We're bombarded more and more these days with suggestions about how to be good, green citizens of the world, and it seems as if just about everyone has something to say about what you must do to help save those adorable polar bears.

But it can all lead to what green experts call 'eco-analysis paralysis' — and stress!

"There's so much information out there,people feel they just can't do it all," says sustainable interiors designer Kelly LaPlante.

So what's really worth your time and effort in the green stakes? Our down-to-earth strategies will help you make smart decisions, while retaining your sanity.

You've heard opt for cloth nappies, we say, give your washing machine a break.

It's the mother of all eco controversies. At first glance, it may seem like a no-brainer. After all, babies go through an estimated 5000 nappies before they're toilet-trained — that's a lot of plastic piling up in landfills.

But when you factor in the water and energy used to wash all those nappies, the choice isn't as clear-cut. In fact, a British study showed that disposable and cloth nappies have the same environmental impact for that very reason.

"It's easy for people to visualise disposables clogging landfills, but it's not as easy to picture the resources required to launder cloth nappies, so it doesn't seem as alarming," says paediatrician Dr Laura Jana, who researched the issue while co-writing the American Academy of Paediatrics' book, 'Heading Home With Your Newborn: From Birth to Reality'.

Then there's the question of convenience. Cloth nappies need to be changed more often, and how many bleary eyed, spit-stained parents really have the time to wash a dozen to twenty nappies every day?

Many cloth-nappy systems available in SA are also imported, which raises the question of the impact of all those eco-unfriendly air miles. While there's no such thing as a 100 percent biodegradable disposable nappy, some are better for the environment than others.

Those that don't use chlorine in manufacturing don't emit toxins. The closest available nappies to 'hybrids' in SA are those with a re-useable waterproof outer, and a 100 percent cotton nappy with Velcro fasteners and a flushable biodegradable lining. See www.mothernature- products.co.za (R105 per nappy, R90 per cover and about R50 for liners) or www.biobaba.co.za (R160 for nappy with waterproof outer).

Who have heard, replace regular bulbs with compact fluorescents. We say, make the switch in certain rooms, not all

By far, the easiest way to save energy is to change out incandescents for compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), which use about 75 percent less energy and can last 10 times longer. So why hasn't everyone made the swap?

"The main reason is light quality," says Josh Dorfman, author of 'The Lazy Environmentalist on a Budget' (Stewart, Tabori & Chang). "It's still inconsistent across brands."

For a warm, incandescent-like glow, choose a CFL with a lower output, and choose a well-known manu-facturer. Then install CFLs where lighting isn't an issue, such as a hallway, bedroom, living room and bathroom. Finally, remember that CFLs contain a small amount of mercury.

"Most shopping centres have CFL recycling/disposal boxes, often outside the larger supermarkets. On the same hook that you keep your shopping bag, keep a bag in which you can put your used batteries and CFL light bulbs. That way they're at the top of your mind when you go off to the shops and you can get them recycled with minimum fuss," suggests meteorologist Simon Gear in his book, 'Going Green 365 Ways to Change Our World' (Penguin).

You've heard, opt for paper over plastic. We say BYOB

Think about a typical day spent doing errands: You may stop at the pharmacy, book shop, shoe shop, and supermarket. Back home, you unpack 10 plastic bags and toss them in the bin (or use them to hold rubbish), albeit with a tinge of guilt.

Not only do they pile up in landfills, but the cost of the bags adds up unnecessarily. That’s why reusable shoppers are the way to go. You can buy stylish natural and organic big cotton bags, and if they’re personalised, they can make pretty pro-earth gifts.

You've heard that when it comes to food be an organic purist. We say go organic for some products

With signs screaming 'organic' in every aisle, grocery shopping has become downright stressful (especially since organic food can cost 20 to 30 percent more).

But filling your shopping trolley with organic fare doesn't make you the greenest gal on the block.

"When you factor in the use of heavy machinery, extensive processing, and shipping food thousands of km, organic doesn't necessarily mean better for the environment," says Cindy Burke, author of 'To Buy or Not to Buy Organic' (Da Capo Press).

Instead of opting for organic, Burke and other experts advocate buying from local producers whenever possible.

"You can get superior food at a lower price," she says. Besides the reduced processing and transport involved with smaller, local farms, buying items grown close to home also enables you to develop a relationship with producers, so you can ask how they're growing their products (though many smaller farms can't afford to get organically certified, they may not be using pesticides).

If you can't get to a farmers' market, consider ordering produce each week. "Most organic grocers these days will put together veggie boxes that you can pick up or have delivered once a week," says Gear.

As he says, half the hassle of eating green is actually getting the veggies in the first place. This'll save you wandering the aisles trying to work out what’s seasonal and where everything comes from.

You've heard you should redecorate with low-VOC paint. We say do it and breathe easier

There's a reason a fresh coat of paint has that distinct smell — you're breathing in low levels of toxic emissions called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They pollute indoor air and experts believe they also contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer.

Paint toxins can linger for up to three months, causing eye, nose and throat irritation, nausea, dizziness and headaches.

As a green alternative, companies began offering low- and no-VOC paints, improving them to match the durability and coverage of traditional paint, minus the off-gases.

"It's one of the easiest eco-friendly choices you can make," says LaPlante. "They cost more (from 15 percent extra to double the price), but as companies continue to jump on board, we'll see prices coming down."

Rayne Neave, owner of eco-friendly building company, Eco Exhibit, recommends Harlequin and Breathecoat as great local eco-friendly paint brands.

You've heard, replace your toilet, it uses way too much water. We say just a little retrofitting can reduce your water usage.

If you have a perfectly good toilet and aren't in the process of renovating your bathroom, save yourself the hassle and expense of installing a low-flush model.

Start with placing a brick in your cistern. "The brick takes up space, meaning you save that amount of water every time you flush your loo," explains Gear.

If you're upgrading, the best option is a dual-flush (with two options) loo. "Look at the Parker or Workquin brands, both are locally produced which is always good because this saves on the carbon footprint of transportation," says Neave.

A toilet flush uses about seven litres a time, dual-flush toilets can save about three litres (over 25 litres a day per person) a time. For tissues, use the bin, that doesn't use any water at all, says Gear.

You've heard, install a low-flow showerhead. We say, save your bucks.

If you're addicted to that steamy, full-on morning shower, you probably won't be happy with a low-flow showerhead, which cuts water output by 25 to 60 percent.

Rather than stand under a trickle, struggling to rinse out conditioner, take a shorter shower; you'll save nearly 10 litres per minute.

Where you can cut back, however, is your sink. Install an aerator or regulator — they're inexpensive at around R80. They'll reduce water flow by seven and a half litres a minute, which is not a noticeable sacrifice. Ensure that your taps are turned off properly; a little drip lasting for hours can add up to a lot of water wastage.

You've heard, recycle your electronics. We say absolutely!

According to the Consumer Electronics Association in the US, each American household owns roughly 24 electronic items.

In South Africa, the situation could be the same, and it seems every day, newer, better versions of our old cellphones, computers and TVs come out, which means a heap of outdated stuff to get rid of.

But electronics contain hazardous materials, such as lead and mercury, that need to be disposed of properly, so you can't just leave them out on rubbish day. And you shouldn't leave old cellphone handsets lying around in drawers. Some manufacturers are beginning to offer recycling points where you can drop off old phones, but these are still sent overseas to be properly disposed of. Any large cellphone centre should be able to direct you to the nearest recycling point.

Many charities in SA seek used cameras and computers. Or try The Freecycle Network (see www.freecycle.org) — a host of swapping sites where you can post a note about what you want to give away, and interested people can get in touch with you. Of course, be security savvy.

When you are buying new computer equipment, get a laptop, as they're significantly more energy efficient than a desktop PC. Also, choose a manufacturer (such as Apple) which encourages and facilitates recycling.

You've heard you should invest in carbon offsets. We say, don't buy into it.

This is an idea that sounds great in theory, but in practise, not so much. Here's the premise: To offset emissions you create going about your daily business — washing your clothes or commuting to work — you can pay a company that promises to help the environment by, say, curtailing air pollution; developing renewable energy sources, such as wind power; or planting trees.

While it's a brilliant marketing idea, you can't cancel out the effects of your activities, says Dorfman.

"Once you've taken a flight, the emissions from the plane are already in the atmosphere. There's no way to get rid of them, no matter how many trees you plant."

The upshot is that investing in carbon offsets may help to alleviate some of your guilt feelings, but it doesn’t really impact the bigger picture. Curtailing your energy use is much more efficient.

You've heard that you should purchase a hybrid car. We say jump on the bandwagon.

Perhaps nothing screams "I'm pro-planet!" louder than driving a hybrid. They run on a small, fuel-efficient engine combined with an electric motor that assists the engine when you accelerate. Hybrids cut back on petrol use and reduce emissions, and a 2008 report by Intellichoice also found that hybrid cars save consumers money in the long run (despite their higher price tags) through lower maintenance and insurance costs, and fewer repairs.

So if you're in the market for a new auto, shop for a hybrid. If it's not in your budget, there are plenty of other good fuel-efficient cars out there — new and used.

In terms of efficient use of resources, the greenest car on the road may well be an old one.

"A small, old, fuel-efficient run-about with a small engine that is driven carefully and looked after properly is the greenest car," says Gear.

He suggests a 1.3L petrol hatchback will give better fuel economy than a hybrid. Make sure you don't idle unnecessarily and change your car's air filter regularly (every 20000km); clogged filters make your engine work harder and use more fuel.