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In an age where a failed presidential candidate can become cool again by advocating green industries and a green lifestyle, it might be time to jump on the bandwagon and veer away from conspicuous consumption.

Yes, a few years ago many people were riding high and thought nothing of purchasing a Hummer, but it and other consumer habits and products are purported to have a negative effect on the atmosphere.

Regardless of what your judgment on the global warming research is, putting a major dent in natural resources simply because you require the entire 12,000 square feet of your home to be blasting full-bore 365 days is no longer acceptable.

The American public seems to be revisiting the principle of making as small an impact on the environment as possible and one of the easiest ways to do that is to run your home efficiently.

If you’re interested in cutting down on the amount of electricity you use, here are some tips from Marco’s provider, the Lee County Electric Cooperative.

Keep your air ducts clean and well-maintained. — The area behind the HVAC filter needs special attention and can usually be cleaned with a soft-bristled vacuum attachment. Also, leaking ducts can increase your use of electricity because not only does conditioned air seep out, but unconditioned air leaks in and increases amount of work the system needs to produce.

Tint or block windows — Many people on Marco are blessed with stunning views of the beach, but unfortunately, those picture windows can wreak havoc on your home’s efficiency. The more sunlight you let in, the hotter your house gets and the harder your air conditioning system has to work. To minimize the effects of having large windows or skylights, tint them or install shades or curtains to obstruct some of the heat from entering.

Keep tabs on your pool or spa. — These recreational havens require a lot of electricity to keep running, so call a pool specialist to make sure that pumps are running as efficiently as possible and schedule these check-ups annually.

Keep an eye on your refrigeration costs. — Our heated climate requires refrigerators to work a lot harder than they would up north and can significantly increase the amount of electricity you use. To guarantee yours is running efficiently, make sure the refrigerator maintains a temperature between 36 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit and the freezer is between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit. Having a unit that operates as little as 10 degrees below these limits can increase your bill by up to 25 percent. Ice crystals in the refrigerator are a bad sign, as is unscoopable ice cream.

Also, try to keep the unit away from heat-producing appliances and windows.

And remember, there’s a reason no one likes to hang out in the garage — it’s hot, and definitely not the place you want your refrigerator.