You don't have to spend money to save the planet. Investing in items like the Smart Power Strip will conserve energy and cash.

Simran says most people don't know that plugged-in appliances and electronics use energy even if they're turned off. "We're spending all this money to power things that are in the off position," she says. "We call it vampire standby power."

To cut your electricity costs, Simran suggests plugging in your electronics to the Smart Power Strip, which retails for $32.95. Then, when you turn off the power strip, all the items plugged into it will also power down. "I love this thing," she says.

Over time, you'll see your monthly electricity bill and your energy usage decrease.