If you buy accredited green power from your energy supplier, your electricity will come from clean renewable resources like wind and solar. Green power is available from your usual supplier in nearly all Australia states, although some suppliers are more green friendly than others. To find out about clean energy suppliers in your area, visit: www.greenelectricitywatch.org.au
Alternatively, if you own your own home, consider installing a solar system on your roof so that most of your heating, cooling, lighting and hot water will be free – the federal government offers a photovoltaic rebate program to offset initial costs (see www.greenhouse.gov.au)
Switch appliances off at the power point to save up to 10%:
Appliances with remote controls or ‘soft’ switches such as TVs, VCRs, microwaves, stereos, computers and some washing machines use considerable power when in ‘standby’ mode. Always switch these appliances off at the power point when not in use.
Set your computer to enter ‘sleep’ mode and when not in use for an extended period of time, switch it off at the monitor (using the button).
An average Australian home generates over 750 kilograms of greenhouse gas each year simply from appliances in ‘standby’ mode.
Save on energy used to heat water:
Take shorter showers and wash clothes in cold water – water heating is a major use of energy in most homes. However, some clothes, such as nappies or clothes with oily stains, need to be washed in hot water.
Also, turn off your hot water system when you go on holidays.
Use off-peak electricity for heating water.
If you own your own home, consider installing a solar hot water system – this will pay for itself over time, and government rebates are also available (see www.greenhouse.gov.au)
Purchase appliances with the highest EnergyStar rating:
For example, buy a washing machine with a AAA+ energy rating – some washing machines have built in heating systems to use less energy overall.
Use compact fluorescent lights instead of incandescent light globes:
They provide just as much light and use 75% less power, lasting much longer than incandescent globes (usually a number of years longer), saving between $40 to $70 over the life of just one bulb.
Also, turn lights off when you leave the room – it is not true that turning lights off for a few seconds is a waste of energy.
Facilitate an energy efficient fridge:
Set your fridge temperature to 5 degrees and your freezer to -18 degrees.
Leave room around the top, sides and back of the fridge to allow heat to escape, and make sure the fridge is placed in a cool place out of direct sunlight.
If your fridge/freezer has exposed rear coils, vacuum or wipe the dust off.
Regularly defrost the freezer.
Ensure that fridge seals are cleaned regularly, and replaced if worn.
Avoid using the clothes dryer:
Hanging clothes outside to dry will save on energy use. The sunshine/air are better for killing bugs and your clothes will last longer also.
If you don’t have a clothes line, invest in a clothes drying rack – in Australia clothes dry very quickly, even when left indoors.
If you need to use a clothes dryer, wait until you have a full load.
Only run your washing machine and dishwasher when you have full loads (this will also save water!)
Save energy on your home heating and cooling:
Heat and cool only the rooms that you are using, closing the doors between these rooms and the rest of the house.
Before turning the heater on or up, put another layer of clothing on.
Lowering the thermostat of heaters and raising the thermostat of cooling systems by one degree can reduce energy use by 10%.
Use a timer on your heater or cooler to ensure that it turns off when nobody is home.
Seal around draughty doors and windows with seals, gap filler or door snakes.
Reduce your reliance on air-conditioning by shading your house from summer heat – shade sails, external blinds, pergolas and deciduous vines can all help.
Heavy lined curtains and pelmets help to keep warmth in during winter and heat out during summer. Pelmets (covers over the top of curtains) are important to stop draughts caused by airflow between curtains and windows.
Fill the kettle with the minimum amount of water needed.
Save energy on your lighting costs:
Consider solar lighting for your porch and garden. Decorative solar garden lights are now available in inexpensive kits.
Install time switches on your lights or movement and light sensors that provide security while saving money and energy.
Use gas instead of electricity wherever possible.
Walk, ride a bike, take public transport or carpool.
Australian Greenhouse Office: Home guide to reducing energy costs and greenhouse gases...
For more information on energy saving tips around the home, visit www.greenhouse.gov.au
GreenFriends Australia: 