The federal government has highlighted the growing trend towards going green with the recently passed bill raising fuel standards for home and auto. This year we have watched "going green" transition from being the mantra of a few diehard environmental proponents to being a mainstream and practical solution to lessening our energy dependence on foreign sources. That it coincides with heightened concern for global warming ensures the green movement is not just a passing fad. The legislation passed by congress and signed by the president not only lays down in law overdue energy saving measures but also promises lifestyle changes between now and 2020. Compact fluorescent light bulbs will replace Mr. Edison's long-lived incandescent variety. Gas-guzzling SUVs will be forced to slim down to the gas-sipping level, and our homes will become laboratories for improving energy efficiencies. The days of the traditional water heater tank are short-lived.

As we do from time to time, we take a break from our usual recounting stories of bad contractors and offer the latest ideas we've gathered to help you get more enjoyment from your investment in your home. This month our focus is on simple things you can do that won't break the bank and will save money on your energy bill.

CHANGE UP YOUR LIGHT BULBS ENERGY STAR compliant compact fluorescent light bulbs are more environmentally friendly than your traditional light bulb because they produce the same amount of illumination for typically only a third of the power consumption, and because they last for years instead of months there's will be less of them clogging landfills. While there is some concern for the amount of mercury contained in each bulb, the amount is minor and future generations of CF bulbs can be developed without mercury.

"If every American home replaced just one light bulb with an ENERGY STAR qualified bulb, we would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes for a year, more than $600 million in annual energy costs, and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of more than 800,000 cars." -- http://www.energystar.gov

PLANT A TREE OR TWO Planting shade trees around your home will help shield your house from direct summer sunlight and block cold winter air, which will help reduce heating and cooling costs year round.

CHECK OUT YOUR INSULATION Outdated insulation doesn't help your energy bill. Requirements for the minimum amount of insulation in homes have increased over the decades. If you have an older home you may have insufficient insulation and the wrong type. Typically, you should have between R-22 and R-49 insulation in your attic.

BRING DRAFT PRONE WINDOWS UP TO PAR Replacing single-pane windows with double-pane windows is bound to improve your home's energy efficiency, but if your budget is tight you can still make improvements. We like the affordable Duck brand Roll-On Window Kit. You apply the clear adhesive film over your windows and can easily remove it in the spring. It's a simple afternoon project that will repay itself in energy reduction.

UPDATE APPLIANCES To be energy star-compliant LCD TVs use less electricity than tube televisions. Front-loading washing machines require less water than top loaders meaning less hot water to do a load of laundry. Install ceiling fans and operate them in the winter also (in reverse direction mode) to circulate cold air with warm air otherwise stuck at ceiling level. You may spend a little more for energy-star certified appliances but you will save money in the long-term.

While these were just a few quick tips to make your home greener, keep these additional tips in mind if you decide to make major green improvements: 1. Get more than one bid on a project, and check contractor licensing and other vital information. 3. Educate yourself on permits and ensure the contractor gets the appropriate ones for the job. 4. Be informed about your state's fire and building code restrictions. 5. Making your home greener also means making it more airtight. Insist that your contractor explain to you how the new ventilation system will function and consider getting a carbon monoxide detector.