Tips for saving energy

10 top tips

1. Fit AAA-rated shower heads. These use as little as 7 litres a minute compared to 20 litres from an ordinary shower head
2. Consider a solar hot water system. This can save as much greenhouse gas as a large car produces in a year and save you thousands of dollars in the long term
3. Use cold water when you can. Wash clothes in cold water and if you must rinse dishes before putting them in the dishwasher, use cold water
4. Only wash a full load in your dishwasher or washing machine. It uses about the same amount of energy and hot water as doing a half load
5. Don't leave outside lights on. A light that's always on wastes a lot of energy over time. Install a timer or motion sensor
6. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs. They use 80% less energy and last up to 8 times longer than conventional light bulbs
7. Fit lower wattage light bulbs in multiple down lights. 75 watt light bulbs use 25% less energy than 100 watt light bulbs. Across a lot of bulbs that's a big saving
8. Use solar lighting in your garden or driveway. It avoids electric cabling and costs nothing to run
9. Think about appliances on standby. Your TV, stereo, microwave, computer and more, all on standby, use a surprising amount of energy
10. Save with the four Rs: Refuse excess packaging. Reduce the amount you buy. Re-use as much as possible. Recycle all the things you can't Refuse, Reduce or Re-use.