1. Recycle!

Make sure you know the rules for your area (town, city and county Web sites generally post this information).

2. Pass on Paper Products

Buy a few inexpensive sets of cloth napkins and towels, and wash them only when they’re actually dirty.

3. Fill ’er Up

Get a reusable bottle for taking water on the go (it’s much cheaper than buying individual plastic bottles). And bring a thermos to your local coffee shop — many places will offer you a discount for that!

4. Don’t Graze

Every time you pick through the fridge with the door open, it has to work extra hard to get nice and cold again.

5. Soak First

Don’t leave the water running while you scrub pots and pans. Instead, let them soak for a bit, then quickly clean and rinse.

6. Buy Local

On average, produce (even if it’s organic) has to travel around 1,500 miles to get from the farm to your table — that’s a lot of fuel! When you can, buy food that’s grown in your area.

7. Put a Lid on It

A covered pot comes to a boil more quickly, which means you’re using less energy.

8. Store Smartly

Reusable storage containers — better yet, empty peanut butter or yogurt cartons — are more eco-friendly than disposable zip-top baggies (and cheaper, too).

9. BYO Bag

About 4 billion plastic bags end up as litter each year! Bring canvas totes when you do your weekly shopping. (Stash one in your trunk for last-minute supermarket trips.)

10. Don’t Do the Dishes

If your dishwasher is in good shape, there’s no need to rinse items first — a good scrape will do. Just wait till the machine is full before running it.

11. Stop Peeking!

Every time you open the oven door while baking, the temperature drops about 25°F, meaning the food will take even longer to cook.

12. Double Up

If you’re baking a casserole or lasagna, throw a few potatoes in the oven at the same time. You can use them for quick no-cook meals later in the week.

13. Buy in Bulk

Not only will you save money, you’ll cut down on packaging waste, too.

14. Clean Green

Instead of using chemical-based oven cleaners, make a paste of baking soda and water, and let it sit on the soiled area overnight. Scrub clean in the a.m.

15. Think Outside the Oven

For small jobs, a toaster oven uses far less energy than a regular oven. Slow cookers and pressure cookers are also energy-efficient options.

16. Waste Not, Want Not

Every so often, instead of hitting the store, make a hodgepodge meal with what’s hanging around in your fridge, freezer and cupboards.