In the Home
Our household energy consumption and waste-production are destroying the planet. The average household produces around 14 tonnes of greenhouse gases per year. That's like the combined weight of nearly 100 first-grade footballers!
We can make a big difference.
First steps
- Switch off unused lights. Lighting an average home produces about three quarters of a tonne of greenhouse gases. (That's a saving of over half a dozen footballers right there!)
- Switch off appliances on standby. Appliances on standby can account for 10% of your electricity. If you switch off just one appliance at the wall you could save 45 kilogrammes of greenhouse gas. Count them … how many are on standby in your home or office right now?
Big Impact
- Reduce your heating and cooling energy use.
- Keep windows shaded with awnings or blinds.
- Draught-proof your home. Sealing gaps and cracks can save up to 15% of your heating and cooling bill.
- Set your thermostat 1 degree warmer in summer and 1 degree cooler in winter. A tweak and a nudge of your thermostat can save up to 10% on your energy bill. It is most efficient if you keep the temperature set between 25 and 27 degrees.
Switch to GreenPower. By switching to Accredited GreenPower you could cut your carbon footprint by about 70%. (excluding transport) It is easy to do. Just contact an accredited Greenpower provider and they will do all that is required.
A ranking of electricity providers by Green Electricity Watch provides a simple guide to all the Green Power products and which ones make a real difference in reducing global warming.
More ways to shrink your Ecological Footprint
From outside to inside, change the way you eat...