Simple ways to make your home more eco-friendly.

In the last five years Americans have jumpstarted their lives into a more “green” light, finally realizing the effects of global warming and pollution. Austin, of course, likes to stay atop the green movement, taking an active role in developing green energy sources such as wind power, biodiesel, and promoting hybrid vehicles for city fleets. Austin has even set the goal to become the most energy-efficient city in the nation by 2015, a milestone for which we're already well under way. (Don't take our word for it: MSN.com cites Austin among its list of the ten greenest cities in America.)

While city initiatives are wonderful, the effort starts at home. Literally. One of the first places individuals can make a big environmental impact is in their house. While we all take charge in our own ways to become more eco-friendly, below are a few tips even Joe Shmoe can follow to convert his home into one that Mother Earth would be proud of.

The path to a greener home.

Every step you take to save energy trims pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and reduces your global-warming burden.  Read more to see a room-by-room guide to trim the "fat" from your home.