Tip No. 1 Limit the length of your shower to five minutes.

Tip No. 4 Use compact fluorescent lightbulbs instead of incandescent bulbs.

Tip No. 11 Try to use as many recyclable containers as possible.

Tip No. 28 Consider composting.

Tip No. 16 To avoid spills, don't "top off" the tank at gas stations.

Tip No. 9 Turn off power strips at the end of the day.

Tip No. 35 Eat less beef and more fruits and vegetables.

Tip No. 14 Make sure your car's tires are properly inflated.

Small changes can add up to a big difference in the way we all treat the Earth.

It's been 40 years since the first Earth Day, an environmental teach-in effort launched by U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin and possibly chosen as April 22 because that's the birthday of Nelson's friend and New York advertising executive Julian Koenig, who named the event.  To honor those 40 years, here are 40 tips to get you started on "saving our planet":

1 Limit the length of your shower to five minutes.

2 Turn off the faucet while you're brushing your teeth.

3 Use desk lamps instead of overhead lights.

4 Use compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs) instead of incandescent bulbs.

5 Buy Energy Star-certified appliances.

6 Walk, bike or use public transportation.

7 Pay attention to your computer's energy management settings.

8 Turn off computers at the end of the day or if they will not be used heavily.

9 Turn off power strips at the end of the day.

10 Invest in a reusable mug, cup or bottle.

11 Try to use as many recyclable containers as possible.

12 Wash your clothes in cold water.

13 Use a concentrated detergent to reduce packaging waste.

14 When driving, slow down and make sure your car's tires are properly inflated.

15 Park and turn off your car, instead of letting it idle.

16 To avoid spills, don't "top off" the tank at gas stations.

17 If possible, telecommute from home.

18 Don't use the toilet as a trash can.

19 Use a microwave instead of a conventional oven.

20 Open blinds instead of flipping the light switch.

21 Open windows instead of using the air conditioner.

22 Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator.

23 Donate old clothes, electronics and furniture.

24 Check and fix water leaks in your home.

25 Replace toilets installed before 1992 with a water-efficient, 1.6-gallon-per-flush model.

26 Research the appropriate plants and proper landscaping to have in the yard.

27 Water only the amount your plants need.

28 Consider composting.

29 If you need to use insect repellent, make sure you follow all directions.

30 Weatherproof and seal your windows to prevent energy loss.

31 Ask your utility company if it can provide energy from a renewable source. Many companies can, although it might cost more.

32 Get rid of paper waste by switching to e-billing.

33 Instead of bottled water, invest in a water purifier.

34 During the summer, skip the hose and use waterless car wash products.

35 Eat less beef and more fruits and vegetables.

36 Shop at the local farmers market.

38 Going hiking? Take a trash bag and help pick up litter.

39 After a busy day of saving the environment, treat yourself to a large bottle of wine. The larger the glass bottle, the less wasteful.

40 Recycle this newspaper.

Sources: Radford University Sustainability Office, Virginia Tech Office of Sustainability, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the California Urban Water Council, and the National Geographic Green Guide