Community Minute is brought to you by Mercedes-Benz of South Orlando...

Growing up your parents were always yelling, "turn off lights!" They probably said it so often, you wondered why they had electricity at all.  Back then we called it cheap, today it's called being green...

Surprisingly enough, those parents were on to something. African Americans are disproportionately affected by global warming and climate change especially in urban areas where exposure to pollutants are much higher. Organizations like the Environmental Justice & Climate Change initiative set out to help us incorporate energy efficiency into our daily lives. Not only is being green great for the environment but our pockets too; and who doesn't like to save a lil green?

Below are some easy ways to get started on energy efficiency:

1. Check the room temperatures - a one degree Celsius reduction in the heat level can cut heating costs by 10%.
2. When cooking, make sure that the cooker ring suits the saucepan. Use the saucepan lids. Gas hobs should only heat the base of saucepans, not the sides. Turn the ring down as soon as the water boils saves energy and money.
3. Always put a plug in the basin/sink when running hot water to save heated water.
4. Switch off the television and stereo rather than leave them on standby - a television on standby uses up to 75%  more energy than when it's in use.
5. And of course, Don't leave lights switched on in empty rooms. 

For more tips on going green visit:  www.futurefriendly.com