your car over your lawn so the water can soak into the ground rather than rushing off into the storm drain. You get the added benefit of watering your lawn at the same time. Also, keep your car properly maintained to ensure there are no oil or gas leaks.

7. Direct downspouts from your roof away from driveways and roads and into vegetated areas. You can even build a rain barrel to store runoff for future garden use. Observe runoff during rainstorms to find erosion spots. If you see erosion or soil washing away, find ways to stabilize it with grass or plants.

8. Learn how to apply fertilizer properly. Test your soil to find out exactly what you need and only use what is needed. Contact your local extension office for more detailed information. Visit www.ext.vt.edu/ for important numbers and tips.

9. When building or renovating, limit impervious surfaces on your property. Impervious surfaces, such as concrete, asphalt or roofs, don't allow water to soak into the ground and instead rush off as fast-moving stormwater that collects pollutants. Technology has created new materials that work like concrete, but allow water to soak in. Other alternatives include using crushed stone rather than concrete.

10. Reduce erosion by covering exposed soil. For garden beds, use mulch. For exposed patches of soil in your lawn, plant grass or other ground-covering plants. If landscaping your house, create terraces on steep slopes to let runoff soak into the soil and reduces eroding stormwater rushing down hillsides.

Five ways to take advantage of environmental tax credits

You may not realize that the stimulus bill signed into law last month has a host of tax credits homeowners can take advantage of if they do work on their buildings that improves energy efficiency.

Similar credits had been in place, but the bill expands those programs. A tax credit means you won't get an instant rebate, but the credit money will increase your refund or lower the amount of money you owe to the IRS. Here are five ways to take advantage of them for the house that is your primary residence.

You can deduct 30 percent of the cost up to a total deduction of $1,500 for the following items which means it goes toward $5,000 of work. These credits are only available in 2009 and 2010, and if you reach the cap this year, you can't claim it next year.

Additionally, these categories are combined, so the total for each project will contribute to the cap. You can deduct installation costs for some items, such as heating and air conditioning systems, but not for items that help insulate your house's "shell," such as windows or the roof.

1. Storm windows and storm doors that meet specific criteria (the manufacturer's signed statement will tell you whether it applies.) Make sure you keep the manufacturer's signed statement to include with your tax forms. Labor and installation costs cannot be deducted.

2. The cost of new

roofing or insulation that meets specific criteria and has at least a two-year warranty or is expected to last at least five years. You can read about the criteria on www.energystar.gov or ask your contractor at the time of purchase. Labor and installation costs cannot be deducted.

3. New heating and air-conditioning systems that meet strict energy efficiency and emissions criteria, including central AC, heat pumps, gas furnaces and biomass stoves (stoves that burn wood, wood pellets, grass or other renewable plant-derived fuel.) Check www.energystar.gov for specific criteria.

You can deduct 30 percent of the total cost of the items below, including labor and installation costs. There is no cap on how much you can apply for, but the work must be placed into service by Dec. 31, 2016.

4. Geothermal heating and cooling systems that meet specific energy efficiency standards. These systems work by using wells that transfer heat with groundwater, which remains a constant temperature throughout the year. The credit applies to existing homes as well as to new construction.

5. Solar energy and water-heating systems. In addition to other criteria, credits to apply for solar water heaters, the water must be used at the property and not used in swimming pools or hot tubs. For solar electricity panels - also called photovoltaic panels - the energy provided must be used at the residence and meet local regulations.

For more information on all the items that have tax credits, go to www.energystar.gov and click on a link to the tax credit page.

Reduce your footprints

Chemical footprint: the direct and indirect impacts of toxic or excess chemicals used in processes such as manufacturing, cleaning and health care. Many of these chemicals are not fully studied or even regulated by the government because the effects still aren't known. You can help reduce that impact with just a few easy steps.

1. Don't flush medication, pharmaceuticals or other household or health-related chemicals down the toilet. Dispose of them properly.

2. Buy products that use as few extra chemicals as possible, such as fragrance-free or dye-free. Use biodegradable or homemade cleaning products that have simple ingredients (you can find recipes online.) Look for items that have very short ingredient lists - the longer the list, the more chemicals in them.

3. Examine products you use every day that were made with toxic processes in manufacturing or even give off miniscule amounts of toxic chemicals as they are used or degrade. Some of those include non-stick cookware and clothing made from synthetic fabrics.

Water footprint: the indirect and direct amount of water used by each person. It's also called Virtual Water, and agencies have calculated how many gallons are used to produce various products and how much water is used in manufacturing or growing. We live in a wet climate, but many areas of the world are seeing more and more crises associated with a lack of clean water.

1. Look at products you buy to see which require the most water to grow or manufacture. If possible, find a new product that uses a lesser amount of water. For example, it's been calculated that a pound of beef takes more than 1,500 gallons of water to produce, whereas a pound of wheat takes 156 gallons.

2. Find ways to save water around the house. Fix leaky toilets and leaky pipes - the investment can be minimal compared with savings. Add an aerator to your kitchen faucet. The tiny and very inexpensive addition will make you use less water without realizing it.

3. Be mindful of the chemicals you send down the drain. Use less detergent in laundry or dishwashing - clothes don't need much soap to get clean and a teaspoon of dish soap can wash an entire counter's worth.

Carbon footprint: the direct and indirect impacts and effects of production and releases of carbon dioxide from energy. This concept is usually discussed in conjunction with climate change, with the idea that the more people lower their carbon footprints, the more it helps lower the amounts of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere. Here are some easy ways to do that.

1. Look at your energy usage around your house and find ways to save electricity and carbon-releasing fuel. See Energy Saving Tips on

2. Buy locally grown produce or products that are made closer to where you live. Buy food that's in season where you live and don't buy imported products when you can buy the same thing made nearby.

3. Plant a few new trees. As those trees grow, they will absorb carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere as part of the growing process. That carbon will be converted to wood or other organic matter. A mature tree pulls 48 pounds of carbon dioxide out of the air and produces enough oxygen to support two people.