This year is all about planning daily tasks more efficiently.

My green resolution: Cut back the extra drain standby power has on the environment and my wallet.

There’s a very simple way to save hundreds of dollars every year and help save the planet. The catch? You have to unplug your unused electronics and make good use of the ones that are plugged in.

Surely you’ve noticed by now the little star emblem on many electronics and appliances. This emblem is the seal of the Energy Star program that promotes conservation and a healthy environment.

In lieu of the push toward environmental sustainability, as well as the need to save every penny, the demand and use of the Energy Star program is skyrocketing.

Solar panels for the home are coming down in price as the demand for them rises, and both local and federal government tax incentives help alleviate cost.

My electric bill is slightly lower per square foot with central air than it was when I lived in an apartment with a window unit (which, I have to add, was a new Energy Star appliance).

My TV is great for watching movies and high-definition TV shows, but how much electricity is it taking just to run the thing? The answer is, probably a lot — but not as much as some TVs.

So, you go to shop for new gadgets, devices and appliances and you see Energy Star labels everywhere, but you don’t know what they mean. You may know you’re making a good choice for the environment and for your electric bill, but what’s the big deal?