One of the most important factors in making your home more energy efficient, and therefore cutting your energy bill bin half, is having your house properly insulated. Thoughtfully ans sustainably designed homes that utilize insulation, thermal mass design and sustainable energy alternatives, such as solar panels, can save some homeowners up to 50% on their yearly energy consumption.

There are lots of great, green alternatives when looking for home insulation. See if you can find ceiling insulation made from sustainable materials, such as Goldenfleece wool insulation. All natural wool fibre has great insulating properties, with the CSIRO claiming, “wool insulation performs better because of it’s ability to rapidly absorb moisture from the air.”

A company called Bonded Logic has developed an eco-friendly insulation that is made from 85% post-industrial recycled denim leftover from the manufacturing of blue jeans. This scrap material is collected and layered into panels and then treated with a solution that acts as a fire retardant, mold, mildew and pest blocker. This eco-friendly insulation is a zero-waste product since it requires very little energy to make and uses materials that were likely headed for a landfill.

There are also many do-it-yourself add-ons you can consider during the colder months to conserve heat and save money on those energy bills. Seal draughts with door snakes or utilize thicker curtains on your windows to keep out the cold air. If you live in a particularly cold climate, installing and maintaining your caulking and weatherstripping is an easy and affordable way to keep heat in, and energy costs low. In one bedroom apartments, direct your heat with the use of room dividers.

Properly designed and well installed insulation is a key factor for an energy-efficient home. With a recently heightened awareness of the global economic recession and of the importance of reducing our carbon footprint, eco-friendly insulation will be one of the ways homeowners upgrade to ensure their home meets these new eco standards, and, as an added bonus, save them money during these difficult times in our economy.

Want to show her you love her in the greenest way possible? Forget wrapping that cheap perfume in paper that will just be thrown out anyway. Here are some tips to have an environmentally friendly Valentine’s Day that will show her you love her – and the planet too.

Does your better half drink from plastic water bottles? Here’s a trendy and eco-friendly solution that she’ll totally dig. The Sakura Scents Botanical Water Bottle from Sigg is made from a single piece of aluminium, making it crack-resistant and completely reusable and recyclable. Hey and if you’re jealous, they have some snazzy manly brands for guys too.

If she’s into handbags then Matt & Nat’s latest brainchild – a shoulder bag made from 100% recycled materials – might be just the ticket. Somehow this bag recycled bag still manages to be chic. Sure it will set you back $165 big ones, but man, once she sees the antique copper hardware, you’ll be getting lucky for sure.

Now here’s something really philanthropically rad you can buy. Pamela Tuohy Nesting Necklace is truly unique and made from discarded materials. Not only that, if you snag one of these necklaces, you’ll be helping women in developing countries create sustainable entrepreneurial businesses. For just $85 a pop, you can make your sweetheart happy and save the world while you’re doing it. Can I get a hoo raah? However, if you’re just a simple dude and don’t want to get crazy, you can never go wrong with eco-friendly underwear. You’ll both be happy.