The Washington D.C. based non-profit Alliance to Save Energy is making some useful suggestions for New Year energy saving resolutions:

• if bad weather is keeping you from running for exercise, think twice before using that treadmill in the basement. ASE states that average treadmill uses between 600 and 700 watts of energy. Elliptical machines and stationary bikes are generally a much more energy-efficient choice.
• when travelling, consider taking a bus or a train instead of flying, as these modes of transportation are generally more energy-efficient. If you do fly, check out the International Council on Clean Transportation’s rankings of the most fuel efficient airlines.
• Seal your home’s air leaks; add insulation to your home; install and set a programmable thermostat; put in energy saving window treatments.
• advocating for energy efficiency policies is a great way to become more politically active and help your community.
• energy efficiency has a huge untapped potential: if the U.S. doubled its energy productivity by 2030, America could save $327 billion a year by 2030. That translates to $1,039 a year for each household…which would be enough to pay off all existing American household credit card debt!

More details, and more suggestions, at http://www.ase.org/blog/add-energy-efficiency-your-new-years-resolutions