// Around the Home \\

1. Turn your refrigerator down.
   Refrigerators are responsible for as much as a quarter of household energy consumption. Set the thermostat as close to these temperatures as possible. Also, if your refrigerator has an energy saver, make sure it is switched on.

   Fridge	3˚C, 37.5˚F
   Freezer	-16˚C, 3˚F

   Also check that the gaskets around the doors of your refrigerator are clean, in good condition and seal tightly.
    

2. Cool your clothes washer.
   Change the wash temperature to the warm or cold water setting, rather than hot. There's dozens of 'cold wash' powders and liquids available, so there's no excuse! This change on just 3 loads per week can cut nearly 350kg (770 pounds) of CO2 if you have an electric water heater, or 130kg (290 pounds) of CO2 for a gas heater every year.
    

3. Try not to get to warm, or to cool.
   Be careful with how much you heat and cool rooms. In the winter, turning down the thermostat by as little as 5˚C, or 10˚F can cut more than 200kg (440 pounds) in CO2 emissions in the USA winter, while keeping your air conditioner set to 25˚C, or 77˚F, as apposed to 21˚C/69˚F can save nearly as much in the Australian summer.
    

4. Select energy efficient models.
   Whenever you replace old appliances, look for a high energy star rating for the new one, as they use less energy! Also, try buying appliances that are the correct size for your every-day needs, rather than the largest available. Here are some examples of just how much energy can be saved next time you need to upgrade...

   Replace a 1970's fridge with a late model alternative	1400kg / 3080lb less CO2 per year
   Front load washer	50-70% less hot water required per wash
   Change from electric to solar water heater	5000kg / 11000lb less CO2 per year

5. Switch off at the outlet.
   Switch any appliances that you aren't using off at the outlet. Most electronics will still use up to 80% of the energy on standby compared to when they are switched on! This also applies to things like phone chargers / laptop power cables - if your not charging your phone or laptop, pull out the charger! Also, whenever you leave for a holiday, make the effort to switch everything (apart from things like the fridge) off at the switch. You'll save yourself money, and the planet from unnecessary CO2 emissions.
    

6. Use energy efficient bulbs.
   They're known as compact fluorescent bulbs. There's no arguing that they cost more initially, but they save money in the long run. They are able to provide the same amount of bright, warm attractive light as their older counterparts, all while using less than 1/4 the energy, and lasting around 10 times longer! The really amazing fact is that switching to a compact fluorescent bulb for just one light will save over 100kg (220lb) of CO2 from being produced every year!
    

7. Low-flow shower heads.
   Low flow shower heads have a double effect, not only do they save energy since you will be using less hot water in the same amount of time, but they also save water too!

8. Reuse and recycle.
   Its an age-old concept, but though you may not realize it, reducing what you use and recycling the rest can have a huge effect on CO2 emissions. Its as simple as buying minimally packaged goods, choosing reusable/recycled products, and recycling. Every kg or lb you recycle saves the same amount in CO2 emissions. If you can cut your trash by just one garbage bag per week, you'll save over 1000kg (2200lb) of CO2 emissions every year!

// Future Home Renovations and Improvements \\

9. Insulate Insulate Insulate.
   As much as you can, insulate your walls and ceilings when you next upgrade or renovate your home. Also consider the materials that you use for you walls. Choosing the right materials and insulation can cut as much as 50% from your home heating and cooling bills. Moreover, this will save as much as 2000kg (4400lb) of CO2 emissions each year!
    

10. Upgrade your view.
    Switching out all your normal windows for argon filled, double-glazed windows can save over 2000kg (4400lb) a year due to reduced heating and cooling!
     

11. Plant deciduous trees.
    Deciduous trees, planted around your home (as close as is safe to walls) let sunlight through in the winter to warm your home, and block it during the heat of summer to keep it cool. This is even more effective when the tree shades large windows - they let warming light into the hose in winter, and keep the house in cool shade during summer. This can save as much as 2500kg (4500lb) of CO2 emissions each year. As an added bonus, each tree can absorb over 10kg (22lb) of CO2 each year as well.

// Transport \\

12. Walk, Ride, Pool.
    Wherever possible, walk or ride to get where your going. You'll save unnecessary CO2 emissions and stay healthy at the same time! If this isn't possible, try car pooling with some friends or work colleges, or better yet, make use of public transport.
     

13. Select efficient cars.
    When you're buying your next car, choose one that gets as many mpg as possible, and has the best efficiency possible. Cars that are economical save you money on fuel, and also mean that the fuel they do burn burns cleanly, with less harmful pollutants being produced per liter. Even if you only drive 15,000km (9500miles) per year, you can reduce your CO2 emissions by well over 1000kg (2200lb).

// Community \\