Join with people around the globe June 5 to celebrate World Environment Day, a day dedicated to positive environmental action. Since its inception in 1972, the United Nations Environment Programme has spurred awareness about global environmental issues. No matter you spot on the globe, you can take part and ensure a greener, brighter tomorrow for people now and for generations to come. . . .

While you are waiting in the terminal with your flip-flops on, you suddenly remember you didn’t change the thermostat. Now while you are on vacation, your home will be heating and cooling itself as if the whole family is there to enjoy it. Sadly, only the houseplants will feel the cool air conditioning.

This scenario plays out differently if you invest in a smart thermostat. With a smart thermostat, your paradise daydreams are only interrupted for a few minutes. Once you realize your thermostat mistake, you can simply pull up your thermostat on your smartphone and switch the device to vacation mode. After it’s switched, you can go back to vacation without any worries. All because of a smart thermostat, you have peace of mind and a more energy-efficient home. . . .

My home office.

All day, buzzing electronics surround me. My computer bounces with emails while my phone charges for its next call. As the weather changes, I adjust light fixtures and the thermostat to regulate the temperature. Whether you work from home all day like I do or just sit at the computer at night to pay bills, you are probably surrounded by opportunities to help the environment and reduce your overall home electricity bill. Home office energy efficiency tips provide simple, effective ways to change your consumption. These 10 home office energy efficiency tips can be implemented in your home office, cubical space or companywide. . . .

If you are living in Maryland right now, there has never been a better time to improve the efficiency of your home. Why? Because in 2008, Maryland General Assembly passed the EmPOWER Maryland Energy Efficiency Act. This act aims to reduce per capita energy consumption at peak demand by 15 percent from 2007 to 2015. Currently, we live in the middle of this push for Maryland to reduce its energy consumption. . . .

Green settings let me wake up my computer with a wiggle of my purple mouse.

Every day my morning starts the same. I jiggle my mouse and wait for my screen to flicker to my folder-filled desktop. The inside hums; the lights steadily increase their glow. Each electronic indicator brings me closer to the workday but also costs me more energy. . . .