This Monday January 19th, (Martin Luther King Jr. day) Barack and Michelle Obama have asked all Americans to take part in a national day of service.  As we’ve been gently hammering forth for a good number of years now, saving energy is good for families, communities and countries.  In this spirit, ecoAmerica and Clean Tech & Green Business for Obama have teamed up to create a simple but renewably powerful service opportunity called ReCharge America  that features a simple plan that anyone can use to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and save hundreds of dollars each year in energy costs.  If you would like to be one of the thousands of people across the country who will use the 10-step toolkit to audit their own homes and then to reach out friends and neighbors to spread the savings, we say click on through to the other side. Oh, and you can save up to $600 a year.  Oh yes, one more thing, and there’s a nifty video with Lisa Ling walking you through the steps to make it a real eco-no-brainer.

DOWNLOAD the handy checklist TUNE UP KIT – OVERVIEW BROCHURE and follow the 10 steps, and save up to $600 a year at home.

1. LIGHTING

Replace your five most used light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs to save $60 a year. And turn off lights whenever possible.

2. HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

Set your thermostat to 66 heating/76 cooling when you’re home and 60/82 when you are away to save 30% on your heating and air conditioning costs. Replace air filters.

3. KITCHEN APPLIANCES

Set refrigerators to energy saving settings. Use the microwave for efficient cooking. Make sure the dishwasher is full before use.

4. WASHER & DRYER

Avoid hot water washing and save up to 90% of your clothes washing costs by using an indoor drying rack or outdoor clothes line.

5. WATER HEATER

Set your water heater to 120 degrees – no hotter. And if its more than a decade old, put an insulating ‘blanket’ on it.

6. BATHROOMS & FAUCETS

Save water AND energy with wise use and low flow showerheads and faucets. They are inexpensive and easy to replace.

7. HOME ENTERTAINMENT & COMPUTER SYSTEMS

You may be spending $100 per year to power devices in “standby” mode. Use power strips or turn them off.

8. AIR LEAKS & HEATING VENTS

Check and seal air leaks around windows and doors for a more comfortable home and even more savings.

9. IN THE GARAGE OR PARKING LOT….

Your car is a huge opportunity. Maintain good tire pressure, keep it tuned, and above all – drive efficiently.

10. SUPPORT RENEWABLE ENERGY

Check and see if you can buy renewable energy. Contact your representatives and tell them you want clean energy.

These are all easy things you’ve probably been meaning to do anyway, but just haven’t gotten around to. Now is the time. They make a difference.