Go green on Earth Day

Today is Earth Day, a time we remind ourselves just how fragile and precious our planet is and pledge to promote and improve environmental sustainability. Not everyone can afford a solar home, but you can still be good to the earth with these easy suggestions.

Switch to Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFLs) - CLFs use much less power and last up to ten times longer than regular bulbs. That means an average CFL bulb saves $30 in energy costs over the course of its life. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, if every American household were to swap just one bulb to CFL, we would save enough energy to light more than 2.5 million homes for a year and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of nearly 800,000 cars.

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.

Unplug idle appliances and electronic devices - Just because that camera charger isn't charging doesn't mean it isn't sucking up energy. Don't just turn something off: unplug it. The average household can save up to several hundred dollars a year just by pulling the plug.

Drive smarter - Keep tires properly inflated and aligned, and maintain tune-ups to save on gasoline consumption. Combine trips and consider carpooling for work or school. Drive less aggressively and slow down to make your tank go the distance.

Eat locally - Besides supporting farmers in your own communities, eating locally-grown foods reduces dependence on farms that ship food nationwide, which helps to cut back on oil and gas emissions. And don't forget to reuse bags or bring your own cloth sacks. It takes up to 1,000 for one plastic grocery bag to break down.

Got other suggestions on how to go green? Post 'em below.