How did Americans fare at becoming greener last year? Here’s some stats.

Percentage of Americans who:

• Installed more energy-efficient light bulbs: 63 percent
• Purchased energy-efficient appliances: 36 percent
• Started paying bills online: 46 percent
• Switched to paperless financial statements: 40 percent
• Donated an electronic device for recycling: 41 percent
• Switched from bottle to tap water: 29 percent
• Installed a low-flow showerhead: 17 percent
• Installed a low-flow toilet: 16 percent
• Made home improvements (e.g., windows, solar panels or insulation) that provided government tax credits: 14 percent
• Bought a more fuel-efficient car: 13 percent
• None of these: 13 percent

Don’t forget, there’s still one more year to take advantage of the energy tax credit. If you receive a refund this year, please consider putting it back into your house by purchasing an upgrade that qualifies for the energy credit.

This list can give you some ideas of things you can try — if you haven’t already. You can find a low-flow shower head around $30. For more water efficiency, simply remember to turn off the water while brushing your teeth and keep showers short.

If making energy upgrades in your home is a little too costly for you, consider easy fixes like shrink-wrapping windows and using draft guards on windows or doors during the rest of the winter. These efforts will makes your home warmer, keep your energy bill down and save power.

Related...

• December 3, 2009 -- What is a HERS Rating?
• November 13, 2009 -- Incentives for an Energy Efficient Home
• February 8, 2010 -- Tax FYI: Energy Star Credit
• October 6, 2009 -- Filing for the Energy Tax Credit