SAVINGS
saving money on your electricity and water bills, a way to help environment
Making changes to reduce your energy and water consumption, in both school and at home, can have a positive impact on the environment. In addition, saving energy and water can translate to lower utility bills and operational costs. Keep in mind that even small changes can add up to a big difference.
activities
Learn how you can save water and electricity at home and in the school:
1. Repair the dripping tap and install tap aerator.
2. Place a cistern displacement device in your toilet cistern to reduce the volume of water used in each flush.
3. Take shorter showers and remember that hot water pollutes more and it is more expensive.
4. Turn water off when shaving, washing hands, brushing teeth.
5. Always use full loads in your washing machine and dishwasher.
6. Install a water butt to your drainpipe and use it to water your plants or clean your car.
7. Water your garden with a watering can rather than a hosepipe, and watering in the early morning and late afternoon will reduce evaporation and also save water.
8. Turn off unnecessary lights, where possible use natural light.
9. Use task lighting to directly illuminate work areas. Turn off ceiling lights and use table lamps, track lighting and under-counter lights in work and hobby areas.
10. Unplug unused electronics. Standby power can account for 10% of an average household's annual electricity use.
11. Limit the use of computers and have disconnected time.
12. Don’t leave doors or windows open.
13. Turn off the air conditioner while you're away.
14. Manage your thermostat. If you have electric heat, lower your thermostat by two degrees to save 5% on your heating bill. Lowering it five degrees could save 10%.
15. Wear proper clothing and do exercise. This is healthy and helps people use less electricity to keep warm.
16. Be strategic with window coverings. Promote airflow through your home and block the afternoon sun during summer.
17. Reduce heat in the kitchen. Avoid using the oven in summer, try salads, smoothies or barbecue. You'll reduce the heat in your home and save on your home cooling costs.
18. Wash laundry in cold and hang-drying clothes instead of trumble-drying.
19. Be efficient with refrigeration. Keep your fridge and freezer at their ideal temperature. For your fridge this is between 2°C and 3°C and your freezer should be at -18°C.
20. Use the microwave because it takes 15 minutes to do the same job as one hour in an oven.