Coming generations will find it incredible that fossil fuels, the building blocks of so much of what we consume, was at one time so cheap that we burned it as fuel.

A way to go green: Bring cloth of mesh tote to carry purchase wherever you go, and some stores offer a discount when you bring your own bag.
Although paper bags are biodegradable, it takes four times more energy to manufacture paper bags than plastic. This results in more air and water pollution. The glossy plastic bags offered at department stores are even worse; the shiny coating may make them impossible to recycle.

Phantom loads refer to electricity being consumed by electronic appliances that aren't in use. Even when gadgets are turned off or not in use, they can still draw power from your wall sockets as long as they're plugged in. Common appliances known to produce these phantom loads are things like TVs, DVD players, computers, microwaves, and power adapters. It is estimated that the power consumption used by these appliances while not in use makes up 5% of residential energy consumption in the USA. In the average home, 40% of all electricity is used to power home appliances while they’re turned off.

Help conserve energy by unplugging these devices when you're not using them. Power strips can conveniently shut off power to a multitude of appliances if you are leaving the house for awhile. You'll conserve valuable energy and save a few bucks on your utility bills, too.

Limit the use of aerosol cans. Because of their limited recycling value, the containers probably wind up in landfill. Instead of cans, look for spray bottles, liquids, powders and roll-ons.