Simple things like turning off appliances while not in use and switching your light globes to energy efficient bulbs, will all help reduce carbon emission. Even something as simple as turning out lights when you’re not in a room and switching to cleaner sources of electricity like “green power”, make a big difference. It's easy to make energy conservation part of your daily existence.
At home
You don’t have to live in total darkness every day to make a difference. Just follow these five quick and easy tips:
- Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs to save money and reduce emissions. Lighting accounts for around 5% of household greenhouse gas emissions, and CFLs use 75% less energy than an equivalent incandescent bulb. Although the bulbs cost more up-front, you will actually save money through the energy saved and extended life of the bulb.
- Turn appliances off while not in use. Unplug any appliances like mobile phone chargers, TVs, microwaves, MP3 players, which are not being used. Believe it or not, appliances on standby consume up to 10% of your electricity bill.
- Turn off anything that doesn’t need to be on. A good rule is to turn off anything not being used. When you leave a room or leave the house, turn off your lights or appliances like the TV or computer.
- Switch to green power. This is one of the best ways you can make a difference. Contact your electricity provider today and switch to green power, a cleaner, more renewable form of energy that does not contribute to global warming.
- Use less hot water. This is not only a good water saving tip, it saves electricity too. Spend one minute less in the shower.
- Do you know your carbon footprint? Find out! Calculate your carbon footprint and find tips on how to reduce it.
At work
We know many of you have jobs. As well as the very simple things you can do in the office, like printing double-sided and using recycled paper, there are many other ways to help your workplace reduce its carbon footprint.
- Get off standby. Speak to your manager about turning off any equipment at work that is not being used, including computer screens, photocopiers and printers, particularly when the business is closed for the day.
- Turn off lights at the end of the working day. Before you leave your place of work remember to turn off any lights in your workspace and your computer if you use one at work. Remember to unplug your mobile phone or laptop charger when it’s not in use. Speak to your manager about installing motion-sensor lighting when most people have gone home.
- Find out what’s happening in your workplace. Ask about your company’s emissions reduction policies and what’s already in place. Look for ways to reduce energy use in your workplace and encourage improvements. If employers know their employees are willing to make their workplaces environmentally friendly, they’ll be even more inclined to take action.
- Encourage your organization to have measurable emissions reduction targets. Switching to green power, reducing and offsetting energy use and travel, and incorporating this into all areas of the business are critical to this process. Does your company have a plan? If not, help them create one!
At school
Your school can make a difference every day.. Here are some simple steps for you to save energy in your school and classroom today.
Lights & Computers
- Turn-off lights and fans when no one is in the classroom, especially at recess and lunchtime.
- Turn-off computers & monitors when they aren’t in use.
Heating & Cooling
- Keep the doors & windows closed in your classroom when the heating or air conditioning is running.
- Ensure there is nothing blocking air conditioning or heating vents in your classroom.
- Make sure the thermostat settings are not set too high or too low.
Water
- Turn off the taps and bubblers when you are finished.
- Tell a teacher if there is a leaking tap in the toilets, classroom or playground.
Administration
Talk to your principal and teachers to incorporate energy conservation in the curriculum with the goal of developing student awareness about current environmental issues. Knowledge is power!
Source:
Squidoo
White Fence
US Environmental Protection Agency
American Water and Energy Savers
