Here are 10 tips courtesy of Laurie David of stopglobalwarming.org, the home of the Virtual March. Every tip listed here will reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, which is what most scientists say is a major contributor to global warming.

1. Buy organic and local. Yes, there's a reason to buy organic other than pleasing your really granola mother-in-law: The chemicals used in much of modern agriculture pollute the water supply and require energy to produce. Local foods also reduce the amount of energy required to drive your products to the store. Oh, and while you're at it, bring cloth bags to the market to help reduce waste.

2. Air dry your clothes. Line-drying clothes during the non-rainy months instead of using a dryer can save 700 pounds of carbon dioxide, and, as a bonus, $75 a year.

3. Change light bulbs. "Compact fluorescent bulbs have such a terrible name, but they use 66 percent less energy," says David. Replacing just three frequently used bulbs in your home can save 300 pounds of carbon dioxide and $60 a year.

4. Go hybrid, or at least think about MPG. "Look, we're all car owners — you have to consider these hybrid cars," says David. And for good reason: the average hybrid driver could save 16,000 pounds of carbon dioxide a year. Off-setting their higher sticker price is the fact that they can also save $3,750 in gas money. "Short of that, another big thing is to ask, when you buy a car, (think) about its mileage. That's number one in my book," adds David.

5. Inflate car tires and change the air filter. Improperly inflated tires can waste as much as 250 pounds of carbon dioxide a year and $840 in gas money. A tired air filter can also waste 800 pounds of carbon dioxide and $130 a year. Check both monthly.

6. Check the water heater or go tankless. Keeping a water heater thermostat at no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit saves money and reduces emissions. Insulating the water heater adds additional savings. Switching to a tankless water heater is even better, saving 300 pounds of carbon dioxide a year and $390.

7. Consider the shower. With showers accounting for two-thirds of all water heating costs, shorter time sudsing it up can save up to 350 pounds of carbon dioxide a year. Installing a low-flow showerhead saves another 350 pounds of carbon dioxide.

8. Unplug appliances. Even when a plugged-in electronic appliance is turned off, it can use energy. Play it safe and unplug them, and save more than 1,000 pounds of carbon dioxide and $256 a year.

9. Adjust the thermostat. Just two degrees up in summer and two degrees down in winter can save a whopping 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide and $98 a year. You can also call for a $15 Energy Audit by KU.
1(800) 251 7808  You could save alot over time!

10. Plant a tree. What better way to go green than by planting a tree? Trees help suck up the carbon dioxide, provide cleaner air, and save 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide a year.