ERA Consumer - Consumer Tips

Environment Preservation

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

HOW TO SAVE ENVIRONMENT WHEN YOU SHOP? (Adapted from Mother Nature’s Shopping List – Michael D Shook)

In the current price increase in daily goods, consumers now need to address their consumption habits. The sustainable consumption methods will play a better role.

Buy locally grown/manufactured products
This is due to usage of fossil fuel and less emission to environment during the transportation.

Processed fruits and vegetables (canned)
Choice of buying a canned or frozen food should be avoided as they are usually overpackaged and contains additives such as salt, sugar, artificial colouring, and flavour.

Buy fresh and organically grown products
Organic farming (or sustainable farming with Good Agriculture Practise) pose much lesser harm to the nature. It may be slightly expensive but it is out bit to the environment.

Milks and eggs
Buy milk that is packed in recyclable packaging (carton or glass bottle) and eggs with recycled paper packaging. Support organically harvested milk and egg as they do not use genetically engineered hormones to produce more harvest.

Cereals
Buy boxes that are recycled and recyclable. Prevent buying mini packages (more waste), buy big package and seal it in containers at home.

Beverages (bottled water, juice boxes, other drinks)
Some of this drinks can be made at home; it cost much less and pose very little impact to the environment compared to the manufacturing process of this beverages. In a case consumers buy such products, make sure the packaging is recyclable.

Pasta, bean, grain, curry powders
Support products that is obtained from sustainable farming with good agriculture practises. Consumers selection makes huge differences in this part as it is on of the mostly used Malaysian goods.

Meats (Chicken, beef, mutton and pork)
Reduction in consumption of meat will reduce the animal waste as the demand for such food will be reduced. (20 vegetarians can be fed on a land that is needed to feed one person who eats meat)

Paper products
Support recycled paper products and packaging. Do not forget to use both side of the paper before sending it for recycling.

Styrofoam
Avoid Styrofoam overall. Benzene (carcinogenic-can cause cancer) is a part of it, non-biodegradable and it can be in landfill for years.

Cleaning supplies
Most cleaning agents are highly toxic and contain harmful chemicals. Buy one type of cleaning agent for all cleaning purposes. Support eco-friendly cleaning agents and buy refills.

Bring your own bag
This will reduce the usage of plastic bags that are used in shopping complexes.

Tips to clean metals
Aluminium - clean with lemon juice or white vinegar
Brass and copper - clean with lemon juice with salt or with baking soda
Chrome - rub with undiluted vinegar or rub with a lemon peel then rinse and wipe
Gold - wash in lukewarm soapy water, dry, and then polish with a soft chamois cloth
Silver - soak for ten to fifteen minutes on one quart warm water, one teaspoon baking soda, one teaspoon salt, and a piece of aluminium foil, then wipe with warm water.

Safe household cleaning products
Baking soda – all purpose cleaner to remove odour and to polish, and even clean teeth
Beeswax – furniture polish
Lemon juice – cleaner and grease remover
Mineral oil – wood and furniture polish
Pure soap (made without additives) – all purpose cleaner
Salt – all-around household cleaner
Vinegar – cuts grease, removes odour, and prevents the growth of mold

Energy Conservation Tips

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Be a Sustainable Consumer:

Energy Saving Tips in House and Office

1. Do Energy Audit at home. This will ensure proper wiring system for your home or office usage.

2. The air conditioner’s filters must be cleaned very often. Free air flow reduces energy consumption.

3. The compressor should be cleaned with garden hose (make sure the power is switched off). Keep plants away at least I feet from the compressor.

4. Turn off lighting appliances during day time.

5. For houses that has land plant tree for shades. Shades from the trees will reduce heating effect to the house.

6. To circulate the air use ceiling fans throughout the house. Lesser usage of energy. Allow natural air flow as well.

7. Set the fan on your central air conditioner to "on" rather than "auto." Constant air circulation will help in stable room temperature.

8. It is important to get the right size of air conditioner. Large units will waste a lot of energy and turn on and off frequently.

9. Set your air conditioner temperature about 24°C to 26°C, lower (24°C) during hot weather and higher (26°C) during rainy days. Use natural air flow whenever possible.

10. Water heater temperature can be set between low and medium to save energy.

11. Water saving shower heads will be able to save energy using less energy for less water.

12. Fix leaking piping, especially if it's a hot water faucet.

13. Taking shower is better than soaking in bath tubs. More hot water used the more the wastage.

14. Smaller electrical kitchen appliances help to reduce energy consumption. Some of the equipments use nearly 75 % less energy compared to large ovens.

15. Refrigerator coils must be vacuumed at least twice a year to keep the compressor running efficiently.

16. 30% of cooled air will escape every time the refrigerator door is opened. The same rule goes for oven.

17. Do not overload the refrigerator or freezer, cold air needs to circulate freely to keep food at the proper temperature.

18. Place the refrigerator so that it can automatically swing and shut the door. This will prevent wastage of energy if the door is left open.

19. Refrigerator door seal must be checked. Place a One Ringgit bill and close the door. If you can pull the bill, you need to replace the gasket.

20. Use your oven's self-cleaning feature immediately after cooking, while the oven is still hot. This will reduce a lengthy warm-up time.

21. Cover your pots and pans to reduce cooking time, and place the pans according to burner size.

22. Wash clothes on full load. Make sure you set the water level properly.

23. Always use cold water for the rinse cycle, hot water can be used only for dirty loads in washing machines.

24. Prevent using driers on sunny day, we are blessed with a lot of sunshine. Ultraviolet from the sun also kills pathogens.

25. Compact fluorescent light bulbs uses 75 percent less energy than typical incandescent and they last 10 times longer. Switching to them will save energy consumption.

26. Switch off lights and electrical equipments when the room or space is not occupied.

27. Clean the light fixtures regularly. Coat of dust can block up to 50 percent of the light output.

28. Soft colours reflect more light. Planning proper interior design will help in energy saving.

29. Unplug any electrical device that's not being used. Many appliances, especially computers, televisions and VCRs draw power even when turned off.

30. If your home has no sidewall insulation, place heavy furniture like bookshelves, armoires and sofas along the walls. This will help block cold air and prevent heat from coming in (insulation).

31. When you are going outstation, do not forget to turn off appliances.

32. Investing in Energy Efficient appliances pays off. In some cases, the money you save in energy costs can pay back the purchase price in just a few years.

33. Please read the Energy Guide label carefully, and make sure you are comparing "apples to apples." Energy use can range significantly even within a single brand. Do not be cheated by cheap sales and promises by sales promoters.

34. Buying appliances that suits your family is important. Over buying will result to wastage in money and energy consumption.

35. If electrical equipments are older than 10 – 15 years consider trade in to new equipment which is energy efficient.

36. Look for the "EnergyStar" logo. This designation from the relevant government and certification bodies means that the appliance exceeds minimum energy- use standards, usually by a significant amount.

37. Do not forget to ask about warranties, service contracts, and delivery and installation costs.

38. Be sure to choose a reputable and knowledgeable dealer. A good dealer should be able to help you calculate energy savings and the payback period, and he or she should offer you a range of brands and prices.

39. Make sure you know your right to get the product knowledge. Faulty equipments must be replaced (make sure the warranty card is properly kept).

40. In practicing your rights, if the retailer or service provider fails to act on your behalf, contact National Consumer Complaint Centre to address this issue. (surf http://www.nccc.org.my or call +603-78779000)

This energy saving tips brought to you by

environment@FOMCA

Environment Desk

Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA)

For more information please email to fomca@fomca.org.my.

30 WAYS TO SAVE WATER IN AND AROUND THE HOUSE

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

30 WAYS TO SAVE WATER IN AND AROUND THE HOUSE

TOILET

1. Use a toilet bowl with smaller flushing capacity (for example 6 liters or less per flush) or place a bottle of water in the tank to reduce water for each flush.

2. Minimize the number of flushes made in a day.

3. Check regularly for leakages: add food colour to the tank and look out if the coloured water spills during or after flushing.

SHOWER

4. Take shorter showers or install a low flow showerhead.

5. Place a bucket near the shower to collect excess water during bath and the

water can be used for other purposes.

6. Turn off the shower while lathering soap.

SINK

7. Don’t let the water run while shaving, bushing teeth or washing your face.

The best practice is to collect water in a pail and use it.

8. Repair dripping faucets.

GARDEN

9. Water the lawn early in the morning or late evening to avoid evaporation from

heat and wind.

10. Don’t over water the lawn, avoid watering during rainy season.

11. Adjust sprinkler to avoid over watering. In case of a small garden, usage of hose

is advisable.

12. Regularly check sprinkler setting and timer.

13. Avoid over fertilizing or use a slow release water-soluble form of nitrogen.

14. Choose a water efficient landscape or garden.

15. Keep your grass about 6 cm long because taller grass holds water better.

16. Use broom to clean driveways and sidewalk rather than flushing the rubbish with water.

17. Use watering cans whenever possible especially when watering patio plants.

KITCHEN

18. Avoid running water to wash dishes. Fill the sink and use the water.

19. Always turn off your taps tightly so that it does not leak.

20. Store a bottle of water in the refrigerator or use ice if you want cold water.

21. Wash your produce in the sink or a container that is partially filled with water instead of running water.

22. Fill the washing machine full each time when you need to wash clothes. Each

time the washing machine runs, it uses the same amount of water.

GARAGE

23. Use a bucket when washing the car rather than the hose.

24. Prevent any type of oil from spilling as it takes a lot of water and soap to wash off the floor.

OTHER TIPS

25. Be well informed and participate at public meetings on water issues in your area.

26. Check all water related pipelines consistently to avoid interior leakages.

27. Immediately report broken pipes/infrastructures to the relevant authorities.

28. Encourage water conservation activities to be taught in school.

29. Support the government’s call to conserve and save water.

30. Use water harvested from rain in garage and garden and if possible even for toilet flushing.

Indoor air pollution

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

We all know that smoking indoors will damage not only your own health but also that of every other household member. But did you also know that:

Heating your home with an unflued gas heater could expose you to high levels of dangerous air pollutants?
Adhesives and sealants used in many pressed-wood products could emit pollutants for years to come?
Many commonly used cleaning products and toiletries could give off a cocktail of air toxics?

Indoor air pollution is increasingly recognised as one of the top five public health problems. In Australia, the CSIRO estimates it could cost us approximately $10 billion a year in health costs and lost production. This figure is only estimated because there’s little data available so far on the level of pollutants in Australian homes and the number of people affected.

Indoor air quality is expensive and difficult to measure — pollution levels can vary from time to time, from house to house, or even from one room to the next. But studies so far have established that some air pollutants are generally much more highly concentrated indoors than outdoors, particularly in new and newly renovated buildings, mobile homes, houses heated with unflued gas appliances, and in households where people smoke.

Despite our ‘outdoors’ image, Australians may spend 90% or more of our time indoors, where air pollution levels can be worse than outdoors.

Health effects

Just as varied as the range of potential indoor air pollutants are their health effects. Symptoms can be mild and non-specific such as headaches, tiredness or lethargy; similar to colds and flu such as irritated eyes, nose or throat; or more severe such as aggravation of asthma or allergic responses. They can even lead to respiratory diseases, cancer or death.

Not all pollutants’ health effects are well known, and even less is known about their cumulative effects or how they’ll compromise your health if you’re constantly exposed. People who are generally more sensitive to air pollutants include newborns and young children, elderly people, heart patients, people with bronchitis, asthma, hay fever or emphysema, and smokers. Some effects may show up soon after a single exposure, others only after years.

For specific health effects, check

Heating and cooking

To minimise our energy consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, our efforts have concentrated in the past few decades on making houses more energy-efficient — at the expense of indoor air quality, it now transpires. The challenge now is to find ways of ensuring good indoor air quality while maintaining energy efficiency.

Unflued gas appliances

Heating with natural gas is popular in Australia. It’s widely available, comparatively cheap and valued for its lower impact on the environment — it emits far less of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide than most of the electricity produced for heating. But unflued gas appliances can also be a major source of indoor air pollution.

These appliances have no flue or chimney to vent combustion particles and gases to the outside. It’s estimated around 600,000 Australian homes are heated with unflued gas heaters. So every winter, around two million people are potentially exposed to the two gas combustion pollutants of most concern:

Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) is a colourless and odourless gas that irritates the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and throat and causes shortness of breath after exposure to high concentrations. Children and people with asthma and respiratory diseases are particularly at risk.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is equally hard to detect. It reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen to vital organs and is very poisonous at high levels. Symptoms of exposure include headache, tiredness, dizziness, nausea, confusion and shortness of breath. Exposure to high levels can even lead to death within minutes. Most susceptible are people with heart disease, smokers, young children and unborn babies.

Unflued gas heaters also release water vapour, which can contribute significantly to mould problems in poorly ventilated homes.

In good condition and properly used, unflued gas heaters only release small amounts of these pollutants, which aren’t likely to affect your health. But levels can build up with insufficient ventilation or if the heater is faulty, inappropriately installed, not serviced regularly or just old.

Older (pre-1990s) heaters are more likely to produce higher levels of nitrogen oxides (NO_x) than newer ones that comply with pollutant emission limits set in the late 1980s. However, health and scientific experts still doubt that all associated health problems have been solved with these lower limits.

CSIRO tests of some new low-emission heaters found that some, while conforming to the Australian standard, still had NO_x emissions about three times above the (lower) limit set by the World Health Organization. And those with low NO_x emissions also released relatively high levels of formaldehyde.

In Victoria in 2000, five people died from CO poisoning from a gas heater: three in a caravan heated with an unflued gas heater and two in a room where a flued gas heater had a leaking flue. Two studies (one looking at unflued gas heating in homes, the other in schools) found that where there were higher levels of NO₂, there were higher incidences of asthma symptoms and colds and sore throats respectively.

Solid fuel heating

Respirable suspended particles (fine particles, for short) are very small particles that almost behave like a gas you can inhale deep into your lungs. Depending on their type, size and your length of exposure, they can cause ill health or, in extreme cases, death.

The major sources of fine particles indoors are wood and kerosene heaters and environmental tobacco smoke. They can escape from poorly installed or badly maintained solid fuel heaters, from leaks in the flue or from opening the heater door for refuelling.

In Australia, a study found particularly high levels of fine particles in households where people smoked and where solid fuel was used for heating.

Tips for cleaner indoor air

Ensure good ventilation whenever you use an unflued gas heater.
In some states, you can only install an unflued gas heater if the heater and your room space meet certain conditions — check with your local gas supplier.
Don’t use it in a confined space for long periods of time and never in a small room such as a bedroom, bathroom or caravan.
Never use it if it releases a strange smell or if it gives you uncharacteristic headaches or nausea.
Have it serviced at least every two years.
Turn the heater off while you’re using a gas cooker in the same room (and don’t use a gas cooker to heat a room) otherwise the gas combustion pollutants can build up to well above ‘safe’ levels. Use a rangehood that’s vented outside or open a window while cooking.
If you notice a persistent yellow-tipped flame on your gas stove, it could be releasing higher pollutant emissions. Ask your gas provider, plumber or gasfitter to adjust the burner so the flame is blue.
Carbon monoxide levels can also pose problems indoors if your garage is attached to the house. So keep the connecting door closed when you leave and arrive with the car, and never leave the car (or a petrol lawnmower) running inside the garage.

Smoking

Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is a major contributor to indoor air pollution. It’s a mixture of gases and fine particles containing around 4000 chemicals, including 43 that are known to cause serious health problems, including cancer, in humans.

Some of the air pollutants in ETS include carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, respirable suspended particles and nitrogen dioxide.

ETS causes eye, nose and throat irritation and may affect the cardiovascular system. Babies and children and anyone with asthma are particularly at risk of respiratory infections and irritations.

Smoking indoors can increase the level of respirable particles to more than 10 times the outdoor level. In Australia, the ban on smoking in public buildings should have reduced fine particle concentrations there, but it can still be a problem in private homes.

Tips for cleaner indoor air - Don’t smoke indoors or let others do so.

Inside your home

If you’re lucky enough to move into a brand-new home this year, put good ventilation at the top of your agenda, as many of the commonly used construction products can release air toxics in high concentrations — and many are likely to remain at high levels for weeks or months to come. Of most concern to human health are formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Formaldehyde

This colourless, pungent-smelling gas is emitted by gas stoves and in tobacco smoke. But the most likely source for high levels indoors are common building products such as medium-density fibreboard (MDF), plywood and particleboard. The resins used in their manufacture can release formaldehyde gas for many years. Emissions usually decrease over time and are highest in new or newly renovated buildings.

Formaldehyde can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. It can cause cancer in animals and may cause it in humans. High exposure can cause breathing difficulties and trigger attacks in people with asthma.

In Australia, high formaldehyde levels have been found in mobile homes and caravans (which contain many pressed-wood products and can be poorly ventilated), and in buildings that had recently been insulated with urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI), but levels there decreased after several months when the foam had dried.

Australian-made ‘low-emission’ pressed-wood products are claimed to release less formaldehyde than some imported products. In one case, though, CSIRO tests found their emissions to be about twice as high as the European low-emission specifications.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

The term VOCs covers a great range of compounds, among them benzene, toluene, chlorofluorocarbons, halons, carbon tetrachloride and some pesticides. In any building you may find as many as 150 of these carbon-containing chemicals which often have an odour and evaporate at room temperature.

Floor coverings such as carpets, tiles and polished wood (or the adhesives, varnishes and paints used to lay and seal them) often contain VOCs, as do cleaning fluids and polish, textile finishes, scents, sprays and tobacco smoke.

Only a few VOCs have been studied in detail and little is known about their cumulative health effects when mixed with other air pollutants. Many are known to cause cancer in animals and some to cause it in humans. Symptoms of excessive VOC exposure include eye, nose, throat and skin irritation, headache, vomiting, drowsiness, visual disorders and memory impairment.

In Australia a recent CSIRO study found higher indoor VOC levels in established buildings compared to outdoor levels, and very much higher levels in new homes.

Lead and asbestos

Old houses can also harbour indoor air pollutants that can pose a health hazard when renovating. Lead and asbestos were both widely used building materials in the past — lead in paints (before 1970) and asbestos in products such as asbestos-cement sheets and roofing sheets, textured paint, vinyl floor tiles, pipe lagging and fire-resistant boards (before the mid 1980s).

Lead paint and asbestos-containing materials pose no danger when intact and left alone, but when disturbed or removed can release fine particles you can breathe in or swallow.

In the body, lead can harm virtually every system, particularly the brain, kidneys and reproductive organs. Children under four and pregnant women are most vulnerable.

Because the health risks associated with asbestos exposure are well known (they include lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis), asbestos is no longer allowed in building products for the home and will be prohibited in all forms from December 31, 2003.

Tips for cleaner indoor air

Ensure good ventilation after moving into a new or newly renovated home.
Reduce the number of products you use that contain VOCs and choose low-emission alternatives whenever possible. For example, use flyscreens or mosquito nets rather than insect sprays. And if you must use indoor pesticides on a large scale, avoid spills, leave the building for a few hours afterwards and ventilate well.
Limit your use of spray toiletries and strong-smelling cleaning products in non-ventilated areas.
Before putting away dry-cleaned clothes, air them well outside or in a well-ventilated room you’re not using.
The same advice applies to new, freshly lacquered or oiled furniture than can emit VOCs, especially when individual pieces are packed airtight in the factory for you to assemble at home.
Take special care when you strip old paint or clean walls with flaking paint that could contain lead. Contact your health department or lead advisory service for advice on how to remove it safely, or get a professional to do the job.
Don’t rip, cut, sand or remove asbestos-containing materials — your health department can give advice on sealing, enclosing or removing the source.
Consider using materials that are by nature non-emitting, such as wood, bricks, glass, granite/stone, powder-coated or finished metals or stainless steel.
Look for ‘low-emission’ pressed-wood products — the CSIRO has a list of useful websites you may want to consult if you’re after low-emission products certified by overseas labelling schemes
Have joinery done without the use of solvents and caulking compounds.
Finish surfaces with water-based or low-emission (‘zero-VOC’) coatings.
Ensure good ventilation (open windows and use a fan) when painting.
When buying a new carpet, ask the retailer for information about lower-emission carpets and underlay, and ask them to unroll and air it before it’s laid. Ensure good ventilation afterwards.

Biological allergens

Biological allergens (allergy-causing substances) can cause health problems for the 20–40% of us who are sensitive to them. Allergic reactions occur only after repeated exposure to a specific biological allergen, so even if you haven’t had problems in the past, you may suddenly become very sensitive to them.

Dust mites, pets and pollen

Of most concern in the Australian context are house dust mites, given our high asthma rates. But other animal allergens (from cats, dogs, birds or even cockroaches) can also spell problems for some people.

The allergens are usually contained in the animal’s droppings, saliva or dander (tiny skin scales) and can become airborne when small particles dry and fall off. In people sensitive to them, inhaling these allergens can trigger a reaction in the lungs (asthma), nose (hay fever or allergic rhinitis) or skin (dermatitis or eczema).

And on warm days, when you leave doors and windows open, the small airborne pollen grains most grasses, trees and shrubs release can cause similar reactions in people sensitive to these allergens.

Moulds and fungi

These are fine, often invisible filaments whose spores become airborne and can be inhaled. Damp areas in the house (such as bathrooms, cellars and poorly ventilated rooms) are particularly susceptible to mould and fungal growth, as are water-damaged carpets and building materials. Unflued gas or kerosene heaters can also contribute to mould problems because of the water vapour they release.

In people sensitive to mould spores, inhaling them can cause various allergic reactions. Mould can also produce poisons known as mycotoxins which, when absorbed, can sometimes affect the nervous system. Some fungi can also infect various parts of the body, particularly the lungs and skin.

Tips for cleaner indoor air

If you’re allergic to dust mites, contact your local Asthma Foundation for comprehensive advice on how to reduce your exposure. Basic advice includes using bedding that can be washed in hot water and/or dust mite-proof covers, and avoiding furnishings and carpets that accumulate dust.
Vent your clothes dryer and rangehood to the outside.
When showering, bathing, cooking, washing or using a clothes dryer, open windows (or use an exhaust fan or rangehood) so the steam won’t settle inside.
Keep your house warm and dry.
If you’re sensitive to animal allergens but don’t want to live without a pet, keep it out of living and sleeping areas.

Most homes have many sources of potential indoor air pollutants. Whether they’ll affect your health — and if so, to what degree — depends on many factors, such as the type of pollutant and level of exposure, your personal sensitivities, age and pre-existing medical conditions and the level of ventilation inside your home:

Except for the few cases where outdoor air pollutants cause problems indoors (say from car emissions if you live near a busy road), opening windows regularly can greatly improve the air quality inside. Good ventilation prevents air pollutants from building up and pushes them out of the room.
In some situations it may be best to leave windows open for most of the time you’re inside; in others, when you want a fast exchange of air, creating a draught by fully opening windows and/or doors for a few minutes might work best. If you ventilate this way when you’re heating, you’re wasting less energy than leaving a window ajar all the time.

Source:http://www.choice.com.au/viewArticle.aspx?id=103878&catId=100409&tid=100008&p=1&title=Indoor+air+pollution+(archived)

Green Tip

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Every day, we can help protect our environment at home and at work. These tips provide ways for you to prevent pollution and protect the environment.

Living Room/Family Room

Set your thermostat according to your use of the house. While you’re at work or when you go to sleep, set the temperature so that your heat and air isn’t used as much. Purchase a programmable thermostat.
Use natural cooling and heating, when possible. Open a window in the summer or put a sweater on in the winter instead of adjusting the thermostat.
Open curtains to allow solar heating and close for heat retention- reverse in hot weather
Use insulated curtains or window quilts
Don’t block vents or radiators with furniture.
Don’t leave your computer on when not in use. Even in “sleep” mode, your computer is wasting energy and costing you money.
Use rechargeable batteries whenever possible.
Share your magazines with a friend, community group or doctor's office before recycling them.
Reduce junk mail - To take your name off unwanted mailings, send a postcard or letter that includes your name, home address and signature to: Mail Preference Service, Direct Marketing Association, P.O. Box 643, Carmel, NY 15012-0643.

Kitchen

Don’t use the dishwasher’s drying setting; let dishes air dry instead. Open the door to dry the dishes more quickly.
Keep your refrigerator between 37 and 40 degrees and your freezer at 5 degrees. Check your refrigerator door seals: close the door on a piece of paper that is half in and half out of the refrigerator. If you can pull the paper out easily, you may be leaking cold air and wasting electricity.
Move your refrigerator from the wall and vacuum its condenser coils each year. This will help the refrigerator run more efficiently.
Use cold water when only using small amounts of water. Even if the hot water never reaches the faucet, you are paying to heat it.
When using hot water, keep a bucket or other container handy to catch the cold water that comes out of the faucet.
Cover pots and kettles when boiling water. The water will heat up faster and use less energy.
If you use gas appliances, check that your flame is blue, not yellow. A yellow flame means the gas is burning less efficiently and may require adjustment.
If you use an electric stove, turn the burners off a couple of minutes before you are done cooking. The burner will remain hot long enough to finish cooking.
Set up a recycling center in your home.
Purchase non-toxic household cleaning products.
Buy products in reusable containers such as glass jars and sturdy plastic dairy tubs. Reuse these containers when buying bulk foods, for leftovers and mixing concentrated juice.
At the grocery store, purchase food and beverages that contain environmental symbols on the labels to assure that the packaging has been made from recycled materials.
Many families spend over $260 each year on paper towels and napkins. Switch to cloth napkins, sponges, and cloth towels or wipes.

Bathroom

Drop some food coloring into the reservoir tank of your toilet before you go to bed. Check the bowl in the morning; if the color is present, you may have a leak.
Put a full bottle of water in the toilet tank to reduce water consumption.
Take a shower instead of a bath. Showers use less water than baths.
When brushing your teeth or shaving, turn off the water.
Use biodegradable soaps and shampoos
Never use toxic chemical cleaners
Follow recommended uses and precautions on labels.
Buy products that are reusable, refillable, or concentrated to help reduce packaging.
Avoid single-use products such as disposable razors, diapers and lighters.
Bar soap generates less packaging waste and is less expensive than liquid soap in plastic bottles with pump dispensers.
Buy products with the least packaging to reduce the need to manufacture excessive packaging.
Purchase reusable items that can replace disposable goods.

Basement/ Laundry

If you have an older water heater, wrap it in insulation to conserve heat. Also wrap any exposed pipes in insulation.
Make sure the temperature of the water is no higher than 120 degrees. Check the directions of your dishwater to see if you need a higher temperature.
Avoid purchasing harsh cleaners and paints.
Get a radon test. Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that can enter your home through the foundation.
Use liquid laundry soap or phosphate-free powdered soap
Use warm or cold water instead of hot water to wash clothes
Hang clothes to dry
Use chlorine bleach sparingly
Purchase latex paint instead of oil-based paint whenever possible.
Buy paint in small quantities to ensure its full use.
Recycle your extra paint. Partners for Waste Paint Solution
Selecting and using multi-purpose cleaners can reduce the number of cleaners you use, reduce the number of hazardous products in your home and save you money, too! Read and follow label directions carefully.

Indoor Air Quality

Test your home for radon – it’s easy and inexpensive.
Install and use fans vented to outdoors in kitchens and bathrooms.
Empty water trays in air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and refrigerators frequently.
Keep gas appliances properly adjusted.
Change filters on central heating and cooling systems and air cleaners according to manufacturer’s directions. Have a trained professional inspect, clean, and tune-up central heating system (furnaces, flues, and chimneys) annually. Repair any leaks promptly.
Make sure you provide plenty of fresh air when using products such as paints, paint strippers, solvents, aerosol sprays, cleansers and disinfectants.
Never mix household care products unless directed on the label.
Use pesticides according to manufacturer’s directions and apply only in recommended quantities. Use non-chemical methods of pest control where possible. Keep indoor spaces clean, dry, and well ventilated to avoid pest and odor problems.
If your work or hobby involves lead, change clothes and use doormats before entering your home.
Do not sand or burn off paint that may contain lead.
Follow proper procedures in replaced woodstove door gaskets that may contain asbestos.
Learn more about indoor air pollution, including the steps to take to reduce the risk of existing pollution and to prevent new problems at U.S. EPA’s web page, Indoor Air Quality in Homes.

Office

Make double-sided copies
Use e-mail for memos, meeting notes, announcements, etc.
Reuse file folders, routing envelopes, and manila envelopes
Using a mug saves 500 disposable cups per person from being thrown away each year.
Turn off machines that aren’t in use
Get plants to absorb indoor air pollution; philodendrons, Boston ferns, and English ivy grow well with artificial light
Give “green” office gifts, such as mugs, plants and lunchboxes
Purchase copy paper with at least 30% recycled content, and 60% post-consumer content.
Buy processed chlorine-free, and lower basis-weight paper.
When purchasing office supplies, consider recycled content office products such as binders, folders, clipboards, presentation folders, desktop accessories etc.
Purchase remanufactured or recycled toner cartridges. Choose a vendor with a take-back program to recycle used cartridges.

Transportation

Keep your car tuned up and in good working condition.
Make sure your tires are inflated to the proper pressure. Under or over inflated tires can be dangerous and make your engine work harder.
Carpool, take the bus, ride your bike or walk whenever you can.
Purchase and use the most fuel-efficient vehicle that meets your needs.
Take your used motor oil to a service station that participates in a motor oil recycling program. Dumping or spilling used motor oil on the ground, down storm drains, or in the garbage contaminates ground or surface waters and soil.
Take used car batteries to a retailer for recycling.
Find out which service stations in your community accept used antifreeze. It can be recycled.

Lawn & Garden

Avoid over-fertilizing your lawn and garden areas by knowing their nutrient needs and when it's best to apply fertilizers.
Don’t over water your lawn or garden. Excessive watering can cause chemicals to leach into ground water and make plants more prone to disease.
Water during the coolest times of the day
Fertilize in the fall instead of spring. Fertilizing in the spring puts grass into a fast growing cycle, which starts the mowing season sooner. Test your soil before fertilizing so you will know what your lawn needs.
Use organic fertilizers
Let your grass clippings lie and mulch fall leaves. This eliminates waste and conserves soil nutrients. Grass clippings and mulched leaves are great fertilizers!
Minimize the need for pesticides by choosing plant species that are resistant to insects and disease. Introduce praying mantises, lace-wings, ladybugs and other pest eaters to your garden.
The use of pesticides should be your last resort. If this is the case, please follow the label directions and guidelines carefully, and dispose of any extra pesticide properly. Illinois EPA’s web site contains additional information about a less costly option for effective pest management called Integrated Pest Management.
Cutting the lawn too short or too frequently weakens the grass and allows weeds to grow faster.
Minimize mowing, watering and fertilizing: cultivate plants native to your area, switch to alternative ground covers.
U.S. EPA’s At Home and in the Garden web page provides information on safe drinking water, improving indoor air quality, lawn care (including safe use of toxins/pesticides), and pollution prevention.

Energy Conservation

Avoid leaving lights on in empty rooms.
Turn on your desktop lamp instead of higher-energy overhead lights when practicable.
Weatherstrip leaky doors and windows during winter months.
Set water heater between "low" & "medium" (110-120o F); each 10-degree reduction saves 35% on water heating bills.
Lower your thermostat: each degree lower reduces your furnace's energy consumption by 23%. Try 65-68o F when home during the day, then 55o F at night.
Turn off your home computer when it is not in use for long periods.
Purchase energy efficient appliances when old appliances need to be replaced.
Plan an energy efficiency strategy for your home. Order an energy audit from your local utility office. Conserve energy at home to reduce energy needs from power plants.
Switching to compact fluorescent lamps saves energy and reduces pollution.
U.S. EPA’s Energy Star program offers consumers and businesses energy-efficient solutions, making it easy to save money while protecting the environment for future generations.

Sustainable Consumption

What is sustainable consumption?
There are many different definitions for sustainable consumption; however, most of the definitions have a common feature. Sustainable consumption occurs when products and services are purchased, used, and disposed of in a way that minimizes both the use of natural resources and the creation of waste and pollution. Sustainable consumption has been simply described as “consumption which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

Why is sustainable consumption a good practice to follow?
Consumption levels around the world are rising, especially in North America. This increase in consumption is creating more waste, depleting natural resources, and releasing more pollutants to the air, water and soil. By making informed choices when purchasing products and services, we can meet our needs in an environmentally responsible manner.

How can I implement sustainable consumption practices?Implementing sustainable consumption practices may seem overwhelming; we purchase many products and services – food, clothing, transportation, electronics. It is difficult to know where to begin and to determine which actions would be most beneficial. By implementing one or more of the following actions, you can begin practicing sustainable consumption:

Walk, bike, or take public transportation, when possible.
For your next car, purchase a fuel-efficient, low-polluting model.
Reduce the amount of driving – combine trips, share rides.
Purchase renewable energy, if possible.
Take steps to reduce the amount of energy you use – turn down the thermostat at night, insulate your home, install efficient lighting, purchase energy efficient appliances when replacing older appliances.
Buy durable products so you don’t need to replace them as often.
Buy used and recycled products.
Purchase locally to reduce transportation.
Buy food and products that are grown or produced close to where you live.
Eliminate or reduce the use of hazardous cleaners and paints.

Where can I find additional information about sustainable consumption?
If you’re interested in taking additional steps, or want to learn more about sustainable consumption, there are resources available to you. You may want to consider borrowing a copy of “The Consumer’s Guide to Effective Environmental Choices: Practical Advice from the Union of Concerned Scientists” by Michael Brower, Ph.D. and Warren Leon, Ph.D. from your local library. You can also visit the Center for a New American Dream web site for other information about sustainable consumption.

Water Conservation

Turn off the tap while you brush your teeth, shave, lather your hair, and scrub the dishes.
Repair all leaks, which can save water and money.
Use machines efficiently. Wash only full loads in your washing machine and dishwasher, use the shortest was cycle your dishwasher allows, select the appropriate water level or load size on your washing machine.
Install a low-flow showerhead and save half the amount of water you use.
Keep drinking water in the refrigerator rather than running the tap for cold water.
Replace your toilet with a low-flow version or place plastic containers filled with water in your toilet tanks. (Keep the containers away from the flush mechanism.)
Water your grass – not your driveway, sidewalk or street
U.S. EPA’s water conservation web page offers more useful conservation tips for around the home.

Private Sewage Systems

Conserve water to avoid overloading the system. Give your system time to rest after heavy use. Use water-saving fixtures; repair leaky toilets and dripping faucets.
Discard grease in the garbage instead of the drain. Grease can clog the septic tank or the soils surrounding the absorption field. Also, use of liquid fabric softeners can contribute to excessive scum in the septic tank.
Keep water softener discharges out of your septic system. Sodium in water softener water reacts with soil and reduces the absorption field's efficiency.
Read product labels! Use low phosphorus detergents and cleaning products whenever possible. Phosphorus is the nutrient most likely to cause damage to a lake after leaving your septic system.
Avoid chemical additives. No additive can alleviate the need to regularly pump your septic tank; some may actually promote clogging of your absorption field or contaminate groundwater.
Do not inhale gas emitted from an open septic tank. Gas produced in your septic tank is toxic.
Keep roof drains, sump pump drains, and other rain or surface water drainage systems away from the absorption field.
Be alert. Unpleasant odors, soggy soil, liquid waste flow, or excessive grass growth over the soil absorption area can be signs that the system is in need of service.
U.S. EPA’s Homeowner’s Guide to Septic Systems is an adobe acrobat file that provides information about your septic system and how to maintain it.

Private Wells

Slope the area around the well to drain surface runoff away from the well.
Disinfect drinking water wells at least once per year with bleach or hypochlorite granules, according to the manufacturers directions.
Have the well tested once a year for coliform bacteria, nitrates, and other constituents of concern.
Avoid mixing or using pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, degreasers, fuels, paints, motor oil, and other pollutants near the well.
Don’t allow back-siphonage. When mixing pesticides, fertilizers or other chemicals, don’t put the hose inside the tank or container.
Be aware of changes in your well, the area around your well or the water it provides.
Dispose of solvents properly. Waste solvents should be taken to a hazardous waste collection facility or event.
U.S. EPA’s web page, Private Drinking Water Wells, offers information on how to test and protect private wells, as well as guidance on what to do after a flood.
Illinois Department of Public Health provides a various factsheets about private water.

Source: http://www.epa.state.il.us/citizens/green-tips.html

Water efficiency label

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The water efficiency label allows consumers to compare the water efficiency of different products. The products are tested and rated according to a national water efficiency standard. Each label shows a star rating out of six for the product – the more stars the better. It also shows a water consumption or water flow figure which is based on laboratory tests.

The label allows you to easily compare the water efficiency of products before you buy. Water efficient products will help you save water and (when you’re using hot water) energy – and therefore money.

Since July 2006 it’s been compulsory for all new domestic washing machines, dishwashers, showers, toilets, urinals and most taps to display the label. You might still see some unlabelled dishwashers and washing machines until the transition period expires on 31 December 2007. Second hand products and products imported into Australia for personal use aren’t required to have a WELS label.

It’s estimated that by 2021 Australians could save more than $600 million in water and energy bills by using more efficient products. For example:

An older-style single-flush toilet can use up to 12 litres of water per flush. A modern dual-flush toilet uses only six litres for a full flush and three litres for a half.
A standard showerhead can use up to 25 litres per minute, a water efficient one might use as little as seven.
An efficient washing machine may only use a third of the water of an inefficient one. When using a warm or ot wash program, it’ll also save you energy.

Source:

http://www.choice.com.au/viewArticle.aspx?id=104835&catId=100168&tid=100008&p=1&title=Water+efficiency+label

Buying guide: Ovens

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You could spend hours walking around kitchen showrooms, admiring the increasingly sleek ovens on offer. You can take your pick from fingermark-proof stainless steel, aluminium or iridium finishes, ovens in country-style green or cream, or authentically commercial-looking stainless steel freestanding stoves with gas hobs and cast iron trivets.

But while looks may be important, they're only one of many things to think about when buying an oven. There first thing to consider is whether you want a gas or electric overn.

Gas or electric?

If you’re open to either option, here are some things to consider.

About electric

Older electric ovens have a reputation for taking longer than gas ovens to heat up and cook, but in fact they’ve markedly improved over the years, so this is no longer relevant.
Most electric ovens these days are multifunction, meaning you can use a combination of top, bottom, grill and sometimes rear elements plus a fan to optimise different cooking, baking and grilling needs, so they tend to be more versatile than a gas oven.
The price range for electric ovens starts lower.

About gas

Gas ovens don’t dry food out as much as electric ovens (unless they’re fan-assisted), so they’re ideal for roasts, casseroles and heavy cakes that require moisture.
Gas ovens are naturally hotter at the top and cooler at the bottom, so unless there’s a fan, food will need to be rotated to get even cooking and browning if you’re doing any multi-shelf cooking. However, it does mean you can cook several different foods at once. For example, after a roast has been in the oven for some time, you can move it to the bottom, turn the heat up, and use the top shelf to crisp the potatoes.
There’s no direct heat from the top in a gas oven (unless it has an internal grill) so it may not be as good as an electric oven for foods that need browning or crisping on top.
A gas oven may have electronic controls and/or an electric grill, in which case you’ll need an electrical outlet nearby.
There are only a few brands of gas oven on the market, meaning less choice for you.

The bottom line is, if you’re willing to experiment with your oven, you’ll learn how to get a good result regardless of its fuel.

Source:

http://www.choice.com.au/viewArticle.aspx?id=104607&catId=100168&tid=100008&p=1&title=Buying+guide%3a+Ovens

Tips on Filling your Vehicles...

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I don't know what you guys are paying for petrol... but here in Durban, we are also paying higher, up to 47.35 per litre. But my line of work is in petroleum for about 31 years now, so here are some tricks to get more of your money's worth for every litre.

Here at the Marian Hill Pipeline, where I work in Durban, we deliver about 4 million litres in a 24-hour period thru the pipeline.

One day is diesel; the next day is jet fuel, and petrol, LRP and Unleaded. We have 34-storage tanks here with a total capacity of 16,800,000 litres.

ONLY BUY OR FILL UP YOUR CAR OR BIKKIE IN THE EARLY MORNING WHEN THE GROUND TEMPERATURE IS STILL COLD. Remember that all service stations have their storage tanks buried below ground. The colder the ground, the denser the fuel, when it gets warmer petrol expands, so buying in the afternoon or in the evening.... your litre is not exactly a litre.

In the petroleum business, the specific gravity and the temperature of the petrol, diesel and jet fuel, ethanol and other petroleum products play an important role. A 1degree rise in temperature is a big deal for this business. But the service stations do not have temperature compensation at the pumps.

WHEN YOU'RE FILLING UP, DO NOT SQUEEZE THE TRIGGER OF THE NOZZLE TO A FAST MODE. If you look, you will see that the trigger has three (3) stages: low,
middle, and high. In slow mode, you should be pumping on low speed, thereby minimizing the vapours that are created, while you are pumping. All hoses at the pump have a vapour return. If you are pumping on the fast rate, some of the liquid that goes to your tank becomes vapour. Those vapours are being sucked up and back into the underground storage tank so you're getting less worth for your money.

ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT TIPS IS TO FILL UP WHEN YOUR TANK IS HALF FULL. The reason for this is, the more fuel you have in your tank, the less air occupying its empty space. Petrol evaporates faster than you can imagine. Petroleum storage tanks have an internal floating roof. This roof serves as zero clearance between the petrol and the atmosphere, so it minimizes the evaporation.

Unlike service stations, here where I work, every truck that we load is temperature compensated, so that every litre is actually the exact amount.

ANOTHER REMINDER, IF THERE IS A FUEL TRUCK PUMPING INTO THE STORAGE TANKS, WHEN YOU STOP TO BUY, DO NOT FILL UP - most likely the petrol/diesel is being stirred up as the fuel is being delivered, and you might pick up some of the dirt that normally settles on the bottom.

Hope, this will help you get the maximum value for your money.

DO SHARE THESE TIPS WITH OTHERS! LET’S SHARE INFORMATION AND BENEFIT ALL, FOR THE BETTER OF MANKIND.