SAVE MONEY: Waste not, want not.

Those words are more important than ever now that energy costs
are rising so fast nobody can keep up. We turn to the Pennsylvania
Institute of Certified Public Accountants for some tips to not only
save money but cut greenhouse gas emissions:

1. Conduct an energy audit. This can help you identify problems,
such as drafts that let in cold air; insufficient insulation;
poorly maintained heating and cooling equipment; or inefficient
lighting. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Web site has instructions
for conducting an energy audit. If you’d like to bring in an
expert, many electric or gas utilities offer these audits for free
or at a reasonable charge.

2. Adopt environmentally friendly ideas. If you conduct a home
energy audit, you may find that you can cut costs by taking easy,
money-wise steps that cut power usage. For example, simply
unplugging appliances when not in use will lower energy
consumption. Many appliances draw energy even when not in use.
Another good idea is to close the blinds in the summer time to keep
out the sun’s heat and to open them in the winter to let in natural
warmth.

3. Right choice. If you look for the Energy Star label when
selecting energy-using products, you’re likely to use less power,
save money, and help the environment. These products, made by many
manufacturers, all meet energy-efficiency specifications set by
federal government agencies. There are Energy Star-qualified
products in a wide range of categories, including household
appliances, heating and cooling equipment, home electronics, and
office equipment.

4. Lights out. This easy step will make a real difference in
reducing your energy bills and helping the environment. Many people
remember to turn off lights in unused rooms in their homes, but
this step is sometimes forgotten in an office. According to the
Natural Resources Defense Council, most energy used in an average
commercial building is for lighting. Get in the habit of turning
off lights at lunch or in empty offices and conference rooms.

5. Car maintenance. It’s possible to save ,100 a year on
gasoline by keeping your car engine tuned up and your tires
properly inflated.