Washers

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a washing machine with an Energy Star rating uses roughly 30% less energy and 50% less water than a traditional washer. Green washers have larger tubs, making it possible to wash more clothing in fewer loads. Top-load models don't have an agitator; instead of spinning clothing to clean it, the machine flips the clothes, allowing them to turn repeatedly while in the water. This 'flip' process eliminates the need to fill the entire washer tub, saving on the amount of water that is emptied from the world's waterways. Less water and electricity usage make for an appliance that has less of an impact on the planet. Consumers will also benefit from savings on their utility bills.

Dryers

Having a clothes dryer is a wonderful convenience but the appliance also drains energy. Luckily, green dryers often feature sensors that let the machine know when clothes have dried, preventing them from being all but cooked before the machine shuts off or a homeowner stops the cycle. Most users will still want to have a dryer on hand for large and/or bulky items like duvets and towels, but many smaller items from jeans to button-down shirts for the office can be air-dried. Doing so simply takes a little extra time… and an abundance of hangers.

Refrigerators

Today's refrigerators are designed more energy efficient than their older counterparts. Green refrigerators often feature better insulation in the walls and doors, preventing cold air from escaping or room temperature air from getting inside. Refrigerators with an automatic defrost function will use more energy than green models, which can use up to 50% less energy during the manual defrost process. Although side-by-side refrigerators seem to be all the rage, models with freezers above or below the fridge are more energy-efficient and still get the job done.

Water heaters

Responsible for an average of 20% of total home energy use, water heaters use nearly as much power as heating and cooling systems. Switching to a green water heater (also known as a tankless or on-demand water heater) will heat water only when necessary, instead of keeping the water hot throughout the day. Green water heaters also emit less carbon monoxide, reducing greenhouse gasses and lessening the effects of global warming.

In addition to helping the planet, consumers who switch to green appliances may benefit from tax credits. Although not all Energy Star-rated appliances are eligible for this deduction, appliance seekers who go green will still benefit from lower utility bills and the knowledge that they're making a responsible and effortless contribution to the planet.

Holly is an avid energy saver. When she isn’t blogging on behalf of Sears and her other favorites brands, she’s making her own cleaning products and reusable products.

Energy-efficient appliances come in many forms, including water heaters, washers, dryers, and refrigerators. Water heaters in particular use about 20% of the total energy in the home, making them second only to the energy used by heating and cooling systems. Using cold water for housework provides a nice boost in the budget while still allowing for effectual cleaning.

Nowadays, washers use less water, including that which is heated. Washing clothes in cold water rather than warm or hot is an additional bonus to make life a little greener. Front-loading machines are better than their top-loading counterparts as the latter requires more time to spin water from clothes. Adopting green appliances can see homeowners benefitting from tax credits and rebates on qualifying models.

Dryers are well known for draining energy. Newer models feature sensors that turn off the machine when clothes are dry, which prevents clothes from being proverbially baked and their life shortened. The best option when it comes to drying clothes, however, is to hang clothes on a clothesline or drying rack. Doing so eliminates the energy a dryer would use, especially with an older model sans timer or sensor to turn off the machine when it's done. Keep in mind that a laundry explosion can be quite the conversation starter while also providing the gentle aroma of fabric-softener-scented air.

New federal standards have made appliances like refrigerators more energy-friendly. Models manufactured in the past 10 years beat out their predecessors given updated designs that include better insulation in fridge walls and doors. The best choices are those featuring freezers above or below the fridge, rather than side-by-side models. Similarly, refrigerators with a manual defrost component can use up to 50% less energy than those with an automatic defrost function.

While a homeowner's initial investment may be more than a standard appliance, long-term savings can be realized while remembering that a green machine eases environmental impact. Homeowners should keep an eye out for appliances that feature an Energy Star rating, which will allow consumers to be environmentally-conscious without sacrifice.

Holly Lee is an avid yogi, animal lover, and vegan. She enjoys blogging on behalf of Sears and other brands she loves. Holly hates winter but enjoys wool socks, warm mugs and other comforts of home the season affords her.

Warm food really hits the spot in the winter but a stove is the biggest energy user in the kitchen. Employ a microwave for anything that doesn't need to be done stovetop. Microwaves use 1/5 to 1/2 the energy that stoves require for the same job. Many people worry about microwave cooking giving their food rubbery textures or heating unevenly. Texture and even cooking are issues for stove cooking too. The solution is the same with a microwave—experiment and you'll get better at it. There are also lots of great resources for tips on microwave cooking online and with a little adaptation you'll be surprised how quickly a variety of foods can be prepared.

I spent many years of my life without a dishwasher. Now that I have one, I love it but many people do all the work even if they own a washer. The point of a dishwasher is to wash your dishes. You should not wash them beforehand. Scrap? Yes. Rinse? Maybe. But washing your dishes before you run them through the dishwasher is a waste of water, time and energy. Yes, this may mean that your dishes end-up a little cloudier and there can be food particles left after a wash. But it is much more efficient to run a wash and then spot clean a few offending items than to wash the whole load twice. Additionally, you should only run your dishwasher when it is completely full. The same amount of energy and water is used either way—don't waste it!

One-pot meals are not just for college students. Cooking with unnecessary dishes and steps requires multiple burners to be on and produces more dirty dishes. This is a huge energy waster. Delicious meals can be cooked in just one pan. Your options for one-pot cooking are diverse, as most balanced dinners can be adapted. Select a carb or starch--pasta, potatoes and rice are all great options. Then you add a protein. Seasoning and vegetables go in last. One-pot cooking is all about layers and putting items that take longer to cook on the bottom. Keep plenty of water, oil or sauce in the pan and you won't have to worry about burning. Follow this guide to think up your own one-pot creations.

Holly Lee is an avid yogi, animal lover, and vegan. She enjoys blogging on behalf of Sears and other brands she loves. Holly hates winter but enjoys wool socks, warm mugs and other comforts of home the seasons forces on her.

Green the wash

In the past 20 years, washers have become much more energy efficient than older models. To live greener at home, invest in a more efficient model and consider saving the washer for bulky and/or large items like denim, towels and comforters, all of which take considerable effort to wash and rinse by hand, negating the Earth-saving measures you were undertaking in the first place. Hand-wash smaller items with a washing board and homemade detergent and let air dry on drying racks or clothesline.

Power down

Appliances use a lot of power, even when they're shut off. Energy-sucking culprits include computers, printers, televisions, DVD players and TiVo. Plugging items into one power strip will make it easier to shut them on and off when you're leaving for the workday or going to sleep at night. Though it might initially take a little practice, it will become second nature to unplug rather than switch off, perhaps more so when you notice a difference with your utility bill.

Also make sure you unplug phone chargers when you're done charging your phone, as they too will draw power that you need not pay for. What starts as small increments can really add up and unnecessarily inflate your utility bills.

Around the house

Installing a low-flow showerhead can reduce your average water use by up to 50%. On average, a regular showerhead uses four gallons of water per minute. If installing a new showerhead is not an option, get wet in the shower and then shut off the water off while you soap up. You'll accomplish the same result without wasting needless gallons of water. As good as it feels to linger, keep in mind that an average 10-minute shower can use more than 40 gallons of water.

Use natural ingredients to clean up around your house. A plethora of cleansers can be made using non-toxic materials like baking soda, lemon juice, and vinegar. These handy household items will efficiently clean your house without exposing you or the environment to toxins.

You can make a number of green health and beauty aids, including alcohol-free mouthwash. Mix together 1 ¼ cups of mineral water (such as Evian or Perrier) with six drops each of peppermint oil and tea-tree oil. Pour into a sterilized bottle, shake well before each use and gargle as you would with a store-bought mouthwash.

Thankfully, this list of 'go green' suggestions isn't exhaustive. If you're new to greening your lifestyle, be sure to start small. Giving yourself time to adjust to your new habits will help you succeed down the line. Before long, you'll probably be advising friends about steps they can take to green their lives.

Holly Lee is an avid yogi, animal lover, and vegan. She enjoys blogging on behalf of Sears and other brands she loves.

Here are 7 ways of going green and saving money while you're at it:

1. Scale Back Your Energy Usage

Cutting back your energy use is one of the easiest ways to go green and save boatloads of money. If you set your thermostat just a few degrees higher during the summer and just a few degrees lower in the winter, you can save on heating and air conditioning without sacrificing too much comfort.

Instead of round incandescent bulbs, use compact fluorescent light bulbs which last for years longer than incandescent bulbs and use less energy. Your energy bill will thank you.

Be vigilant about turning off lights and appliances when you aren't using them. Buy an eco-friendly power strip that eliminates "vampire" electricity use.

Instead of warm or hot water, cold water will suffice most of the time when washing clothes. This can cut the energy costs of your washing machine by up to 85 percent. Consider using a clothesline or drying rack instead of a dryer.

2. Cut Back Your Water Use

The less water you use, the less your water and heating bills will be and the less you will impact the environment and water supplies.

Instead of baths, take showers, and be quick. If you do like longer showers, try a low-flow showerhead which limits the water flow. They are cheap and you'll barely notice the difference.

On your home's many faucets, install a faucet aerator. They change the stream of water coming out of the faucet by dividing the stream, which helps to conserve water. They can also reduce the amount of heat needed to make hot water and can help keep water pressure high.

3. Change the Way You Commute

If you drive to work but could walk or bike, give it a try. You will save on gas, parking, and car payments. It's also healthier as it can improve your cardiovascular health and diminish your chances of becoming obese, which can lead to a wide range of diseases that are expensive to treat.

Ask your boss if you can telecommute to work if you live too far away to bike or walk. If you do live very far away from work, consider moving closer. The savings in the long run could outweigh the costs of moving and of extra rent.

If you must drive, consider trading in your car for a more fuel-efficient car, a hybrid car, or an electric car. These will save you money on gas and will be cleaner for the environment.

4. Changing the Way You Eat

If you are a meat eater, consider cutting some amount of meat from your diet. Pound for pound, meat is more expensive than most other types of food including fruits and vegetables. The environmental impact of meat production is significant and contributes to water, air, and land pollution. Eating excessive meat also increases your risk of cardiovascular disease in the future.

Buy sustainable produce, meat, and eggs that are locally grown or raised. Not only is this cheaper because it eliminates the middleman, local food does not have the same environmental impact as food that has been shipped or trucked into town.

5. Saying No to Bottled Water

Bottled water is more expensive than tap water and most of the time isn't as pure. Instead of buying bottled water, filter your tap water and use reusable aluminum bottles. Water bottles become container waste and contribute to landfills and pollution.

6. Seeking Alternatives to Buying

For some purchases, buying shouldn't be the first thing that comes to your mind.

Instead of buying books and movies, borrow them from a library instead. Books and movies can get expensive, and you get a chance to try before you buy. Also, the plastic used in DVDs and the ink and paper used in new books all have a negative environmental impact.

When in the market for furniture or appliances, consider secondhand or used products for the cheap. Barter on Craigslist or use eBay to bid for a great deal.

When shopping for clothing, try out thrift or consignment stores. They often have better deals on brand-name clothing that could have been worn just a few times. These clothes usually would have ended up in a landfill somewhere.

7. Making Smart Purchases

What products you buy and how you buy them both have an impact on the environment. Going green when making purchases is relatively easy.

Evaluate what kind of goods you buy a lot of and buy them in bulk. When buying food in bulk you'll often save money and cut down on packaging you take home with you. Don't buy anything that is packaged in Styrofoam, which doesn't biodegrade and ends up stuck in landfills.

Since dry cleaning chemicals are toxic, buy clothes that don't need to be dry-cleaned.

Do your research and target products that are long-lasting, durable, and high-quality.

Andy is the co-founder of CreditCardCompare.com.au, one of Australia's top credit card comparison services. He also edits their blog, The Credit Letter.

Maintenance, performed routinely and responsibly, are not just important factors in increasing the life span of your motor. It is also an important factor of protecting our surrounding and the world we live in. "Fuel efficiency" is a buzz word that is making its rounds among the auto industry in recent years but many forget about the emissions from other common motorized items we own. Boats, lawn mowers, snow blowers and even planes can make a large impact on our world if we don't also regulate their exhaust.

Keeping your outboard motor in optimal running shape will keep it running at optimal proficiency. This will keep harmful emissions to a minimum.

The first good way of doing this is to ensure that you are using the right size and type of equipment for your boat. The right size propeller will do large parts in lowering the amount of fuel you need to use. Modular and adjustable prop types could ensure that you are using the minimum amount of fuel necessary.

Another item that can help is a fuel flow meter. Just like cars are sometimes equipped with instruments that inform the operator the amount of mileage they are getting per gallon, these boat instruments can do much of the same thing.

Oil recycling can help as well. While some may argue that recycled oil is not as efficient as fresh petroleum products the opposite case can be made. While bringing more and more fossil fuel refining into play we are doing more harm than re-using the products we already have.

Avoiding excessive speed can also be of assistance when it comes to fuel consumption regulation. Many boaters often go at speeds that are excessive to the need. This uses fuel that is not typically necessary when less could be used to go the same distance. While speed is sometimes needed, unnecessary speed just "for the thrill" is never good for the environment and, more often than not, unsafe.

Many regulating organizations were behind the power curve but in 2006 the Environmental Protection Agency in the United States began to control some aspect of outboard motors as well. This policy mandated a seventy-five percent in reduction of emissions

People should be allowed to own any piece of equipment that allows them to enjoy themselves, find relaxation and reap the bounty of a hard earned pay check. However, safe and responsible handling both for their bodies and the environment, should be a responsibility for all. Maintaining an environmentally friendly outboard is a way that boaters can do their part.

If it's time to upgrade your motor to a leaner, greener, more modern model, then check out the rage of outboard motors for sale over at BoatsPlus.com.au. For an even greener solution, you might want to consider an electric outboard motor.

• FR-free
• PVC-free (internal cables)
• Highly recyclable aluminium and polycarbonate enclosure
• Meets ENERGY STAR Version 5.0 requirements
• Rated EPEAT Gold

All these eco friendly improvements have not had an adverse effect on performance. Your new mean green Mac Mini can come with up to 320Gb hard disk, 4Gb RAM and comes with a NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics processor giving 5 faster graphics performance.

Given that I'm a recent Mac convert, I'm drouling! For more info, check out the new Green Mac Mini pages at Apple.

Wouldn't it be great if our electricity and water usage could be tracked automatically and electronically.  Households could join a nationwide competition to reduce water usage and electricity consumption.   Schools could compete against schools and businesses against businesses.  Surely this kind of competition would drive households and organisations to invest in green technology and products such as solar hot water, rainwater tanks, and Compact Fluorescent Globes.

The “5 Star Home EnergyRating” has been introduced to help reduce the impact of energy consumption. Gone are the days where hairy armpits and hemp clothing were the trade marks of the green-conscious consumer. It has fast become the new trend of today- the designer, eco-friendly home!

So What Do The Stars Mean?

The energy rating reflects the energy efficiency of a home. How much heat is lost or gained through the home is measured. These measurements are impacted upon by the way in which the home functions- the appliances you have, and the way they are used. The more stars you have, the less energy is being spent.

So Why Bother?

This system is a win-win situation. The 5 Star rating system helps you because it provides you with a high quality, comfortable home, while also helping the environment. Living in a 5-Star home can save you $210 on energy bills and $50 on water every year! You can save up to 5 tonnes of greenhouse gas pollutants every year, too.

Finally, make your home more comfy with the house being up to 5º warmer in winter and 10º cooler in summer depending on the construction materials and design.

By incorporating common sense design principles- finding the most appropriate and renewable fuel source and buying energy efficient appliances and technology, you will not only be able to help the environment, but save on bills too!

10 Energy Saving Tips to Remember!!

1. Shading: cover all windows to avoid heat coming in
2. Fans: These are inexpensive and prevent appliance usage
3. Standby Power: Unplug any appliances not in use
4. Fluorescent Lights: Save money and reduce gas emissions. They also last longer.
5. Water Efficient Shower Heads: AAA Rated shower heads dispense less water
6. Solar How Water: Especially if you live in warmer areas (in Adelaide, solar power can contribute upward of 70%!)
7. Refrigerators: Buy only 1 if you can. Otherwise, turn off when not needed.
8. Energy Rating: Use the star ratings to choose appliances
9. Insulation: Less need for heating and cooling systems.
10. Switch to GreenPower: A cleaner renewable source of energy.