Bribing the kids to save water and energy

June 24, 2007 on 1:45 pm | In energy saving, environment, media water stories | 2 Comments

A recent article in The Age outlines how one family has discovered a novel way to save water and electricity in the home, bribe the kids! If the electricity and water usage in GREEN challenge entrant Jill Forwards household decreases, the kids get a pocket money bonus. What a great way to make children more aware of their actions and help the environment.

Wouldn’t it be great if our electricity and water usage could be tracked automatically and electronically.  Households could join a nationwide competition to reduce water usage and electricity consumption.   Schools could compete against schools and businesses against businesses.  Surely this kind of competition would drive households and organisations to invest in green technology and products such as solar hot water, rainwater tanks, and Compact Fluorescent Globes.

Saving Energy, Saving Money, Maintaining Comfort

May 7, 2007 on 10:47 am | In energy saving | 2 Comments

The idea of an energy saving household used to go hand-in-hand with certain images. Signs saying “If It’s Yellow, Let It Mellow”, putting a bucket in the shower with you to save water, or wearing layers upon layers to save on heating bills come to mind. But times they are a changin’- making energy saving much easier, more efficient, and no longer preventing us from leaving the comfort of our normal lives.

The “5 Star Home EnergyRating” has been introduced to help reduce the impact of energy consumption. Gone are the days where hairy armpits and hemp clothing were the trade marks of the green-conscious consumer. It has fast become the new trend of today- the designer, eco-friendly home!

So What Do The Stars Mean?

The energy rating reflects the energy efficiency of a home. How much heat is lost or gained through the home is measured. These measurements are impacted upon by the way in which the home functions- the appliances you have, and the way they are used. The more stars you have, the less energy is being spent.

So Why Bother?

This system is a win-win situation. The 5 Star rating system helps you because it provides you with a high quality, comfortable home, while also helping the environment. Living in a 5-Star home can save you $210 on energy bills and $50 on water every year! You can save up to 5 tonnes of greenhouse gas pollutants every year, too.

Finally, make your home more comfy with the house being up to 5º warmer in winter and 10º cooler in summer depending on the construction materials and design.

By incorporating common sense design principles- finding the most appropriate and renewable fuel source and buying energy efficient appliances and technology, you will not only be able to help the environment, but save on bills too!

10 Energy Saving Tips to Remember!!

  1. Shading: cover all windows to avoid heat coming in
  2. Fans: These are inexpensive and prevent appliance usage
  3. Standby Power: Unplug any appliances not in use
  4. Fluorescent Lights: Save money and reduce gas emissions. They also last longer.
  5. Water Efficient Shower Heads: AAA Rated shower heads dispense less water
  6. Solar How Water: Especially if you live in warmer areas (in Adelaide, solar power can contribute upward of 70%!)
  7. Refrigerators: Buy only 1 if you can. Otherwise, turn off when not needed.
  8. Energy Rating: Use the star ratings to choose appliances
  9. Insulation: Less need for heating and cooling systems.
  10. Switch to GreenPower: A cleaner renewable source of energy.