1. Use Energy Efficient Lightbulbs
Energy efficient lightbulbs are a simple way to reduce the amount of power you use. Not only will this help the planet, it will also save your bank balance too. By replacing just one lightbulb, the effect can be tremendous. If every house in the USA did this, it would reduce pollution by the same amount as removing one million cars from the road!
2. Turn Your Computer Off Overnight
If you turn your computer off every night, you will reduce the power you use. You will save an average of €12 a year. It’s not a huge amount, but better in your pocket than your energy supplier’s right?
3. Don’t Pre-Rinse the Dishes
If you can’t live without your dishwasher, then at least cut the pre-rinse. With a decent detergent, your dishes will be just as clean and you can save a lot of water per load. Of course it’s always better to do the dishes by hand.
4. Don’t Pre-Heat Your Oven
Unless it’s absolutely essential, for example if you’re making bread, you don’t need to pre-heat the oven. You can just set it away when you are ready to start cooking. Bonus tip: When checking the food, look through the door rather than opening it until the final check.
5. Always Recycle Glass
Did you know that un recycled glass can take up to a million years to decompose? Always make sure to recycle your glass. It can reduce related water pollution by up to fifty percent and related air pollution by up to twenty percent.
6. Use A Clothesline
Don’t use a machine dryer. Hang clothes outside to dry naturally. The material will last longer, it will smell and feel fresher and of course, you are saving on that power usage!
7. Have A Vegetarian Day
You don’t have to give up meat for life, but try to commit to one meat free day a week. It takes more than 9000 liters of water to produce just half a kilo of beef. And each hamburger that comes from animals on ex-forestry ground is responsible for the destruction of 5m2 forest.
8. Don’t wash half loads
For your own pocket, and the good of the environment, don’t wash half loads. Wait until there’s enough to do a load and cut your laundry in half. Also, think about the water temperature. If every household switched to 30 degrees Celsius, it could save the equivalent of 100,000 barrels of oil each day.