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Use energy efficient light bulbs
CFL’s (Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs)
last 10 times longer than regular light
bulbs and reduce electric bills by up to
70%. |
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If each one of us replaced just one light
bulb with a compact florescent light bulb
we could save enough energy to light more
than 2.5 million homes for a year and
prevent greenhouse gasses (responsible for
global warming) equal to the emissions of
nearly 800,000 cars. |
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Turn off lights when leaving a room and
don’t leave electronics on stand-by
Unplugging equipment, such as cell
phone chargers, DVD players and microwaves
when not in use can save 0.9 tons of CO2
annually. That little red standby light
means they're still using power - and that
means contribution to global warming. |
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Freeze right
If you are purchasing a new refrigerator
get one of the latest energy-saving
models. These new energy efficient models
use 30-50 per cent less electricity than
any older model manufactured before '90’s.
In the meantime avoid standing in front of
an open fridge trying to decide what to
eat/cook. |
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Replacing a refrigerator bought in 1990
with a new Energy Star- qualified model
would save enough energy to light the
average household for almost five months.
These eco-friendly refrigerators are also
completely free of CFCs, and so neither
damages the ozone layer nor contributes to
the greenhouse effect. |
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Wash right
When using a washing machine, always wash
a full load or use a half-load or economy
programme. Don't overload your washer.
Use hot water only for very dirty clothes.
Most clothes can be washed in either warm
or cold water. |
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More than three quarters of the energy
used to launder clothes come from heating
water, the hot water cycle generates five
times more green house gases than cold.
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Conserve water
Turn the water off when brushing your
teeth, shaving and washing your face.
Time your shower and reduce the time spent
in the shower. Use low-flow showerheads;
they can reduce water consumption by as
much as 50%. |
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For every two minutes you shave off your
shower you save ten gallons of water. UN
report for the World water Forum 2003
warns that the average water supply per
person worldwide may be a third smaller by
2020. |
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Buy non-toxic household products
whenever possible or simply substitute
Discarding toxic products correctly is
important, but not buying them in the
first place is even better. Choose
biodegradable cleaning products so that
the chemicals have fewer negative impacts
on the soil and water system. Seventh
Generation, Shaklee or Method are all
companies who make eco-friendly products.
Natural cleaners like vinegar and baking
soda are fantastic cleaning agents and
don’t harm the planet. |
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Eco-BBQ
Outdoor grills use less energy than
electric kitchen stoves. They also keep
heat out of the house, lowering air
conditioning costs. Stick with grills that
use propane or natural gas; they emit 5.6
pounds of carbon dioxide while a charcoal
grill emits 11 pounds for the same use. |
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Reduce garbage
Much of the waste contained in landfill
sites comes from homes. Landfills or
garbage dumps present a significant health
and environmental risk if not well
designed and maintained. Heaps of waste
generate green house gases like me thane,
a source directly accelerating global
warming. A few studies in developed
countries have shown a correlation between
proximity to landfill sites and birth
defects. |
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Approximately 44% of the world’s wastage
disposal comes from the Arab world.
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