My family already recycles but we want to do something more substantial to protect the environment. Any suggestions?

Expert QA

From the Editors of Las Fabulosas

It’s often the culmination of little things that matters when it comes to decreasing your carbon footprint. Here are some surprising energy-saving tips your family can try to stop vampire energy drains.

Schedule a home energy audit. Ask an expert to come to your home and point out every place where it’s leaking energy. RESNET, a nonprofit that teaches homeowners and renters about power conservation, lists independent auditors across the country.

Recycle towels and blankets. Instead of throwing them out, donate old towels and blankets -- especially fleece -- to a local animal shelter. The handlers will put them to good use for cleaning and pet bedding purposes.

Stuff your fridge. When you open your fridge or freezer door, warm air gets inside. Your fridge then requires more energy to keep the cooler temperature. But if you keep the space packed with food, the warm air will have less space to fill.

Look for environmentally-friendly products. Companies are taking notice of the green movement. Look for home care products like detergents created for cold-water use, two-in-one beauty products like razors with shave gel bars to eliminate bottle waste, and packaging made of natural or recycled materials.

Francesca Velasquez   Francesca Velasquez is a first-time contributor to Las Fabulosas.