by Gail M Feldman

Created on: September 26, 2010

Conserving energy needn't be complicated or tedious. You can do your bit to save the environment and shrink your energy bills at the same time.  Here are a dozen things you can do - some on a regular basis and some just once with lasting effects - without knocking yourself out:

1. Use a surge protector for appliances not in constant use.  You can turn the surge protector on and off with ease, and for long periods of disuse can unplug the surge protector. Save your personal energy as well as the kind for which you pay the utility companies!

2. Put a dimmer on your lights. Only turn the light up bright when you really need it, and turn it off when you're not in the room.

3. Use compact flourescent rather than incandescent light bulbs. These use less energy and last longer. You can buy them at the dollar store and they're a bit pricey, and flourescence is not good for anyone who is sensitive to UV rays, but if you do not have such a sensitivity, the money you save in their use will more than make up for the initial outlay.

4. If you paint your walls and ceilings light colors, you will need less intense lighting than if you use dark colors, as the light colors will be more reflective.

5. If you are a homeowner, buy products that have the Energy Star label, and apply for a tax credit along with your other tax forms (the Energy Star website has all the information you need as well as form downloads). The site has 428 answers on its FAQ so your question is probably covered! You can get up to $1500 for a two-year period. You must both own and live in the home that uses the Energy Star products in order to get the credit. In addition, every U.S. state has its own energy program that provides rebates for using certain appliances, and you can find out about your state's from the U.S. Department of Energy and its page that lets your search for your state's program.

6. Unless you've got dirty diapers or pet-soiled items, you don't actually need to use hot water at all for your laundry. Cold works just as well, and doesn't set stains or make colors bleed the way hot does - and you save enough dough to buy new clothes.

7. Use a low flow showerhead, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends buying bathroom fittings with a WaterSense label, saying "The average household could save more than 2,300 gallons per year by installing WaterSense labeled showerheads." That adds up to money in your pocket instead of down the drain. Some utility companies give

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