1. Fill 'Er Up
Run your dishwasher only when it's full. Use the energy-saving setting rather than the hotter mode to dry the dishes.

Average annual CO2 reduction: 200 lbs.

2. Get Smart on Wash Day
Wash laundry in warm or cold water, not hot.

Average annual CO2 reduction: up to 500 lbs. for two loads a week

3. Some Like It Lukewarm
Set your water-heater thermostat no higher than 120 degrees F.

Average annual CO2 reduction: 500 lbs. for each 10 degrees F adjustment

4. Get It Just Right
Don't overheat or overcool rooms. Set the thermostat lower in winter and higher in summer.

Average annual CO2 reduction: about 500 lbs. for each 2 degrees F adjustment

5. Jacket Required
If your water heater is more than five years old, wrap it in an insulating jacket.

Average annual CO2 reduction: up to 1,000 lbs.

6. Freshen the Filters
Clean or replace air-conditioner filters as recommended. A tidy filter can cut the appliance's energy consumption 5%.

Average annual CO2 reduction: about 175 lbs.

7. Bright Idea
Replace standard light bulbs with energy-efficient compact fluorescent ones.

Average annual CO2 reduction: about 500 lbs. per bulb

8. Slow Flow
Install low-flow shower heads in order to use less hot water.

Average annual CO2 reduction: up to 300 lbs.

9. Close Those Cracks
Caulk and weatherstrip around doors and windows to plug up air leaks.

Average annual CO2 reduction: up to 1,000 lbs.

10. Take Stock
Ask your utility company to conduct an energy audit of your home to find out where it is poorly insulated or energy- inefficient.

Potential CO2 reduction: thousands of pounds a year

11. Don't Be Fuelish
Whenever possible, walk, bike, carpool or use mass transit.

Average CO2 reduction: 20 lbs. for each gallon of gasoline saved

12. Goodbye, Guzzlers
When buying a car, choose a fuel-efficient model that gets at least 30 miles per gal. of gasoline.

Average annual CO2 reduction: about 2,500 lbs. if your new car gets 10 miles per gal. more than your old one

13. Be Carefully Cool
If your car is equipped with an air conditioner, make sure its coolant is recycled whenever you have it serviced.

Equivalent CO2 reduction: thousands of pounds

14. Put in Some Padding
Insulate all your walls and ceilings.

Average annual CO2 reduction: up to 2,000 lbs.

15. Windows of Opportunity
If you need to buy new windows, install the best energy-saving models.

Average annual CO2 reduction: up to 10,000 lbs.

16. Home Improvement
Plant trees next to your house, and paint it a light color if you live in a warm climate or a dark color in a cold climate.

Average annual CO2 reduction: about 5,000 lbs.

17. Dump Faulty Fridges
Replace worn-out home appliances with the most energy-efficient models.

Average annual CO2 reduction (for replacing a refrigerator): 3,000 lbs.

18. Don't Bag It
Buy minimally packaged goods and reusable products. Recycle.

Average annual CO2 reduction: 1,000 lbs. for 25% less garbage

19. Pitch In
Reduce waste and promote energy-efficient measures at your school or workplace. Help set up community recycling programs.

Average CO2 reduction: 4 lbs. per lb. of office paper recycled

20. People Power
If possible, choose a utility company that does not produce electricity from polluting sources such as fossil fuels.

Potential CO2 reduction: huge