Green Tips

Here are 25 green tips to help you reduce your impact on the environment and also save some money.

1. Replace the light bulbs in your home with long life CFL (compact fluorescent) bulbs, or even better, Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs. CFL’s last up to 15 times longer than regular bulbs and use up to 80% less electricity than regular bulbs. LED’s last more than 30 times longer than regular bulbs and use up to 90% less electricity than regular bulbs.
   
   
   
   
   
2. Look for the energy efficiency rating when purchasing new appliances. It may cost more upfront but
   it will save you money over time.
   
   
3. Whenever you can use public transport, cycle or walk rather than using your car. If you must drive then try to car pool when you can.
   
   
4. Don’t leave your household appliances in standby mode, as they still use a substantial amount of power.
   
   
5. Wherever possible buy locally produced goods and services. This can eliminate many tones of carbon emissions generated from transportation.
   
   
6. When you next buy a vehicle, purchase one that is as fuel efficient as you can find. This could be an electric, hybrid or internal combustion engine car.
   
   
   
   
7. Clean the lint filter in your clothes dryer. This can significantly reduce your energy usage and your electricity bill.
   
   
8. Bring your own mug to your favourite cafe. Paper cups aren’t usually 100% recycled.
   
   
9. Whenever possible hang your washing out on the clothesline rather than using the dryer.
   
   
10. Only use your dryer, dishwasher and washing machine when you have a full load. Less loads means less electricity and lower bills.
    
    
11. Eat one less serving of meat a week. Methane produced by cattle is a major cause of greenhouse gas emissions.
    
    
    
    
12. Turn your water heater temperature down slightly.
    
    
13. Unplug your phone charger when you’re not using it.
    
    
14. Replace your existing showerheads with low-flow showerheads. This can save you money on water and heating bills.
    
    
15. Dishwashers are usually much more water efficient than washing by hand.
    
    
16. Set your washing machine to use cold water.
    
    
17. Insulate you wall cavities. This can save on heating and cooling bills.
    
    
    
    
18. Check the seals on your refrigerator regularly and replace them when necessary. You’re fridge is one of the major consumers of electricity in your house.
    
    
19. If you own a pool make sure you use a pool cover.
    
    
20. Run ceiling fans instead of air conditioning whenever possible. This is another great money saver.
    
    
21. Make sure your car tires are inflated to the correct pressure. This will ensure that your car is more efficient.
    
    
22. Upgrade/replace the ceiling insulation in your home.
    
    
23. Place a brick in your cistern to reduce the amount of water used when flushing.
    
    
24. Donate or recycle your old belongings rather than throwing them away.
    
    
25. Don't carry unnecessary cargo in the boot of your car - it increases your car's fuel consumption.

So you've done all the green tips (or the easy ones anyway!) and you want to do a bit extra? Then please have a look at our weekly carbon offset subscriptions and sign-up via our home page.

  All donations received will be used to purchase carbon offsets.