Helpful Hints for how to Save Energy

Veolia has put together a comprehensive list on what you can do in your home and environment to reduce your energy use.

There are endless things you and your family can do to reduce your impacts on increasing greenhouse gas emissions, here is a list of practical day to day solutions for you and your family:

Kitchen

• Choose an energy efficient Fridge/Freezer and make sure that you do not open and close the doors unnecessarily.
  
• Ensure that the seals on all fridges in your home are airtight.
• Dishwashers should be full and packed correctly, as a half load uses just as much energy as a full load.
• Microwaves are more energy efficient than Ovens.

Lighting

• Make sure lights are only on when needed.
• Use energy efficient light globes.
• Utilise natural light where possible, skylights can be used in most kitchen and bathrooms.

Keeping your home warm

• Gas heaters are cheaper to run, more efficient and more greenhouse friendly.
• Heat your home according to main living areas.
• Keep cold air out by making sure seals on windows and doors are secure.

Keeping your home cool

• Try and avoid using your air conditioning system.
• Ceiling fans are the most energy efficient form of cooling.
• Clean air filters on your air-conditioning units frequently to ensure they are running efficiently.

Cars and other Vehicles

• Minimise your vehicle use where possible. Car pooling, public transport and walking are good means of transport.
• Drive smoothly, and avoid accelerating where unnecessary.
• Keep you car well maintained.

There are resources available to all Australians which not only help dispel many of the myths that exist about climate change and the greenhouse effect, they also provide practical solutions for how we can minimise our own impacts on the environment.

If you are looking for more information please visit

http://www.greenhouse.gov.au/ – Australian Greenhouse Office
http://www.greenvehicleguide.gov.au/ – Green Vehicle Guide
http://www.greenfleet.com.au/ – Green Fleet
http://www.energyaustralia.com.au/ – Energy Australia