Let There Be (Better) Lights!
Switch to compact fluorescent lights: lighting accounts for about 15 percent of domestic electricity use in Hong Kong. CFLs use about a third the energy of incandescent bulbs.Each replaced bulb will save an average of 50 kg CO2 per year. If CFLsare not compatible with your lighting, consider installing a dimmer switch.
Take a Stand against Standby - Opt for "OFF"
Standby may seem harmless—but the “green button” is not green. TVs, air-conditioners and computers left on standby burn energy. 6 percent of electricty used in homes is consumed by appliances left on standby.
Turn things off when not in use. An average family can save up to 100kg of CO2 per year choosing OFF.
LESS AC
Turn up your air conditioning thermostat - each degree equals a 3-10 percent reduction in electricity. Air conditioning consumes about 30 percent of Hong Kong's total electricty-and this number doubles in the summer. If you don't have a thermostat, consider getting one installed, and replace the filter regularly.
Go Green when you Clean
When using your washing machine, dryer or dishwasher, make sure that they are are fully loaded. By fully loading your dishwasher your will save, on average, 100 kg of CO2 per year.
Practice Heater Restraint
Showers account for 2/3 of the hot water consumed by households. If you have to temper your hot shower with cold water consider turning your thermostat down. Reducing the temperature of your water heater from 60°C to 49°C will save 200 kg CO2. per year
Let your Fridge Chill Out
Help your refrigerator to stay cool by placing it in cool spot. Allow hot food to come to room temperature before putting it in the fridge. Clear clutter from the top of the fridge and defrost it regularly. You can cut about 300 kg of CO2 per year by treating your fridge well.
Buy appliances with an Energy Label
Shop for energy efficient appliances. This is a straightforward solution, but it can get complicated in Hong Kong, where the current mandatory energy labelling scheme only covers three appliances (air conditioners, CFLs and refrigerators). What other options are available?
Developed by WWF Climateers, "Low Carbon Living Appliances Guide" is Hong Kong's first low carbon guide, covering many low carbon and energy efficient models of nine popular appliances. Check this out and you will see you are not short of choices to adopt a Low Carbon Lifestyle!
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