Art Bird has lived in his Freeport home for 18 years. Earlier this year, he teamed up with CoMed to perform a home makeover with a twist. Instead of new window treatments, his house got an energy efficient face-lift. It featured a new fridge, more insulation, and a new furnace complete with automatic thermostat. With colder winter weather on its way, Art says you can really feel the difference!

"I think the house seems to heat up faster, and it holds its heat, once its there."

It appears the "live green" message has started to spread...it's even changing the way we shop!

We talked to a few shoppers out and about in the stateline:

"We're starting to buy appliances that save a lot of energy as far as refrigerators, dishwashers, even washing machines. We bought a washing machine that saves energy!"

"I use paper plates more than styrofoam because styrofoam is not good."

"Use bags that you can use all the time...and not use so much plastic and paper."

Take advantage of the holiday shopping season by giving smart gifts! Popular gifts like electronics and other products that come with the ENERGY STAR label can cut energy bills by 30 percent! But saving our resources will take more than smart shopping..."

Wisconsin governor Jim Doyle recently said the midwest is poised to be the "saudi arabia of renewable energy." Starting next month, four huge caterpillar generators at the Winnebago Landfill will start turning out $2.5 million bucks worth of electricity a year!

Stateline residents say we don't have to get too high tech to do our part and do Mother Nature a favor...

"Dont take so many trips in your car! Try to get in done in one trip!"

"...Get more companies to recycle, for one!"

"You know, we have recycle bins. If they would just use them...that would help a whole lot."

Take it from Art...it's easier than you think!

"I think that everybody recognizes that they could make an improvement! "