This Earth Month, the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)^TM wants to help you reduce your environmental impact through the smart use of consumer tech products. Here are tips to trim your energy bills, reduce waste and get the most out of your technology:

 TIP #1: Use smart home technology to maximize your home’s energy efficiency. The Internet of Things (IoT) connects everyday objects – thermostats, refrigerators, lights – to the internet, providing personal, economic and environmental benefits. CTA projects sales of smart home products to reach 29 million units in 2017.

• DID YOU KNOW: Using IoT and home automation technology has the potential to reduce energy consumption in U.S. households by as much as 10 percent, according to a recent CTA study.

TIP #2: Purchase energy efficient tech products. Look for the ENERGY STAR label to help find energy efficient devices. These products provide the same functionality as other devices but use less energy. Also, consumers shopping for TVs in stores or online can reference the EnergyGuide disclosure for information about energy use.

• DID YOU KNOW: CTA research shows that powering your TV for one year costs $20.12 on average – that’s 39 cents a week.

TIP #3: Recycle your old electronics. Recycling your consumer tech devices has never been easier. GreenerGadgets.org helps you find your nearest recycling location simply by entering your ZIP code. Or consider reselling or donating your older tech products to a family member, nonprofit, school or local community organization.

• DID YOU KNOW: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found consumer electronics have the fastest growing recycling rate of any product category in the U.S.     

TIP #4: Don’t forget to recycle packaging from online orders. Much of the packaging protecting your new tech product can be recycled.

• DID YOU KNOW: Innovations in consumer tech packaging is helping to reduce costs, the use of natural resources, emissions and overall waste while still fully protecting the product.

“Across the consumer technology industry, innovators and manufacturers are diligently working to make our devices more efficient – from using better and fewer materials in the actual tech products to making our devices more energy efficient,” said Walter Alcorn, VP, environmental affairs and industry sustainability, CTA. “And we want to make recycling your older tech products – or ‘ecycling’ – as easy as buying new ones. In fact, more than 8,000 responsible recycling locations are now available to consumers throughout the United States.”

For more tips on how to live green, buy green, and recycle electronics responsibly, use CTA’s Consumer Electronics Energy Calculator and Electronics Recycler Locator tools at GreenerGadgets.org.

Want to learn more about how tech companies are making environmentally responsible choices? You can find more stories and great tips on leading a cleaner, greener life at CTA.tech/Green.