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We can't yet be sure exactly what the scheme will entail and how it will affect us. In fact we will have to endure some confusing and contradictory times ahead as, apart from the Labor Government and the Opposition (Coalition) playing aerial ping pong in the media, there are some powerful lobby groups now speaking their minds; the Australian Greenhouse Industry Network has entered the fray – remember the miners monumental advertising scare campaign when the resource super profits tax (rent) tax was proposed? So what can we expect from the Australian Greenhouse Industry Network – a policy lobby group which represents industries including petroleum, aluminium, coal, mining and electricity generation and manufacturing companies responsible for 90 per cent of Australian emissions – we wonder?
What we do know is that the carbon tax will no doubt add to the already steadily increasing energy prices. So, to help keep your expenses reasonable and to do something beneficial for the environment, there's no doubt in our mind we should all try to save energy now.
Energy efficiency makes sense, right? Here are some easy tips:
- Don't forget to switch off the lights when you leave a room.
- Use energy efficient light bulbs such as compact fluorescent or LED lights instead of incandescent ones – replace them if you haven't done so already.
- Don't start your dishwasher before it's full.
- Set your computer to sleep mode when you leave your desk and, at the end of the day, turn it off.
- Keep your shower short – limit yourself to 4 minutes is recommended. Shortening it will help you to save power as heating the water requires energy.
- Turn off all appliances at the switch when you're not using them – this will save up to 10% on your electricity bill.
- Use a clothesline instead of a dryer when doing your laundry. It's even better for your clothes. Each load dried in the sun will save least $1!
- Don't over-warm or over-cool your house. 23?C in summer and 18?C in winter are healthy and comfortable temperature settings.
- Do remember to shut the door to keep the cool air inside when using the AC. There's no need to cool the outdoors.
- Unplug your phone charger when your phone battery is full. Even if it's not plugged to your mobile, it's still using energy.
- Use a power board for your TV set and switch it off at the wall when you're done watching TV. Connect all related devices and it will turn them all off in one move and help you save energy.
- When it's time to get a new appliance, only buy the one rated as the most energy-efficient.
- Use ceiling fans instead of air conditioners – they cost less than 1 cent per hour to run, compared to 12 cents an hour for evaporative cooling systems; and up to 60 cents an hour for refrigerated air conditioning.
- Consider insulating your ceiling and walls - ceiling insulation is one of the most effective ways to improve your home's energy efficiency year-round.
- Switch to Green Energy – OK, this one might not save you money, but there is power (pun intended) in your choices! Vote with your feet and send a message to energy suppliers that they need to develop renewable energy sources!
These examples are just a start. If you want to go further, you could identify your major energy budget items. Using a power meter will definitely help you to find out what consumes the most energy in your house. You could also make a list of all electric appliances you use around your house (such as TV, AC, water-heater, etc.). When done, try to figure out if how you're using the is efficient and if not try to improve this to reduce your energy consumption.
Feeling Inspired? Looking for other ideas – what about going completely off the grid?
We found Colin Beavan's story very inspiring – read our Book Review: No Impact Man
Tips Written by Tatiana Richard
Introductory comment and additional research by Suze Chalmers
Image credit: Anton Fomkin via Flickr Creative Commons
