9. Spend two to learn. There is no place around here to recycle. You gotta be kidding! In the time it takes to read this, you could easily find out whether your community participates in a recycling program and what can be recycled. Visit YouGottaBeKidding.org, spend two minutes looking around, and you'll be recycling in no time.

8. Create a recycling center. “But, my recycling center is also known as my coffee table!“ We hear this a lot. You can find a convenient place to collect recyclable items in your home and leave more room to kick back and watch the ball game. Most recyclable items come from the kitchen so if you have the space (even a pantry or closet would work!), make that your recycling hub. Label and place a recycling bin, bag or box near the trash can to capture what you normally throw out.

7. Change a light. Why should I take the time to change the light bulbs in my house – does it really matter? One compact fluorescent bulb will last 10 times longer than a traditional bulb. Even just one light bulb change can make a difference and save $30 over its lifetime. (Make sure to recycle the CFL properly when it's done!)

6. Donate. No one wants my old stuff. You gotta be kidding! Donate unwanted items to charities like the Salvation Army or Goodwill. Just because you don't need that Stairmaster or lawn mower anymore, doesn't mean someone else won't!

5. Stay at green hotels. Are these hotels doing anything green other than taking all the green from my pocket? Actually, yes! Green hotels commit to environmentally sustainable practices, such as installing low-flow shower heads or have in-room recycling bins.

4. Turn it up. And be mistaken as the pig at the roast? You gotta be kidding! No, we're not asking you to roast in the summer heat, but turning up your thermostat even just a few degrees will save you money and limit harmful emissions. It's recommended that you set the thermostat to 78 degrees while at home and 85 degrees (or off altogether) when you're not. If you feel uncomfortably hot at 78 degrees, invest in a few ceiling fans to get cool air circulating throughout your house.

3. Bag it! How can I practice my three pointers if I bag my empty soda cans? Well, let's be honest, you aren't going to be part of the next Dream Team anyway. But, by bringing only a bag for recyclables with you on long car trips, you won't be tempted to litter or throw recyclables in the trash. Simply recycle the items when you reach your destination or when you get home.

2. Rethink the "Green Party". I'm not even interested in politics! Even better, as this party has no affiliation! Throwing a green party of your own encourages guests to get into the theme by only bringing reusable or recyclable items (such as a reusable platter for those Deviled eggs.) Play “oldies,” use fresh and local ingredients for your menu and of course, use re-useable utensils and plates. Keep small recycling bins around the house and backyard to discourage guests from trashing recyclable items.

And finally, the Georgia Department of Community Affair's number one recommendation for greening your summer is:

1. Recycle all that you can . You are probably trashing a lot more recyclable stuff than you think. And if you think your community recycling program can't handle it all? Think again. They can.
Connect with your local recycling program by visiting www.YouGottaBeKidding.org

DID YOU KNOW...

Simple Steps to a Healthy Home
Whether you have a minute, a morning, or a month, you can live a more sustainable life. Great ideas for how to green every room in your house, room by room.

Got a morning? GARAGE AND GARDEN
Shopping Bags - Do you opt for paper or plastic when at the grocery store? Neither is a good choice. Twelve million barrels of oil were used to make 88.5 billion plastic bags consumed in the United States last year. And it takes four times more energy to make paper bags.

The best choice is reusable shopping bags made of cotton, nylon, or durable mesh like plastic. Put a few reusable shopping bags in your car so you can have them handy on your next shopping trip. And if you happen to forget your reusable bag (as we all do!) choose paper if you will recycle it or plastic if you will reuse or recycle it.

Got a month? KITCHEN
Local, Seasonal Food - Many home cooks and restaurant chefs already know that seasonal, local food is fresher, tastier and supports the local economy. But there's another good reason to choose seasonal locally grown food: It's healthier for people and our planet. According to the NRDC, most produce in the United States travels an average fifteen hundred miles before being sold. The typical American meal contains ingredients from at least five countries outside the United States!

Rethink how you plan, shop and cook your meals. Search for information about what is in season in your area and where you can locate a farmer's market near you.