THINGS TO DO

12 THINGS YUO CAN DO ON  CLIMATE  CHANGE

Efficient lighting

Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents (CFLs). These use four times less energy and they last eight times longer. So you not only cut your electricity bills dramatically, you also save a lot of money on buying bulbs.

Use energy efficient electric appliances

They use two to 10 times less electricity for the same functionality and are mostly higher quality products that last longer than the less efficient ones. In short, efficient appliances save you lots of energy and money. In India, appliances like refrigerators and ACs have efficiency rating labels ranging from 1 to 5 stars, the higher numbers being more efficient.

Use an energy efficient computer

Buy a laptop instead of a desktop. It consumes five times less electricity. If you buy a desktop, get an LCD screen. Enable the power management function on your computer, the screensaver does not save energy. Check if your computer supports the more advanced speed step power management. Switching off a computer extends its lifetime, contrary to some misconceptions. Minimize printing and print on both sides of the paper. Laser printers use more electricity than inkjet printers.

Drive less

Walk, bike, carpool or take public transport. You'll save 1.5 kg of carbon dioxide for every 5km you don't drive. Use cars that run on cleaner fuels such as CNG and LPG. Switch off your car if you want to stop for more than two minutes.

Check your tyres

Keeping your tyres inflated properly can improve the fuel efficiency of your car. Every litre of petrol saved keeps 2.5 kg of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. Using radial tyres will help you save three to seven percent of fuel.

Use water carefully

Don't waste water. Use a mug of water when brushing your teeth, shaving or washing your hands and face. Instead of a shower or tub bath, use a bucket. Try to harvest rainwater in your locality. It takes a lot of energy to heat water- use less hot water and use efficient heating appliances.

Say no to plastic

Take a cloth bag with you when shopping. Use recycled paper. Avoid products with a lot of packaging.

Move your air-conditioning thermostat up two degrees

You could save about 900kg of carbon dioxide a year with this simple adjustment. Set the thermostat of the room air conditioner at 25C to get the most comfort at the least cost.

Use renewable energy

Sunlight can be used in many different ways to save energy. Use a solar water heater instead of an electric geyser. A 100 litre solar water heater can save around 1500 units of electricity every year. For lighting, use batteries that can be charged with sunlight. A solar cooker cooks rice and vegetables without losing their essential nutrients. Just leave the solar cooker outside in the sun to cook your food. If you live in a village, you can use biogas from cow-dung to save energy.

Plant more trees

A single tree will absorb one tonne of carbon dioxide over its lifetime.

Turn off electronic devices

Simply turning off your television, stereo, computer, fans, lights when you are not using them will save thousands of kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions a year.

Reuse & recycle

Recycling and re-using products like paper and bottles will help protect the environment. Use recycled paper. Recycle your office and household waste.