SAVING the environment is easier than we think. You can do your part by changing your habits.
We can cut down on our energy and water usage, and change our eating habits to conserve natural resources.
We can redesign our homes to be more environment-friendly. Once you’ve changed your lifestyle to be environment-friendly, you can educate others to do the same.
Start with switching off household appliances that are not in use, such as lights, televisions, computers and printers.
Leaving devices, such as laptop chargers and toasters, plugged in can take up “phantom” energy. Even when an appliance is turned off, it still uses power because the applications in the appliance use electricity.
It is best to unplug appliances that you do not anticipate using in the next 36 hours, or more.
Trade in your dryer for a good, old-fashioned clothesline. Air drying leaves your clothes smelling fresh and is environmental-friendly.
Tumble dryers are among the biggest energy users in households, after the refrigerator and air-conditioner.
If you use a dryer, keep the vent clear for safety, as well as energy efficiency.
When using a washing machine, make sure you have a full load of clothes. Do not put a couple of dirty clothes into the washing machine as it will not help to conserve water and electricity.
You can hand wash clothes in the sink or buy an energy-efficient washing machine that doesn’t use a lot of water.
Run your air-conditioner sparingly. Air-conditioners use a great deal of electricity. Use natural ventilation or a fan to keep cool as much as possible.
If you do use an air-conditioner, set it to a slightly lower temperature than the outdoor temperature.
Remember that setting the temperature lower means using more electricity.
Conserve water. The average family of four uses about 1,500 litres of water every day. Make conscious choices to reduce your water consumption.
Turn off the faucet while you brush your teeth. Install low-flow faucets (taps) or aerators, low-flow shower heads and low-flush toilets.
If you hand wash your car, park it on your lawn and use buckets and sponges. Use the hose to rinse. Use a hose nozzle to stop the water flow or turn the nozzle off between rinses.
If possible, use eco-friendly detergent.
Most of us are aware of the benefits of recycling. In these times, it’s good to save some money.
Recycling used materials like aluminium cans or glass bottles is a great way to cultivate the recycling culture in the home as it brings long-term benefits.
To encourage people to recycle, the government and independent organisations have introduced various programmes. Besides organising your garbage and recycling glass, metal or paper, there are many ways to contribute to the cause.
The most important thing is that we are saving the environment for future generations.
Lionel Perera
Port Dickson, Negri Sembilan