"Switch Off" To Combat Climate Change

Here is a lost of energy-saving measures we can incorporate into our lives to combat climate change:

1) Switch off the TV and other electrical appliances when you don't need them. Do not leave the appliances on 'standby' mode but turn off the machine. A TV set that is switched on for 3 hours a day and left in standby mode during the remaining 21 hours uses about 40% of its energy in standby mode.

2) Switch off the lights when you don't need them. Switching off 5 lights in hallways and rooms in your house when you don't need them can save money and avoid about 400kg of CO2 emissions per year.

3) Unplug your mobile charger when you're not using it. Even when it is not connected to the phone, it is still draining electricity. There are estimates that 95% of the energy is wasted when you leave the charger plugged in all the time.

4) Keep cool with a fan. Air conditioners use a lot of energy. An average room air conditioner operates at 1000 Watt, causing around 650gr of CO2 emissions per hour. Fans might be an alternative, otherwise use air conditioners sparingly and look for the most energy-efficient model.

5) Use the washing machine or dishwasher only when they are full. If you need to use it when it is half full, then use the half-load or economy setting. There is also no need to set the temperatures high. Nowadays detergents are so efficient that they get your clothes and dishes clean at low temperatures.
6) Use a tumble dryer only when absolutely necessary - each drying cycle produces over 3kg of CO2 emissions. Drying clothes naturally is by far the best way to do it: your clothes will last longer and the energy provided is free and non-polluting!

7) Boil less water. If you only boil just enough water for your cup of tea, you could help save a lot of energy.

8) Cover your pots while cooking. Doing so can save a lot of the energy needed for preparing the dish. Even better are pressure cookers and steamers: they can save around 70%!

9) Take a shower instead of a bath. Doing so takes up to four times less energy. To maximise the energy saving, avoid power showers and use low-flow showerheads, which are cheap and provide the same comfort.

10) Turn off your tap. If you turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, you can save several litres of water. Also, a dripping tap can waste enough water to fill a bath in one month, so make sure to check that they're turned off.

11) Let the light shine in! Decrease your CO2 emissions and keep your electricity bills low by making the most of natural light. Think about choosing pale-coloured walls, ceilings and floors, as well as mirrors, to reflect the daylight.

12) Switch the lights off before going on holiday. To save electricity, before you leave don’t forget to unplug as many appliances as is possible. If the appliances are still plugged in, they continue to use up energy. even if you switch them off.

13) Turn off your computer during your absence from the office for long meetings or lunch hours. You can thus save up to 20 % of your daily electric consumption. Even if it is not you who is paying the electricity bill, think of the environment.

Source of information: European Commission website here.

Thank you to Michelle of Rambling Woods for hosting Think(ing) Green Thursday # 36. To participate or to view contributions from other green thinkers around the globe, please visit here.