Green Tips for February

1. While brushing your teeth turn off the water. You can save approximately 95 L of water a month just by following this simple task.

2. Suggest sustainability ideas to implement at work. Suggest some ideas at work to make your workplace more sustainable, ways to save energy, water, recycle, re-use, save office supplies! This could also save money. Check out these tips to make your office go green, how to make your businesses greener, how to inspire change at your office and making a more sustainable office (see list on the right-hand side).

3. Reduce amount of water in each flush. If you have a toilet that was installed before the early 90's then there is probably more water being used than needed. Look into putting a water displacement device in the tank.

4. Wash dark clothes and colours in cold water. This saves both energy and money, it also keeps the clothes' colours more vibrant.

5. Get rid of unused 'electronic gizmo'. Clocks that have digital timers, power chargers or standby modes are sucking energy (called 'phantom electricity') when it is not being used. When devices are not being used, unplug them.

6. Winter heating: allow sunlight in during the day for passive solar heating then close the blinds at night!

7. Buy energy saving appliances. These are often rated 'Energy Star'. Compare the energy savings when shopping for appliances. Some dishwashers and washing machines will also save litres of water per load!

8. Find out where your energy comes from. Check with your electric company, more energy is generated from coal - the fossil fuel that is the biggest greenhouse gas emitter in the world!

Stay tuned for more green tips next week, until then stay green!

Green Tips of the Week - Jan 31

1. Insulate everywhere. By making sure that your entire house is insulated including but not limited to the roof, attic, floors, walls and basements this will help keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Plus it with save some money on heating too!

2. Battle germs and mold with a green disinfectant. You can buy some in stores or even make your own with common household products. Mix a solution of 3% hydrogen peroxide with two parts water in a spray bottle and use on areas to be disinfected.

3. Go for a walk. Instead of watching TV or booting up the computer every time you're bored take a walk outside! It will also be good for you and the planet.

4. Cut down on dish-washing. Designate yourself a glass for your drinking water or other beverages each day or use a refillable water bottle.
5. Shorten your shower. If you shorten your shower by a couple minutes you could save over 500 L of water/month. Showers use half the water a bath does!

6. Test your Toilet. Put food colouring in your toilet tank. If it seeps into the toilet bowl without flushing, you have yourself a leak! If you fix it, you can save over 4,000 L a month!

Did you know?
Fossil fuels for example coal, oil and natural gas are "non-renewable" because they took million of years to form. Hydroelectricity, wind, solar, tidal and wood-biomass energy are "renewable" forms of energy.


Check back next week for some more Green Tips!