I didn't pick up the March issue of Los Angeles Magazine because Christina Ricci was on the cover. I had to have it because of the 25 easy tips they detail on how to live more environmentally aware. I agree, living green should be more than a trend. We all need to examine and make changes in our daily routine in order to conserve the precious resources we have. Mainly that just means treating resources preciously. The drought scare and rolling blackouts got Angelenos off their complacent couches but really it's all in the prevention and setting an example can sometimes be the most effective. The office nags getting everyone to recycle was just the start. I'd like to share and elaborate on some of LA magazine's 25 Ways to Go Green Without Going Insane.

#1. Tune Out, Turn Off
Your electrical devices are still on even when they're in standby - in fact, that's the definition of standby. So until you unplug it from the wall, your microwave, computer, TV set, are all sucking off the power grid. Get in the habit of using power surge protectors with the on/off switch. Every time you're going to be away from your house for a while you can just turn off the switch. Your power bill will thank you - especially crucial to you penny pinchers since LA DWP just raised all their rates.

#2. Clean Kindly
Traditional dry cleaning methods are heinous. The chemicals used to treat your delicate suits and treasured blouses are carcinogenic. That means poison in the air, on your clothes/skin and on the hands of the people who treat it for you. California has already pledged to phase out those chemicals by 2023 but there are alternative methods all around town. The South Coast Air Quality Management District lists a bunch of cleaners who have already adopted nontoxic liquids. I've also gotten into the habit of searching advice websites like About.com on alternative cleaning methods. I found out washing silk by hand in a little bit of water and biodegradable soap is actually better for the material. This goes the same for natural fabrics that require delicate care like wools and cottons. Consult the fabric's labels before tossing everything off at your dry cleaners.

Ask.com and websites of the like also feature alternative uses for all kinds of nasty household cleaning products. Baking soda and vinegar top the list of a natural non-toxic clean all solution. A good rule of thumb is that if the odor of the cleaning product is too strong, or the label has a long list of warnings and side effects, you don't want it in your house and your air. Find something gentle.

#3. Plant a Tree.
Simple. If every American family planted a single tree the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere would be reduced by a billion pounds a year. We'd also save $234 billion in environmental and health care costs. Thanks to Tree People and LA's Plant A Million Trees program, you can request a free tree from the city. Just email milliontrees@hbteam.com.
Also be aware when someone wants to remove trees. We can even out the carbon footprint by keeping the ones we already have. Tree People can help you with advocacy plans when new building developments pop up and tress come down.

#4. Bypass the Trash.
More free stuff from the city? No way. But it's true. Most communities offer free classes and resources for composting. The City of LA Bureau of Sanitation gives composting workshops and discounted compost bins to take home with you. The next class is April 28 at Griffith Park.

Anyone with a garden would be foolish not to compost. In less than a year you'll have all the nutrient rich soil you'll need not to mention you can reuse the seeds from your own crops. You'll never be wasting a trip to Home Depot ever again.

#5. Save Water
LA is a semiarid desert. Do not let the coastline fool you. The biggest way to save water in your house (besides turning off the faucet and fixing all leaks) is flushing your toilet. Or not flushing. The editor of treehugger.com employs the if it's yellow let it mellow method. That's the cheapest habit to pick up - or invest in a low-flow toilet. Low-flow means 1.6 gallons or less a flush. A standard top-loader can use up to 9 gallons per cubic foot per flush. That's like the equivalent to letting the hose run wild on the sidewalk for 15 minutes. Low-flow toilets are a standard choice now in most hardware stores and showrooms.

Skipping ahead...

#10 Waste Not.
Filling your recycling bins with plastic bottles is just plain silly. You may think, but I'm recycling, when in actuality your water bottle habit takes up valuable sorting time at the recycling plant and often ends up in landfills anyway. Re-fill as often as possible. Plastic breaks down after a while escpeically when in the sun or in the fridge so you may want to purchase a glass or aluminum bottle. Get a couple from a local camping store. You can keep one in your car, one at your office, and one in your kitchen if you're concerned you'll lose it or not use it.

Another recycle bin clogger is paper, paper, and more paper. Make a resolution right now to make less trash. Buying pre-packages food is a waste. Look for food that doesn't need a bag, a tray or a box to keep it fresh. Trader Joe's cloth bags are great for carrying your groceries if you don't already re-use their paper ones. Their plastic wrapped vegetables are not so great.

If Junk mail seems to take up the bulk of your bin you can request to be removed from mailing lists by contacting the Direct Marketers Association. They have a simple online form but do require a $1 processing fee. Removing yourself can cut back on those pesky telemarketing calls too.

#13. Return to The Natives
One of the best things about living in California is the abundance of native plants. They're as hearty as they are pretty. Planting non-native species just require more water, more time, so more precious resources. I've never met a SoCal landscaper who doesn't offer a low-maintenance native plant garden. Most garden blogs, like Domino Mag's Germanatrix, offer great tips.
FYI: most palm tress are not native to LA but a lot of succulents are. Go to the cactus section first in your garden store before looking at those non-drought resistant expensive flowers.

#17 Clean Your Wheels
Can't clean commute quite yet? I feel your pain. Maintaining your car, hopefully it's a lightweight low emissions/high gas mileage model already, is the next best thing. If your car is not running at its most efficient 'cuz you've got too much junk in the trunk or your tires are low, you're crippling yourself. Your air filter should always be clean too and regular tune ups must happen as often as your oil changes.

#20 Heat Less Water
Contrary to what your grandmother might have told you, hot water does not get you and your clothes cleaner. Detergents kill the germs. So washing your clothes on the cold cycle is not a bad thing. Ridiculously hot showers also do not provide the health benefits past generations preached. Hot water on cold skin actually dries you out faster. Get yourself a good loofah some eco-friendly lotion and learn to love the warm bath. Hot is not necessary and in fact the most wasteful aspect of your already wasteful home water heater. Concerned about your roommates or apartment sharers? Just turn down the water heater a notch at a time. In a while you (and your neighbors) will never know the difference until you get your next power bill.

LA Mag also suggests maximizing the water heater's efficiency with an insulating jacket. Or just toss the thing for a tankless system. The Gas Company will even give you a rebate if your water tank is more than 10 years old. If it is, you better toss it anyway. The old models are just energy suckers.

For all 25 tips pick up the Los Angeles Magazine before it leaves the newsstand (you can spot it 'cuz Christina Ricci is on the cover) or check out any of the environment friendly sites listed above. The green trend has been out there, now we have to be discerning and spot the best use of our resources.

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