While dips in the pool, trips to the park, and fireworks in the sky all signal the onset of summer fun, one high utility bill can quickly remind us all how conserving energy might be good for the globe and individuals at the same time. What steps does one take to bring down the costs of energy consumption and go green?

The most effective measure to take is to look at the options readily available in your home. This means to start a "Three R" campaign to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.

Reduce the amount of items coming into your home. Reuse unwanted items by donating them, or buy items that have already had an owner. Visit the Environmental Division section on the City of Fontana website at www.fontana.org to review a listing of all items that belong in your trash or in the recycle bin. You may also visit the Zero Waste Communities site of San Bernardino County at www.zerowastecommunities.org to print a diagram of suitable items. A quick reference list includes dry and clean paper, cartons, metal cans and trays, plastic containers, and glass bottles and jars. By making a conscious effort to think about what and how you are recycling, you will make a significant impact on your home and wallet. But, what else can be done do to help your home and wallet?

Shade your home and generators. Whether you build a fence parameter around your A/C unit or you plant a tree to provide more shade to the home, you will save money in the long run. As a certified Tree City USAT, Fontana can offer several resource brochures to help you correctly plant a new tree. The shade will keep your home cooler and add value to the home when it is time to sell. To find out more about trees and tree planting, visit the National Arbor Day booth in the City Hall building or go online to www.arborday.org to find out what trees are zoned for this area. This can save you a lot on monthly water bills that are guaranteed to be higher.

Conserve water by taking a few preventative measures. If you are planning on putting in irrigation, go with drip irrigation as it will use less water. The American Water website at www.americanwater.com offers a listing of 49 tips to conserve water both inside and outside. The tips are original and include insulating water pipes to get hot water faster and checking your water meter after a two-hour period, any change in the meter means there is a leak which is costing you money.

Recycling and going green do not simply help you to save money; they may actually help you to make money, too. Nancy Dacumos, the senior environmental control technician for the City of Fontana, advises individuals to look in the phone book for a listing of all the recycling centers that give money back for bottles and cans. The city also runs programs that allow sports groups and clubs to raise money through recycling. By recycling bottles and cans, the City will double the amount and give the group a gift card to participating store locations.

The City also returns money to citizens through the annual national competition, Cans for Cash. Last year, Fontana won the population category size for the national recycling competition offered by Keep America Beautiful and was awarded $5,000 to put back into the community through the recycling program. This year's recycling competition will run in September, so if you want to donate your cans to help the community, start saving now.

Conserving money and resources goes hand in hand. Consider taking the small steps to help your own bank account and the environment. If you are, sign the "Think and Act Earth Wise" pledge and share it with your family. Get everyone involved in helping the environment.

To find out more about becoming an environmentally friendly household or for a listing of items that may be recycled, please contact Nancy Dacumos at (909) 350-6531. To read about the water rate hike and how you can voice your opinion, please visit the city website at www.fontana.org and click on Fontana Water Company Rate Increases.