MNN - Mother Nature Network

Every once in a while, I come across a really great viral video promoting environmental awareness. This one was just too cute to pass up. The 10-year-old self-described "eco-rapper" has several raps about the environment. The latest in the series is about melting sea ice. You can learn more about Lil' Peppi, who attends the fifth grade in Tampa, Fla., by visiting his website.

So what is the best way for us to help out? I'm republishing my list of the top 10 best ways to reduce your home carbon footprint (originally published in EVO.com). The Rocky Mountain Institute in their publication Solutions to Climate Change (PDF) estimates the the average home in the US spends about $1000 a year on wasted energy, that's roughly 50% of total residential energy use and about 6 tons of CO2 per home. Imagine the impact if just 1 out of 10 homes implemented the strategies listed below -- $10 billion saved dollars and 60 million tons of CO2. Here's the top 10 list:

• Lower your thermostat a few degrees, or get a programmable one: SAVE 7%

• Weather-strip doors and windows, and seal major air leaks like chimneys: SAVE 7%

• Replace 2/3 of your light bulbs (26 or so) with Compact Fluorescent or LED light bulbs: SAVE 4%

• Stop phantom power loss with power strips. Here's EVO's top Power strips picks SAVE 10%

• Buy an EnergyStar refrigerator if your current one is older than 10 years: SAVE 5%

• Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible, and air dry in the summertime: SAVE 4%

• Add insulation and a radiant barrier to your attic: SAVE 4%

• Get a tune-up for your heater and AC unit: SAVE 4%

• Add plastic window films to your windows in the winter: SAVE 3%

• Insulate your water heater and turn it down to 120: 1%

Another big way to reduce your carbon impact is to drive smart. By following the list of gas-saving techniques, a typical US driver can shave 10% off their fuel consumption.