earthsave’s 101 earthsaving tips

We have collated the top 101 earthsaving tips from around the globe to ensure you have a one-stop-shop for energy-saving solutions. Many of these tips are common sense but sometimes we forget the basics. If you have more earthsaving tips, drop us an email.

1. Insulate your home.
2. Buy energy-efficient appliances.
3. Make sure all appliances are regularly maintained to remove dust and ensure adequate air flow.
   Check your instruction booklet for directions.
4. Seal and weather-strip doors and windows.
5. Install double-glazed windows.
6. Close off unused areas in your home from heat and air conditioning.
7. Turn off appliances at the wall when not in use.
8. Wear warm clothing and turn down winter heat.
9. Use a hot water bottle or wheat bag.
10. Wear lightweight clothing in summer and drink plenty of water.
11. Open windows and doors to allow cross ventilation in warmer months.
12. Set air-conditioner to 23 – 25°C in summer.
13. Reduce your use of air conditioning.
14. Fans use minimal energy and operate at a fraction of the running cost of air conditioners.
15. For maximum efficiency, set the air conditioning unit to re-circulate cool air instead of pulling warmer air in from outside.
16. Make sure the outdoor section of your air conditioning unit isn’t installed facing the sun (north or west), unless the area will be constantly shaded to allow adequate cooling of the unit.
17. Switch to low-wattage or fluorescent light bulbs.
18. Turn off all lights that don’t need to be on.
19. Clean lamps and shades frequently for better lighting.
20. Use lampshades with a white liner to reflect more light.
21. Connect outdoor lights to a timer or install sensors.
22. Use cold water instead of hot whenever possible (unless you have a solar water heater – use as much as you like as it’s free)
23. Opt for a small-oven, small stove-top or the BBQ when preparing small meals.
24. Thaw frozen foods before cooking to save approximately 15 minutes cooking time per 500 grams.
25. Defrost food naturally instead of using the microwave.
26. Avoid opening the oven door too often.  Each time the temperature drops by up to 15 degrees.
27. It’s best to cook with lids on pots and pans. You’ll achieve better cooking results, including less evaporation, as well as reducing steam and cooking smells in the kitchen.
28. Run dishwashers only when full.
29. Check water and energy consumption for the cycle you will use the most.
30. Look for cycle options that save water, detergent and energy, such as half load or one drawer only.
31. Check that nothing is preventing the wash arms from rotating properly before you start the dishwasher.
32. Don’t hand wash dishes with the tap continuously running.
33. Set refrigerators to 3 – 5°C, freezers to -15°C, no colder.
34. Leave space around the fridge or freezer for air to circulate.
35. Make sure you replace loose or broken seals. Check seals by placing a piece of paper between the door and the seal and then pulling on the paper. If it moves too easily, you need a new seal.
36. Listen to your fridge. Manufacturers advise that refrigeration compressor units should only cycle on 30% of the day, so if you have a continually running unit it’s time for a health check.
37. Turn off, empty and clean the refrigerator and leave the door open when you are away for an extended period.
38. Avoid placing your fridge or freezer next to your oven or stove, or in direct sunlight.
39. Keep the fridge door closed (no grazing! Your waistline will benefit too).
40. Fridges and freezers operate most efficiently when full but not overloaded.
41. Run clothes washers full, but don’t overload them.
42. Choose a front loading washing machine.
43. Use shorter wash cycles if possible.
44. Use moderate amounts of biodegradable detergent.
45. Air-dry your laundry when possible.
46. Clean the lint screen in clothes dryers.
47. In summer, postpone laundry and dishwashing until nighttime to avoid generating extra heat in your home.  Also do this if you have solar PV and want to maximise the feed-in to the grid.
48. Instead of ironing, hang clothes in the bathroom while showering.
49. Take quick showers instead of baths.
50. Open a window in the bathroom to allow steam to escape instead of using the extract fan.
51. Install water-efficient showerheads and sink taps.
52. Collect rainwater and grey water for gardening use.
53. Remember to turn your electric hot water unit off if you’re going away for an extended period to save wasting energy maintaining set thermostat temperatures.
54. Turn your water heater thermostat down to 60 degrees.
55. Install a solar hot water unit.
56. Use the sun’s warmth in winter by opening curtains during the day and closing before night.
57. In summer close blinds, drapes and shades during the hottest part of the day. This keeps the strong sunlight from heating your home
58. Learn how to recycle all your household goods, from clothing to motor oil to appliances.
59. Recycle your newspaper, other paper, glass, aluminum, and food wastes.
60. Use recycled products, especially paper.
61. Re-use envelopes, jars, paper bags, scrap paper, etc.
62. Bring your own bags to the supermarket.
63. Limit or eliminate your use of “disposable” items.
64. If your car gets less than 15km/L, sell it, buy a small fuel-efficient model, and spend whatever money you save on home energy efficiency.
65. Maintain and tune up your vehicle regularly for maximum fuel efficiency.
66. Keep tyres properly inflated.
67. Join a car pool.
68. Use public transport to commute.
69. Remove unnecessary articles from your car. Each 45kg of weight decreases fuel efficiency by 1%.
70. Don’t speed; accelerate and slow down gradually.
71. Walk or use a bicycle whenever possible.
72. Enjoy sports and recreational activities that use your muscles rather than petrol and electricity.
73. Buy products that will last.
74. Rent or borrow items that you don’t use often.
75. Maintain and repair the durable items you own.
76. Use coloured fabrics to avoid the need for bleach.
77. Use natural fibre clothing, bedding and towels.
78. Invest your money in environmentally and socially conscious businesses.
79. Invest in a solar power system and become CEO of your own power station.
80. Buy locally produced foods; avoid buying foods that must be trucked in from great distances.
81. Read labels. Eat organic or less-processed foods.
82. Start a garden; plant a garden instead of a lawn.
83. Water the garden with a drip system.
84. Support organic farming and gardening methods; shun chemical fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides.
85. Compost kitchen and garden waste, or give it to a friend who can.
86. Stay informed about the state of the Earth.
87. Talk to friends, relatives, and co-workers about preventing climate change.
88. Read and support publications that educate about long-term sustainability.
89. Start a global climate change discussion group, such as CSIRO Energymark (www.energymark.com.au).
90. Educate children about sustainable living practices.
91. Email this list to ten friends.
92. Written mail is delightful to receive, but emailing saves paper – only print out if necessary.
93. Recycle printer cartridges.
94. Get involved in local tree-planting programs.
95. Support work to alleviate poverty. Poverty causes deforestation and other environmental problems.
96. Donate money to environmental organisations.
97. Support programs that aim to save rainforest areas.
98. Support solar and renewable energy development.
99. Create a wildlife habitat in your yard.
100. In place of TV and the stereo, spend more time reading, writing, drawing, telling stories, playing/listening to music.
101. Make sure all appliances are regularly maintained to remove dust and ensure adequate air flow. Check your instruction booklet for directions.