Live a considered life. At home or at work, take control over how you use the Earth's resources to make these spaces comfortable and energy efficient.

At Home

Let there be light. Switch regular incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescent ones. Get the light, save 75 percent of the juice.

Down the drain. Turn off the tap when you brush your teeth or shave. Heck, turn it off when you scrub the dishes or lather up your car. Or go one better: Install low-flow or dual-flush toilets in your future home. Run the dishwasher only when it's full.

Let the sun shine. During the winter, set your furnace to 65 to 68 degrees; try 60 degrees at night. Open drapes during the day to let in heat from the sun. In the summer, set your air conditioner to 78 degrees and keep drapes closed.

Cookin' it cool. Use the toaster and microwave rather than the stove and oven. Set the refrigerator to about 40 degrees, the freezer to 0 to 5 degrees, and keep both full - with soda and cookie dough, if need be. We're saving the environment, people! Vacuum the refrigerator coils twice a year to increase efficiency. Unplug appliances and chargers when not in use.

Washed up. Dry clean as infrequently as possible. Save some quarters by washing one big load rather than multiple smaller loads. Wash in warm water instead of hot, and rinse in cold water. Dry items outside or on racks for energy savings and an unbeatable, sun-dried scent.

Maid to order. Use natural or Earth-friendly disinfectants and deodorizers, such as white vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. Turn worn-out T-shirts, socks, and towels into reusable cleaning rags.

Hey, Mr. Postman! Share a magazine subscription with a friend. Put junk mail and catalogs in recycling bins, or stop the flow altogether by calling (888) 5-OPTOUT.

At Work

Log on. On weekdays, enable the Sleep of Energy-Saver feature on your computer. Turn off both your computer and printer when you leave for the day and weekend. Ask your employer about a laptop, which uses 50% less energy than a desktop computer.

Bright lights, big savings. Use small task lamps with compact fluorescent bulbs instead of overhead fixtures. We can't say it enough: When you leave a room, turn off the lights!

Hoof it. Take the stairs whenever possible. Feel the burn!

Drink up. Shun disposable cups for coffee and water. Invest in a reusable mug, reducing landfill garbage and processing emissions from manufactured cups, and sleeves, and lids.