To have a truly eco-friendly yard, you need to consider both the resources you put into lawncare and the output of waste in your lawn and gardens. But did you know that making a few green choices outside can actually help you save money on your energy bills inside, too? Follow these tips to transform your home's landscape and save money.

Water responsibly

Practice xeriscaping — a process that reduces the need for irrigation — to save water. This can be done by placing plants that have similar water requirements together. You can also swap out more water-hungry grasses for drought-resistant variants, and utilize succulents and native plants in your landscape design.

Opt for eco-friendly materials

Reusing concrete and glass from other projects can reduce the carbon dioxide produced during the manufacturing process. Choose adobe or terra cotta bricks — which don't require kilns — and select stones found inland rather than in quarries. Avoid toxins by staying away from treated lumber, artificially dyed mulch and rubber mulch.

Plant a tree

Reducing energy use for air conditioning can be as simple as strategically planting a tree in your yard. Shading your home from the summer sun can reduce temperatures by up to 9 degrees. Choose the best tree based on the shape of your home and the height, shadow size and growth rate of the tree.

Cut down on chemicals

Fertilizers and herbicides that strip the soil of nutrients and harm the environments aren't necessary to maintain a healthy lawn. Instead, use organic fertilizer and natural pest control. Insecticidal soaps and oil sprays can take care of mites and mealybugs, and ladybugs can naturally manage aphids.

Utilize solar power

If you host a lot of outdoor gatherings or enjoy sitting outside at night, you'll likely want to add some outdoor lighting. Rather than relying on electrical lighting, consider adding a solar-powered system. It won't require underground wiring, is easier to install, and saves electricity by charging naturally during the day.

With these tips, you're well on your way to a greener and healthier lawn that can protect the environment and help you save money, too.

These days, our smartphones are practically glued to our palms. But what if you could use that screen time to save energy instead of passing hours doom scrolling on that social media app? Here are just a few of the sustainable actions you can take without putting down that trusty device.

1. Adjust the thermostat

You can use the connected app to adjust its settings if you have a smart thermostat. Manually raise or lower the temperature for comfort and energy savings, or input your daily schedule so the thermostat can automatically regulate your home's temperature.

2. Remember to change the filter

Tired of having to remember when it's time to replace your HVAC filter? There's an app for that.

Filtrete™'s app allows you to set reminders for one or multiple filters around your home, so you'll never forget again. You can also step it up a notch and opt for their Smart Air Filters, which include Bluetooth-connected sensors that can monitor air flow and usage of the filter instead of just time.

3. Turn off the lights

Left the downstairs lights on after you've already ascended the stairs to the bedroom? We've all been there. If you have smart bulbs and the connected app, however, you can correct your mistake from the cozy comfort of your bed.

You can turn these bulbs on and off, dim them and even change their color with just a few taps. Smart bulbs can also automatically adjust their settings based on a set schedule, which you can also program in the app.

4. Reduce the water temperature

Most water heaters are preset at 140°F, and the U.S. Department of Energy recommends lowering the temperature to 120°F. Lowering the temperature can help reduce the amount of money you spend on water heating. And this can be as simple as adjusting the temperature on your home's thermostat.

A retrofit smart controller lets you make existing devices smart without changing the wiring or updating to a newer model. This includes your water heater, but there are countless possibilities with this exciting new technology.

5. Turn off unused electronics

Smart plugs are an efficient solution for those home devices that simply plug into an outlet. Just insert a smart plug into the outlet, then the device into the plug, and you can turn your coffee maker, television and more on or off through the connected app. You can also create a set schedule for certain appliances and devices so they run on your preferred schedule.

Connected smart devices and smartphone apps bring efficiency to your fingertips. Just a tap or two, and you can make your home more comfortable and efficient — and save some money, too.

Many businesses operate within commercial buildings smaller than 50,000 square feet, which account for nearly half of U.S. commercial building energy use. If you’re looking to reduce your business’s carbon footprint and save on costs, adopting energy-efficient practices can be a game-changer. The good news? You don’t always need to make significant investments or undertake drastic changes. Here are seven affordable energy-saving measures that you can implement.

1. Turn off lights

Installing LED lights will save your business the most energy, but no matter what type of lights you have, you must ensure they’re not left on in empty spaces. Make it a habit to remind staff to turn off lights when they’re the last one leaving the room or building at the end of the day. For added convenience, consider installing occupancy sensors and timer controls.

2. Use power strips

Phantom energy — the power used by electronics turned off but still plugged in — can add up over time. To combat this, use smart power strips, which automatically cut power to devices not in use. It’s a straightforward solution that can reduce your overall energy consumption.

3. Adjust thermostats

Heating and cooling can significantly impact energy bills. Implement strategies to optimize temperature settings, such as programming thermostats to adjust automatically during non-working hours or setting them a few degrees lower in winter and higher in summer. Zone-based heating and cooling can further decrease unnecessary energy use in unoccupied areas.

4. Conduct periodic energy audits

Regular audits help you understand how your business uses energy. They pinpoint inefficiencies and recommend changes that can lead to substantial savings. By scheduling periodic audits, you can stay on top of your energy consumption and make informed decisions to enhance efficiency.

5. Prioritize natural light

Maximizing natural light in your workspace can reduce the need for artificial lighting. Position workspaces near windows and skylights, and keep walls lightly-colored to reflect daylight.

6. Invest in smart technology

Energy-efficient companies often embrace advanced technologies to optimize their energy use. This includes smart thermostats, which optimize energy savings by automatically adjusting building temperatures based on your operating schedule, while also provide advanced features, such as remote control. Another example is smart LED lighting systems, which can be integrated with sensors and timers to automatically adjust lighting based on occupancy or time of day.

7. Maintain equipment

The equipment and appliances in your facility use a lot of energy and neglected maintenance can really cost you. Have your HVAC system inspected regularly by a qualified professional and establish a routine preventive maintenance program for all energy-using equipment. You'll not only save energy, but you'll reap additional benefits in longer equipment lifespan and lower repair costs.

By adopting these practical habits, you’ll join the ranks of savvy, energy-efficient companies, enhancing both your profitability and sustainability.

Don't let the cold, gray weather get you down. If you're stuck inside, now is the perfect time to take on some of the indoor home improvement projects you've been putting off. These simple projects will help make your home more comfortable and efficient and save you money on your energy bills.

Install low-flow showerheads

Standard showerheads use 2.5 gallons per minute or more. WaterSense-labeled models can save water and energy while still providing a comfortable flow.

• Turn off water sources for both hot and cold at the faucet.
• Unscrew your existing showerhead by turning counterclockwise.
• Clean off the shower arm threads and make sure they are dry.
• Apply Teflon thread-sealing tape, wrapping the tape two or three times around the threads.
• Hand tighten the new showerhead onto the shower arm. Be careful not to overtighten.
• Run the shower and check for leaks. If it leaks, gently tighten it with a wrench using a cloth to protect the finish.

Air seal your basement

Air leaking into your basement can make the space feel colder and increase your winter energy bills.

• Check for gaps in the rim joists where the wall meets the ceiling, as well as plumbing and wiring holes on outside walls.
• Caulk is best for sealing gaps or cracks that are one-quarter inch or smaller.
• Use spray foam insulation to fill gaps up to three inches.
• Fill larger gaps by cutting and stuffing pieces of insulation.

Insulate hot water pipes

Heat loss through unprotected hot water pipes can cost you. Pipe insulation is readily available at your local DIY retailer.

• Starting at the water heater, measure the length of insulation needed to cover accessible pipes.
• Cut the insulation to the lengths needed.
• Place the insulation on the pipe with the seam or opening facing down.
• Tape the insulation every foot or so to secure it to the pipe

Air seal your attic

Leaks in unfinished attics can waste energy, even when adequate insulation is installed.

• Locate all ceiling fans, recessed lighting fixtures and electrical outlets in the ceiling below your attic. Each of these is a potential source of air leakage.
• From the attic, pull back the insulation to find the cutouts and seal them with caulk or expandable foam.
• Check for and seal gaps around plumbing vents, furnace flues and ductwork.
• Seal the attic access with weatherstripping.

Switch to smart outlets

Replace older electric outlets with smart models. Smart outlets automatically shut off power to unused plugged-in devices. And you can control them from your smartphone or voice assistant.

• Turn off the power to the outlet you're working on.
• Remove the outlet trim and disconnect the old outlet.
• Connect the new outlet wires — white to white and black to black. Attach the green wire to the bare ground wire.
• Attach the wired outlet to the box and install the new trim.
• Download the outlet control app and add the outlet to your system.

Contact a qualified electrician if you don't feel comfortable doing the work yourself.

These projects will keep you occupied during the dreary days of winter, and the lower energy bills will give you a warm feeling inside.

Home cooking is a great way to make healthy and flavorful meals for you and your family, but careless kitchen habits are a recipe for energy waste. The good news is you have a full menu of opportunities while preparing meals and cleaning dishes to help trim your energy costs.

Ingredients for energy savings

• Keep your range top and oven clean. A well-maintained appliance will cook more evenly and efficiently.
• Preheat the oven to the exact temperature needed. Preheating isn't necessary for foods that cook for several hours.
• Limit the number of times you open the oven door. Opening the door can lower the oven temperature by as much as 25 degrees.
• Match the size of the pot or pan to the size of the burner. A 6-inch pan on an 8-inch burner can waste 40% of the energy used, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.
• Cover pots and pans to cook food faster and more efficiently. An added bonus is that the kitchen will stay cooler in the summer.
• Use glass or ceramic baking dishes whenever possible. They retain heat better than metal cookware.
• Consider your cooking options. Microwaves, slow cookers and toaster ovens are great options for simple meals or leftovers. They use less energy than a conventional oven or range top.

Low-cost cleanup

• Clean dishes using your dishwasher, which typically uses less energy and water than hand washing.
• Scrape dishes instead of rinsing them before loading them into the dishwasher.
• If you do rinse, use cold water to reduce energy use for water heating.
• To optimize dishwasher energy use, wait until you have a full load before running it.

Energy-efficient upgrades

If your kitchen appliances — such as your range, dishwasher or refrigerator — are older or need repair, consider upgrading to ENERGY STAR®-certified models. ENERGY STAR appliances are independently tested to ensure they use less energy than standard units while still providing the performance you expect.