Save Energy
At home:
- If you are about to buy electrical appliances, select models with the highest energy-efficiency your budget can afford! They may be more expensive according its purchase, but you will gain the specific amount through the savings of energy consumption.
- Replace the lights you use most with compact fluorescent lamps. They may cost more than ordinary lamps, but you end up saving money because they use only around 25% of the electricity needed to provide the same light. Furthermore, they last at least 4 times longer than ordinary lamps!
- Turn off the lights when you don't need them.
- Don’t leave your electrical appliances (televisions, videos, stereos, computers) on ‘stand by’ mode, but turn them off when they are not in use.
- Fill the gaps of your doorways and windows. Draughts make your home lose on energy.
- Insulate your water heater, attic, floors and walls. Place aluminum foil behind heaters that lean against external walls.
- Fit solar panels on the roof of your home. This way you turn your own home into a clean power station!
- Use your washing machine or dishwasher only when you have a full load. Select a low temperature wash and economy programs.
- Don’t leave refrigerator doors open for longer than necessary. Defrost your refrigerator in a regular basis and keep the fridge at the right temperature.
At office or at school:
Many of the tips and hints for home apply to office and school as well. Additionally, you can do the following:
- Make sure to run an “energy audit” at your building. Specialists will evaluate the points on which you have energy loss and suggest what you can do about it. You can ask from your company to control all the use of your energy, including the production and vehicle proceedings, and seek other means of energy saving.
- Purchase office equipment (computers, photocopiers, printing machines) with the highest energy efficiency. In this way, you save money from your electrical bills.
- When you are taking a break, put your computer on a screen saver mode.
- Save paper (and the energy used for its production) by printing on both sides and recycling the used paper.
When you are on the street/on the move:
- Τry to leave your car at home for small distances.
- For large distances, use public transport such as buses, the subway and train.
- If you have to buy a car, choose one with high fuel efficiency which is eco-friendly. Thus, you will save money and no carbon dioxide will be released in the atmosphere.
- When you are waiting in your car, turn off the engine.
- Make sure that your car tires have the right balance – if they do you can save up to 5% of your gas cost.
- Don’t overload your car and remove heavy items from your car’s trunk when not needed.
Source: www.wwf.gr