Save those suds
Washing machines are major users of water in the home, so try not to operate them with small loads. If you are buying a new machine look for the 'Star' ratings which indicate good water efficiency: the more 'Stars' the better. Consider buying a front loading machine. They generally use less water than top loaders.
- Water Corporation
1. Use accredited green power: one of the best ways to reduce your carbon emissions is to sign up to electricity from renewable energy sources.
2. Insulate your home: it can save you hundreds of dollars each year on your energy bills and reduce your carbon emissions.
3. Use less hot water: water heating uses about a third of all the energy in the home.
4. Try driving less: you save 1.5kg of carbon dioxide for every 5km you don't drive.
5. Keep your car running well: make sure you keep your car in good working order. When buying a new car try to make your choice based on fuel consumption as much as style or brand.
6. Don't rely on standby: standby power from appliances averages 92 Watts per household or 800kWh per year. This can cost you around $105 annually.
7. Waste not, emit not: every tonne of paper recycled saves almost 13 trees, 2.5 barrels of oil, 4100kWh of electricity, 4 cubic metres of landfill and 31,780 litres of water.
8. Use your air conditioner less: turn your thermostat down 2°C in winter and up 2°C in summer. This can save up to 20 per cent on your heating and cooling bills as well as reducing greenhouse emissions.
9. Buy locally: buy as much produce as possible from local sources. Not only does this help boost the local economy, it reduces the amount of energy needed to get the product to you.
10. Actually do it!
FAQs - Actions |
Can I really save much water just by having a shorter shower?Long, hot showers waste water and power. Conventional showers use on average 12 litres of water per minute. If you cut your shower time by only three minutes, you could save a whopping 13,140 litres in one year. Source Water Corporation
I've seen cars with "Carbon Neutral" stickers on them. What does that mean?Going carbon neutral is an easy way that we can all contribute to a solution by taking responsibility for the carbon dioxide emissions we create with our cars, airplanes and energy use. You can calculate your CO2 emissions using the Carbon Neutral calculator, and offset those emissions by planting trees, either individually, or through a program. Trees absorb carbon dioxide while they grow and trap it for years to come. On average, over 30 years, a tree planted in Australia will absorb 230kg of CO2. Trees also help to combat salinity, reduce soil erosion, clean underground water systems and provide habitat for wildlife. Source Carbon Neutral |
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