Living green really is easier than you think. If you make a few small changes it can have a great impact on the world around you. Here are some of the tips on green living...

Reduce, Re-use and Recycle.

Reduce. Be more responsible about how you use resources. Look at how you can use less water, less fuel and opt for products that use less packaging, they would probably be fresher and healthier anyway.

Re-use. Products often have more than one life, ice cream containers become lunchboxes and shoe boxes become material for school projects. Save money and time by finding new uses for used items you are have.

Recycle. Recycle your waste. Paper, plastics, cans and even glass can also be recycled. Use recycled paper and other products as much as possible at home and at work.

Starting at home

Conserve energy:

  • Turn off lights in unused rooms.

  • Unplug idle appliances.

  • Replace traditional incandescent light bulbs with more energy-efficient compact fluorescentlamps.

  • Switch out conventional hot water heaters in favour of solar hot water heaters.

  • Use less hot water. It takes a lot of energy to heat water. Don't fill the kettle to make one cup.

  • Lower your geyser's heating temperature.

Conserve water:

  • Choose a shower instead of a bath.

  • Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth.

  • Repair leaks and dripping taps.

  • Replace traditional showerheads and toilets with pressurised low-flow alternatives.

  • Capture rainwater to irrigate the garden.

Insulate your home

Over 30 percent of your home's heat escape through the roof. Install a layer of insulation and you can save on heating and cooling costs.

Other things you can do

Use a clothesline instead of a dryer whenever possible.

Put a lid on saucepans and pots. This will reduce the amount of energy needed to cook your food.

Maximise natural lighting. During the day, let the natural light in by opening curtains and blinds and closing them at dust to keep in heat.

Only run your dishwasher when there is a full load and use the energy-saving setting.

Plant a tree. A single tree will absorb one ton of carbon dioxide over its lifetime. Shade provided by trees can also reduce your air conditioning bill by 10 to 15 percent.

Use a clothesline instead of a dryer whenever possible.

Buy fresh foods instead of frozen ones. Frozen food uses 10 times more energy to produce.

Buy locally grown and produce foods. Buying locally will save fuel and reduce related emissions.

Buy eco-friendly products.

Walk or cycle to the corner store and back.

Be more responsible at work

  • Choose laptops over desktops. Laptops consume five times less electricity.

  • Support the implementation of your organisation's environmental policy.

  • Ensure that every aspect of your business operations has the least harmful effect on the environment.

  • Recycle and use recycled paper.

  • Turn off air-conditioners, computer and lights when you leave office.

  • Maximise natural lighting. During the day, let the natural light in by opening your office blinds.

  • Use tele-conferencing facilities. By utilising technology you can reduce your need to travel to meetings especially flying.

  • Educate others and keep them aware about the environmental impact of their business operations.

    • Going green when travelling

  • Reduce your car use. Use your car emissions by using public transport or car-pooling.

  • Change your driving habits. You can save a lot of money and fuel by avoiding harsh braking and accelerating. Check your tyre pressure regularly and cut down on air-conditioning, open a window instead and get some fresh air.

  • Park in shady areas when possible. This will minimize the los of fuel due to evaporation.

  • Service your vehicle regularly. This will save you fuel cost and reduce emissions.

  • Make sue that your tyres are properly inflated. Under-inflated tyres can cause fuel consumption to increase.

    • One of the highlights at this year's Johannesburg Homemaker's Expo, on from 19 to 22 February 2009 at the Coca Cola Dome in Northgate, will be the brand new Green Living project. This feature area will take centre stage at the show with 90m² of pure environmentally friendly solutions.


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