Today, there are not many people who don't know the meaning of Going Green. It’s a new term that has picked up a lot of steam in the last decade and will continue to grow in the years to come. With global warming, the depletion of the ozone layer and the disappearance of many plants and animals species on the rise, its time to take a stand.

The first step in going green is to become aware of how the decisions you make affect the world. Most people do want to help the environment, but also want to balance it with living a comfortable lifestyle. Learning how to become greener at home is not as difficult as you may think and many of us have already been living this way for years.

Here are some of the simple ways to go green at home that don't require a lot of time or money:

• Replace your regular light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs which actually have a much longer lifespan.

• Turning off lights when you leave the room and use power bars to turn off any electronics when not in use.

• Only run the washer and dryer when you have a full load and on off-peak hours.

• Use the delay timer on your dishwasher so that you can run your load while you sleep.

• As you replace old appliances purchase the most energy efficient ones you can afford.

• In the bathroom use a low flow shower heads, water saving toilets and turn off the faucet when you brush your teeth.

• Have programmable thermostats installed and adjust your heating and cooling to your work and sleep schedules.

• Recycle everything. This is the cheapest and easiest way of going green at home. All you need is two garbage cans and willingness to separate your trash.

• Water your gardens early in the day to prevent evaporation and invest in rain barrels if possible.

• Contact your city for drop off locations for disposal of all hazardous wastes. This includes oil, paint, batteries, pesticides, and cleaners.

• Update the R value of the insulation in your home to prevent heat loss and be sure to seal all cracks around doors and windows.

• Contact your utility company for an energy audit. There may be government incentives and cost savings.

• Always keep your tires fully inflated and your vehicle maintained. You will increase your mileage, while saving money on gas.

• Plan your errands to maximize your time and minimize your gas consumption.

Our Carbon Footprint has taken its toll on our planet and going green is not a choice any longer, it's a responsibility. Just by doing our part in our own small way, we are improving our environment and making a positive impact on our planet. One person at a time really can make a difference.