Unplug appliances when you’re not using them. Or, use a “smart” power strip that senses when appliances are off and cuts “phantom” energy use.

Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. As much as 85% of the energy used to machine-wash clothes goes to heating the water.

Take shorter showers to reduce water use. This will lower your water and heating bills.

Plant drought-tolerant native plants in your garden that need minimal watering. Visit
http://www.hear.org/electriccompany/ to learn about plants for Hawaii.

If you eat a lot of meat, add one meatless meal a week. Meat can get expensive especially
when you consider the related environmental and health costs.

Purchase from local farmers. It’s less expensive and it tastes fresher! Visit http://www.
co.honolulu.hi.us/parks/programs/pom/ to learn about Hawaii’s Farmers’ Markets. You can also check out the local swap meet and flea market.

Skip the bottled water. Use a water filter to purify tap water instead of buying bottled water. Not only is bottled water expensive, but it generates large amounts of container waste.