Reducing your carbon footprint

Around the Home

Did you know that taking a few simple steps to reduce your carbon footprint will not only help the planet but will also save you money?

Here are some ideas:

Only run your dishwasher when it is full.

If you are using air conditioners or heaters, always keep your doors closed.

Turn your airconditioner or heater off an hour before you leave home.

Set your air conditioner to 24 degrees Celsius - it is a comfortable temperature and will save both energy and money.

Defrost your fridge regularly.

If possible, buy appliances that have a high energy efficiency rating.

If you don't want to receive junkmail - make sure you put a sign on you post box - production of paper products and printing are two of the biggest causes of carbon emissions.

Whenever possible, use a clothes line to dry your clothes rather than a tumble dryer.

Turn all appliances off at the wall - standby power can add significant amounts to both your electricity bill and greenhouse emissions.

If possible, use a laptop rather than a desktop computer - laptops use significantly less energy.

If you are making a cup of tea or coffee, only boil as much water as you need.

If possible, buy local foods and products - this saves on energy used in shipping and transporting foreign goods.

Try to eat foods that are in season - foods grown out of season require lots of energy to produce.

Try to reduce the amount of meat you eat and particularly try to cut down on beef. Although prime rib is tasty, cows are a prime contributor to greenhouse gases.

Take your own bags when you go shopping and say no to plastic bags provided by the store.

Avoid foam cups - if you're a coffee lover bring your own cup. Lash out, spend $5 on an insulated re-usable cup and your coffee or tea will stay hot for longer.

If you have room in your yard, set up a small garden to grow some of your own fruit and vegetables - you'll get the freshest produce and you will save money.

Avoid fast food - sure it is convenient but it is one of the most costly ways to eat - costly to both your pocket and the planet - oh, and it is not very good for you.

Get your kids involved in being environmentally friendly - afterall, it is their future that we are trying to protect.