Union of Concerned Scientists .

So resolve to check your tire pressure at least once a month. Do so when the tires are 'cold' ? before you drive or after driving less than a mile. For the recommended inflation level, check your owner's manual or look for a sticker on or near the doorjamb of the driver's door (don't use the number that's on the tire itself). Simple gauges the size of a pencil cost a couple bucks, more accurate digital gauges cost $20 or more. I keep a gauge in my glove compartment and check the pressure every other time I get gas.

4. TURN YOUR GARBAGE INTO GREAT GARDEN SOIL
by Megan Phelps, Senior Associate Editor

For an easy way to reduce the waste you send to the landfill, try composting! Composting transforms your kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich garden soil. To get started, all you need is a simple compost bin or tumbler. Then add a mix of 'browns' (dry leaves, straw, dirt) and 'greens' (grass clippings, vegetable food scraps). Add water to keep the compost moist, and occasionally stir it up to keep it aerated. You can learn more about how to compost from the Mother Earth News archive.

5. STOP JUNK MAIL
by Scott Hollis, Associate Editor

If you get large amounts of unwanted advertising through the mail, you can reduce this wasteful and annoying 'junk mail' by registering your name and address with the Mail Preference Service sponsored by the Direct Marketing Association. Once you register, many (but not all) companies will remove your name from their mailing lists and after a few months you will receive less unsolicited mail. To register for this free service, go to www.dmaconsumers.org.

6. PROGRAM YOUR FURNACE TO SAVE
by Charles Higginson, Associate Editor

You can cut heating and cooling costs dramatically with a superefficient tool, the programmable thermostat. The simplest models cost as little as $35 ? less than some standard thermostats ? and can work with conventional heating and cooling systems and some heat pumps. Set the thermostat to hit target temperatures when you're home and to pull back by 8 to 10 degrees while you're away or sleeping. In a typical home, that could reduce fuel use by 10 percent, reducing annual carbon dioxide emissions by about 1,000 pounds and cutting annual utility bills by $100. If you can operate a screwdriver, you can install a programmable thermostat in less than half an hour. Set it, forget it and save!