Q. Should I turn off the lights every time I leave the room?
A. Turn off incandescents if you’re leaving the room for more than five seconds; compact fluorescent lights, if you’ll be gone at least 15 minutes.
Q. I know cold-water washes are greener, but will they get my clothes clean?
A. The good news is, washing your clothes in warm or even cold water will get rid of almost any grime, except for the worst dirt or oily stains.
Q. In public restrooms, paper towel or electric hand dryer?
A. Go for the hot air. Far less energy is needed to heat and blow air at your hands than to make paper towels and haul them around. One study found that nine trees are cut down to supply an average fast-food restaurant with paper towels for a year; the tossed towels then create 1,000 pounds of landfill waste.