From newspaper, to egg cartons, to organic materials such as leaves and yard clippings, lots of things can be recycled. Even coffee grounds can be used as fertilizer for some plants. If you're buying an electric clothes dryer, look for one with an automatic moisture sensor that shuts off when clothes are dry. Thermo insulated blinds and drapes guard against heat loss in winter. There are fewer drafts and heating bills are lower.
Energy efficiency reduces emissions contributing to global warming.
When you're busy around the house, turn down the thermostat. Your own energy will keep you warm, and you'll save on the heating bill. Save on water heating costs with an insulation blanket on the hot water tank and insulation tubes on hot water pipes. Save on your annual heating costs with a programmable thermostat to turn down the heat while you're sleeping or away. Ask about air leakage and glazing systems with special low-e coatings, and gas fill between the panes.