• When using the oven or stove, turn off the heating element a few minutes before the food is finished cooking. The residual heat will finish cooking the food.

• Combine dishes in the oven whenever possible — bake potatoes or rolls while roasting meat, for example.

• Microwaves are the most energy-efficient way to cook, because they cook faster and at a lower wattage than conventional ovens.

• Small appliances use less electricity. Use a toaster instead of the oven for toasting bread; a slow-cooker for soups or pot roasts.

• Re-think your recipes. Do you really need to cook something on the stove, then mix it with the rest of the ingredients and bake it in the oven? You maybe able to turn it into a skillet dinner cooked solely on the one burner (or even better, in your slow-cooker).

• Consider the weather. Outdoor grilling sends smoke into the atmosphere, but your house stays cool. In the winter, the extra heat from baking and roasting in your oven is welcome.

Refrigerator

• Try to break family members of the habit of gazing into the fridge. Opening the door lets the cold air out and makes it work harder.

• Twice a year, vacuum the coils on the back of the refrigerator to prevent dirt buildup, which reduces efficiency.

• A full refrigerator and freezer take less energy to keep cool than when they're empty.

• Cover foods stored in the refrigerator. Uncovered foods release moisture and make the compressor work harder.

Dishwasher

• A dishwasher actually takes less water than washing dishes by hand, and it does a better job of killing germs.

• Wait until you have a full load of dishes to run it.

• Turn off the power-dry setting and let the dishes air-dry.

Packaging

• Pack lunches, drinks, etc. in reusable containers.

• Use a refillable mug for soft drinks or coffee. If every coffee-drinking American switched from disposable cups to a reusable thermos, it would prevent 7 million pounds of carbon dioxide from being emitted every day, according to the book, "You Can Prevent Global Warming — And Save Money!"

• Reuse grocery bags, for shopping, lining trash cans, etc.

• Buy products made from recycled materials.

• Buy reusable products such as refillable razors and rechargeable batteries.

• Choose earth-friendly household cleaners.

• If your community doesn't offer curbside recycling, check utah.earth911.org to find recycling drop-off sites in your area.

• Use cloth grocery bags. Keep them in the trunk and throw them in the bottom of your shopping cart.