Energy tips from A-Z

THE Gazette Green Army has been offering tips from A-Z that everyone can use for more sustainable living.
These handy hints and simple changes can be adopted by everyone around their own home and garden to do their bit for the environment.
Follow the Green Army page in upcoming weeks to follow the A-Z tips, released by the Building and Plumbing Industry Commission, so you can lessen your carbon footprint and reduce your water usage and waste production.
• Grey water: The water from your bathroom and laundry will keep your garden thriving. Just remember, you can’t store grey water for more than 24 hours and you must use a licensed plumbing practitioner to install a grey water system.
• Hot water system: Your hot water system could be accounting for up to 50 per cent of your total energy bill. Consider a solar powered, gas boosted hot water system. It will save you money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Insulation: Insulating your ceilings and walls is an inexpensive way to reduce your heating and cooling costs. Government rebates will come close to covering the cost of installation in an average house.
• Jumper: Put on a warm jumper before you turn on the heating.
• Kids: Our children are the future custodians of the planet. Set the right example and teach them to think about the environment, switch off the lights, turn off the tap, grow vegies, dress appropriately, use and re-use.