With daylight savings beginning this Sunday, we'll enjoy longer daytime hours a whole three weeks earlier than usual. Lowe's recommends homeowners use the 21 hours of additional daylight wisely doing green projects that will "make Mother Nature smile." Although Lowe's is out to drive sales, there is no question that their green project ideas really are good for the environment. Studies show that American homes are the huge energy wasters. Simple changes in the home can make enormous differences not only in the conservation of energy but also your bank account.

I certainly appreciate a company with innovative marketing technique that is not just about greenwashing, but green advocacy. Check out Lowe's "affordable" green projects "that every homeowner can tackle in one hour or less:"

1. "Install a dimmer switch -- the bathroom is a great place in the home that many people forget about when it comes to installing dimmer switches. Who likes bright light in the morning, anyway? Dimming lights can save big on electricity bills."
2. "Prep the lawn and garden beds for spring with all-organic products, such as Miracle Gro(R) Organic Choice Lawn Fertilizer (#40582, $17.97).
3. "Install solar powered landscape lights such as the Malibu 6-Light Tier Solar Light Kit (#100229, $19.98)."
4. "Attack unsightly weeds Old Man Winter left behind with Woodstream's organic Weed Prevention Plus (#193811, $9.97).
5. "Install an ENERGY STAR approved ceiling fan, which uses up to 75 percent less energy."
6. "Replace the thermostat with a programmable one and enjoy up to 33 percent year-round energy cost savings."
7. "Design a new outdoor living space using Trex(R) decking available now at Lowe's, which is made out of post-consumer recycled materials and does not require preservative treatments or sealing. Visit http://www.lowes.com/decks to begin designing your deck today".
8. "Replace standard light bulbs with compact florescent ones -- it's an easy way the entire family can help save energy."
9. "Add a fresh coat of Olympic Premium Interior Paint (Latex Flat, #52839, $16.92 a gallon). It has no VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which can be harmful to both your health and the environment's. Or, try Valspar's line of Signature Interior Paint which is has low VOCs ($28.98 a gallon) and features Martha Stewart's all-new color palette available this spring exclusively at Lowe's."
10. "Get a jump start on spring cleaning. Spend an hour each day cleaning and organizing the garage. Mop the floor with Simple Green(R) All Purpose Cleaner (#214388, $9.46), which is non-toxic and biodegradable or Method cleaning products, which are also eco-friendly and now available at Lowe's."
11. "Tackle mowing and save on CO2 emissions by purchasing an electric mower for trimming the lawn this year. Check out Black & Decker's(R) 12-Amp Lawn Hog Electric Push Mower (#147398, $229)."
12. "Replace single-pane windows with ENERGY STAR qualified models to keep cooling costs down this spring and summer."