And if we switch to energy saving lighting, we’ll cut our electricity costs – with the added benefit of reducing saving CO2.

It still pays to save gas, even with now-lower prices. When you take steps to save gas, you’re also reducing your CO2. Siilarly, cutting your electricity bill helps your wallet and the planet. Some of these steps are so easy! With little or no reduction in your lifestyle. Here are a few tips:

1. Check out what rebats are available to you in your state, thanks for Federal stimulus money.  For example, there are tax rebates for installing home solar panels, as well as energy efficient appliances. 

2. Carpool to work if you aren’t already. While gas may be low, it’s bound to rebound, so finding a good carpool match now is a great idea.

3. See if you employer will let you telecommute one day a week. Even though jobs now may be a premium, explaining to your boss that it saves your company money too (less resources used), you might get them to consider it.

4. Walk more, bike more. Take the bike out now that spring has arrived, try walking to nearby neighborhood destinations like the library or train.

We’ll post more about how saving can also cut carbon output. Once you start making small changes, you begin to see the opportunity to save – and conserve – in many more easy ways.

Starting small is best. If you’ve already changed your lightbulbs to CFLs, perhaps starting to change your driving habits in small ways can be a next step.  With gas prices over $4 a gallon, you can take steps that are also kind to your wallet.

Try this to save on gas: Drive 60-65 on the highway, and speed limit everywhere else.  Cars run most efficiently at 60 mph, and you can save a whopping 20-30% on fuel by sticking to that speed.  Keep your tires properly inflated – pick up a tire pressure guage on  your next shopping trip, they cost $1 or so.  This can save $$ in fuel costs also.  Same for getting your car properly tuned up – efficiency is the key.

As for miles traveled, try to reduce, even just a small bit, just skip one or two trips a week. Dust off that bike!  Get your sneakers on for short walks and trips around town.  Skip a trip you don’t really  need to make, or combine trips instead of making three or four each weekend.

Getting started with a few simple steps will get you thinking about other ways to cut back.  Just the few things above could cut your fuel use by 20% or even better, an awesome start!

What else are you doing that’s easy and simple? Post a comment with your ideas here any time.