Whether you’re going green or not, when considering home improvement it always makes sense to start with the simple stuff.

Here are 10 first steps toward saving energy and money with “green” home updates.

1. Consult Energy Star: Go to www.energystar.gov to explore ways to make your home greener. The Web site includes product information, advice for building and remodeling, and resources for determining your home’s environmental impact.

2. Non-toxic paint: Read the labels when buying paint and look for non-toxic products such as Safecoat. (Understand that adding tint to Safecoat also may add compounds and toxins).

3. Reuse materials: Everything from lumber to appliances to cabinets can often be bought at resale stores, cutting down on waste.

4. Change lighting: Install compact fluorescent light bulbs in your home. They last longer than standard bulbs and use about a quarter of the energy.

5. Try a blower door test: This diagnostic test uses a high-powered fan helps pinpoint where a home is leaking air. Homeowners can then determine which home improvements will give them the most green bang for their buck.

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6. Conserve water: Buy low-flow shower heads and go to www.rainfordane.org to learn about other items that can conserve water.

7. Set up recycling: Build a recycling station at your home, separating recyclable items into bins and composting organic materials.

8. Decorate local: When buying art, decorations, tables or anything else for your home, try to buy goods produced locally.

9. Install solar hot water system: Save money in the long run using a renewable energy source — the sun — to heat your water.

10. Ask around: Ask neighbors, environmentalists or others in your community to get connected to ideas that will work best for you. There are many resources to learn about the best way to live sustainably on your slice of the earth.

More sources: www.eere.energy.gov, www.greenbuilthome.org, www.energystar.gov, www.homegreenhome.biz

Orso writes for the La Crosse Tribune in Wisconsin. Contacts: joe.orso@lee.net.