There are many options available these days to make our homes greener, it’s just a matter of actually making the small changes that can add up to make a big difference.

New Year’s Resolutions are hard to stick to, so that’s why we’ll focus on the little ways in which one can get onto a path towards green living.

Appliances Get Gold Stars

You should give yourself a gold star for going with Energy Star. This is a government-backed rating program that lets you know you’re buying an energy efficient product. (While we mention appliances here, Energy Star ratings also apply to computers and electronics, building products, heating and cooling systems, lighting, and plumbing.) This LG Front Load Washer with TrueBalance uses approximately ¾ less water than top load washing machines.

Lower Your Flow

Conserve water by installing low flow faucets, low flow showerheads, and low flow toilets. There are many low flow designs on the market. The one pictured here is one of many WaterSense approved products available through American Standard.

Seeing is Believing

Sometimes we need stats and numbers to make us feel like we’re actually making a difference. Watching Al Gore chart global warming is too grand a scale to see our individual contribution towards a greener world. Comparing energy bills from one month to the next is closer to the mark and monitors that track your energy usage "immediately" are ideal. There are a variety of energy monitors available. Pictured here is GE’s Nucleus Energy Manager. This device provides information on estimated household electricity consumption as well as cost, plus you can track this information on a PC or iPhone.

Green and Glamorous

Just like healthy food doesn’t have to mean bland and boring, green home products don’t have to mean frumpy and unfashionable. Check out these awesome designer low energy light bulbs called the Plumen 001. They offer the raw light bulb look while being both chic and energy efficient.