Cheap Green Tip 10: Think small

Americans like their things big.

We have larger vehicles. We have super-sized closets that, no fibbing, are often larger than my childhood bedroom. We have bigger plates to accommodate our larger portions.

And we have big houses. In fact, the average home today is 40 percent larger than 35 years ago. More space to store all our crap. More space to escape the annoying habits of those living with us. More space to impress our friends.

But there's a lot to be said for a smaller house. You use less of everything to maintain them. Less furniture. Less energy. Less frilly knickknacks. It really makes you think twice before you buy a hall clock from Pottery Barn.

Smaller houses are often older houses, built closer to city centers. For me, that means my 1,600 square foot ranch (which includes a furnished basement) is just a mile from downtown. I can easily reach shopping, entertainment and services by bus or bike.

Plus, it's very green-hip and eco-fabulous to live fantastically in a small space. Chic, cozy and, though rarely mentioned, cost-effective.

Tip: If you live in a larger home, try closing off a few rooms you hardly use to save energy.