Change has come to America. The pop culture phrase "show me the money," boiling throughout business and industry, has cooled down and is forcing people to take a hard look at what is really important in life.

Recycling is certainly not a new concept. In fact, gardeners have been using one form of recycling - composting - for about as long as people have tilled the soil. Composting is a cost-effective, eco-friendly way to give your garden a boost.

The best investment you can make in your home - both for your pocketbook and your personal enjoyment - is in landscaping. Real estate experts agree that every dollar you put into your yard eventually will return one to two dollars when you sell. And at a time when home values are sagging, that's something to consider.

When it comes to creating ambiance and warmth in a home, nothing can beat a fireplace, especially during this time of year. But are you aware that the right fireplace or stove can also help reduce your heating costs? Or that your existing fireplace's efficiency can be boosted significantly by installing an insert, and for less money than you might think?

Some things get better with age - wine, cheese, cars. Building supplies don't usually fall into that category. So, if your house is looking a little shabby, try giving it a facelift by updating one of the largest exterior surfaces - your roof.

Vampires may be hot right now in the entertainment world, but "vampire power" - the slow, invisible energy drain caused by leaving electric devices plugged in - simply sucks.

Imagine not having to change a light bulb for years. There are LED products available in 2010 that will make frequent light bulb changes so 20th-century.

A wide range of tax law changes over the last year will result in considerable savings for millions of Americans on their 2009 federal tax returns. Homebuyers and homeowners have some of the most to gain from the changes.

You don't have to be an energy expert to realize the challenge ahead if the country is to reach President Obama's goal of reducing 50 percent of America's fossil fuel emissions by 2050. To do that will require several innovative approaches to generating fuel and electricity. One alternative is to use plant or tree materials, also known as biomass, as an energy source.

The beginning of a new year - and a new decade - is the time many people pledge to live differently. For many, that change means living a more sustainable lifestyle. Sustainability, once only a buzz word, is now fast becoming the way to live consciously.