Save Electricity, Water and Money!

Whilst everybody is talking about jolly ho ho's and gifts and presents, it is still a fact that times are getting tough. In times like these, every little bit would help.

So aside from the usual cutting down of leisure's here and there, Look for signs that you may be using more energy than you really need. Leaving power on in unused rooms, soaring electricity bills and wearing shorts in the middle of winter are probably real giveaways! Cut a little energy and you'll be saving money in no time.



Here's how you can save money simply by your choice of habits and better judgment.

Saving money on electricity

• Switch off your heater, air-conditioner and lights in rooms you're not using


• Keep your curtains or blinds drawn at night to keep the heat in


• Use a door snake under the door


• Turn off the heater and put on jumper


• Turn off your electrical appliances at the powerpoint


• Turn off the TV and computer when no-one is using it


• Switch to LED lights which use up to 79% less electricity than traditional halogen incandescent bulbs and save up to $100 a year per 10 bulbs changed.


• Turn on the washing machine and the dishwasher only when they are full

Saving money on water consumption in the

Bathroom

• Have 2 minute showers


• Install water efficient shower heads and taps


• Flush your toilet only when really necessary. Never use the toilet as a garbage can to dispose of cigarette butts, paper tissues, etc.


• When brushing your teeth, turn the water off while you are actually brushing instead of running it continuously. Then use the tap again for rinsing and use short bursts of water for cleaning your brush. (This saves about 80% of the water normally used.)


• Fix a leaking toilet, leaking toilets are the most common leak and can waste up to 25 litres a day.

Kitchen

• Wash clothes with cold water


• Use grey water from your washing machine or shower to water your plants


• Store drinking water in the refrigerator rather than letting the tap run, when you want a cold glass of water. Did you know that you could refill an 8-oz. glass of water approximately 15,000 times for the same cost as a six-pack of soda?


• Don’t let the faucet run when you scrub vegetables or prepare other foods. Put a stopper in the sink instead


• Do not use running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods. Defrost food overnight in the refrigerator or by using the defrost setting on your microwave.