Alone

People trying to recover from a crisis need to feel like what they say and think matters. When you volunteer at a crisis center you make it possible for even the smallest voice to be heard.

Write to your state officials.

Write to your representative and ask him/her to ban animal racing. If you live in a state that has greyhound racetracks, tell your state representatives to ban dog racing.

Ask your representatives to co-sponsor the Interstate Horseracing Improvement Act

Adding to your list of non-lame things to do at a nursing home, try filming a video lip-dub. They get seniors out of their daily oatmeal-sleep-more-oatmeal-more-sleep routine. Plus, they friggin hilarious.

We know you've got a massive following online. Use your popularity to encourage others to save energy by posting the following tips.

• Change your lights to CFL bulbs.
• Seal or insulate your home with weather-strips.
• Change your AC filters every three months.
• Try to cut your shower time in half this week.

Vampire energy refers to electricity that is drained from the outlet even when electronics are not in use. Follow these simple tips to save energy (and some money on the electric bill).

Unplug After Use

Once-a-day things should be unplugged after they are used.

• electric can-openers
• curling irons
• hair dryers

Unplug Once Charged

So many things run on battery. There's no need to keep it plugged in the wall once you've left the house.

A rain garden refers to a planted area that receives water runoff from urban areas like parking lots, walkways, driveways, etc. The water from the area goes into the ground and feeds the plants as opposed to flooding storm drains.

Start a rain garden to encourage water conservation and sustainability in your community space.

Buy ENERGY STAR appliances—they're certified to use less energy.

ENERGY STAR is the trusted, government-backed symbol for energy efficiency helping us all save money and protect the climate through energy-efficient products and practices. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency decides which products will earn the symbol.

When you shop for appliances, electronics, home office equipment, lighting, and more, look for the ENERGY STAR symbol to save energy and money.