Tips and Hints for Going Green

We have collected a range of tips and hints on caring for the environment. What are your ideas, tips and hints? We would like to hear from you, so Email us, and we will include some of them here.

Just remember, all new habits start with a first step.

Six Green tips

1.  At Home - Programmable Thermostat

A properly configured programmable thermostat can save up to 900kg of greenhouse emissions per year.  A programmable thermostat then may not only help to lower greenhouse gases, but could also help you to save up to 10% on your energy costs. That sounds worthwhile.

2.  At Work - Reduce Paper Waste

There are several ways you can reduce paper waste at work (and at home):

• Keep a peice of paper if it still has one clean side.  

• Try  printing on both sides. 

• Think whether you really need to print a hard copy. 

• Create your own scratch pads from used paper using the reverse clean side. 

• purchase recyclable products.

3.  Energy - Hot Water Heater

Every 5 degree reduction in water temperature can save 3 - 5% in overall energy costs. By setting a lower temperature you could not only reduce energy costs but also potentially extend the life of your water heater as this would help to reduce mineral build up.

4.  Transportation - Avoid the Drive-thru

A lot of petrol is spent waiting in queues at drive throughs waiting for burgers and fries. Maybe you can think of other circumstances when the wait isn't really worth the cost to the the environment.

5. Green Products - Reusable Bags

Try bringing your own bags to go shopping when you are out. Most shops will sell you environmentally friendly 'green' bags.

6. Be Greenwise

Energy-wise

• Switching off your electrical equipment when not in use

• Turning off your computer at night 

• Turning off the lights when you leave the room

• Buy energy saving equipment

• Reducing the time that lights operate

• Utilise natural light

• Minimise use of air conditioning

• Use solar energy

• Install key tags power controls or occupancy sensors

Water-wise

• Use water sparingly

• wash in cold water 

• Choose water efficient appliances (including toilets, showers, taps)

• Educate guests to encourage responsible use of water

• Consider securing plugs to taps or sinks to stop them going missing

• Implement a policy of on-demand towel exchange

• Select native shrubs and other plants that don’t require additional watering

• Undertake a routine maintenance program to check for leaks

Travel-wise

• Walk and cycle instead of driving

• Car pool

• Use public transport

• Reduce your speed on the open road and switch off your engine when stopped

• Run fuel efficient vehicles

• Offset your emissions via carbon credits

Waste-wise

• Reduce waste by installing refillable dispensers

• Minimise packaging

• Purchase individual cleaners or cleaning systems which can satisfy a number of different cleaning uses

• Purchase in bulk to reduce packaging

• Purchase cleaning chemicals which are biodegradable

• Purchase cleaning products which are phosphorus-free and low in sodium to reduce their impact on waste-water treatment plants

 Community-wise        

• Pay Bills Online to reduce the need for paper, envelopes, stamps and care trips to pay bills. Put a stop to receiving junk mail - this will save a lot of paper and over glossy brochures

• Try developing a carpool - not only will you save on running costs and petrol, you might get o know some more people

• Night lights can reduce the need to have larger, more energy consuming lights on at night

Useful websites

http://www.environment.gov.au/settlements/gwci/index.html

http://www.greenpower.gov.au/home.aspx

http://www.climatechange.gov.au/impacts/pubs/adapting_to.html

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Disclaimer: The information contained in this section should not be used for individual professional advice. Please seek independent professional advice if you have concerns or specific questions relating to your situation.