Here are simple ways to practice being green at home and make a difference. 

Dish Washing

For homes using dishwashers, with the range of water-efficient washers on the market, it’s a good thing to have a choice. When loading the dishwasher, instead of pre-rinsing dishes which wastes water, scrape them clean. The general rule is to run the dishwasher only when it’s full. For those using the tap water, also scrape your dishes clean. Leaving the tap running when washing dishes by hand in the sink wastes an extraordinary amount of water.    

Dryer

The dryer, along with the washing machine, is an essential equipment at home for a busy lifestyle. Only use it when necessary. Nothing beats sun-dried clothes for freshness and it doesn’t even cost a cent. If your dryer has a moisture sensor that turns the machine off automatically when clothes are dry, use it. Make sure you clean the lint trap before every load.

Home Computer

Nowadays, a personal computer is practically a part of every home. Make sure the power management feature on your computer is enabled. It should be in the control panel or system preferences. What’s important is that the computer goes into a low-power mode when we are away from it. To others it might not matter, but in reality, it’s a good idea to get rid of the screen saver as it requires added energy to run those images on a regular basis.

Light Bulbs

Energy-saving bulbs have become popular nowadays. Switch to them as regular bulbs cost much more. It’s been estimated that replacing an old 100W bulb should pay for itself in a year. Imagine what you will save if you replace four or five of your most used incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs, which use about two-thirds less energy.  

Toilet Check

A leak in your toilet cistern can waste hundreds of litres of water a day. If you’re not sure if there is a leak, add a small amount of food coloring to the tank. Colour will appear in the bowl if there’s a leak. Make sure to immediately flush to avoid staining. When a toilet leaks over a period of time, enough water is wasted.    

Washing Machine

The washing machine is an essential piece of equipment at home for a busy lifestyle, so using it to its most efficient potential will help the environment. The general rule is to only wash with a full load and to use the cold function whenever possible. Heating the water accounts for almost 90 percent of the machine’s washing energy, with the remaining 10 percent being used to power the motor.

Let’s try to be green and make a difference.