This blog will essentially be about what I (i.e. YOU) can do in and around the home to lessen your carbon footprint. As the old saying goes: "If it is to be, it is up to me!"

Just like a leaking tap wastes drop by drop accumulating to buckets full of wastage, the opposite is also true, saving drop by drop accumulates to buckets full of savings.

I will try to maintain a balance to three categories: small habitual changes, Bigger changes and massive start from scratch changes aimed at building a new home.

To start off with, here is 101 small ways you can save the planet!

I will research and expand on each one of these in the near future. 

1.             Find out what your Greendex is and work to reduce it.

2.             Switch off all appliances when not in use, eg. Lights, computer, tv etc.

3.             When you boil water, boil just enough or keep the extra in a thermos flask.

4.             Buy local produce rather than imported.

5.             Recycle aluminum and glass

6.             Start a compost heap

7.             Plant a tree

8.             Carpool to work and to go shopping

9.             Shop monthly rather than daily

10.          Recycle paper

11.          Keep your car serviced.

12.          Drive less, plan your trips.

13.          Defrost your freezer.

14.          Use re-usable bags for your shopping.

15.          Grow your own vegetables.

16.          Print as few documents as possible.

17.          Encourage others to save.

18.          Rather park and stand in line than idle your car through the drive through.

19.          Use a bicycle for short trips.

20.          Don't smoke.

21.          Use cold water for laundry.

22.          Do all your ironing at one time.

23.          Reuse glass containers.

24.          Use environmentally safe cleaning compounds.

25.          Run your dishwasher and washing machine only fully loaded.

26.          Use your microwave rather than your oven.

27.          Try not to use disposable items.

28.          Request paper rather than Styrofoam products.

29.          Buy products that minimize packaging.

30.          Recycle motor oil and batteries.

31.          Shop online.

32.          Do errands on the way home from work.

33.          Regularly inflate you car tires.

34.          Use recycled paper products.

35.          Use compact florescent light bulbs.

36.          Set your water heater to 40' and open only the hot water tap when you bath or shower.

37.          Switch your water heater off when not in use.

38.          Hang your laundry to dry.

39.          Don't litter.

40.          Use both sides of your paper.

41.          Buy durable products.

42.          Buy bulk.

43.          Use rechargeable batteries.

44.          Recycle ink and toner cartridges.

45.          Use environment friendly paints.

46.          Don't throw old clothes away.

47.          Repair leaking plumbing.

48.          Put a full 2lt bottle in your toilet's reservoir.

49.          Use security lights with movement detectors.

50.          Insulate your water heater and hot water pipes.

51.          Make sure your fridge door seals tight.

52.          Defrost your freezer often

53.          Cover saucepans with lids.

54.          Recycle electronic gizmos.

55.          Support businesses that use recycled materials.

56.          Cut down on showering time.

57.          Remove lint from your dryer during each load to increase efficiency in drying time.

58.          Fill in your empty freezer space with boxes to save on your energy costs.

59.          Use your shower and wash water in your garden.

60.          Talk to your friends about these ideas.

61.          Don’t pre-heat.

62.          Buy eggs in paper based containers.

63.          Insulate your house.

64.          Remove chargers from socket when not being used.

65.          Replace your electric insect zapper with a bat box.

66.          Rather use an electric lawnmower than fuel powered. Better yet, invest in a manual lawnmower!

67.          Re-use gift wrapping.

68.          Stop junk-mail.

69.          Use cloth diapers rather than disposable.

70.          Use matches rather than lighters.

71.          If you have to travel by air, do some carbon offsetting.

72.          Give green gifts and request to receive green gifts.

73.          Sleep naked?!

74.          Let your hair air-dry.

75.          Take the stairs rather than use an elevator.

76.          Buy local clothing.

77.          Cancel your gym contract and exercise outdoors.

78.          Fix rather than replace.

79.          Make your own preserves.

80.          Use revolving doors.

81.          Stop using more toilet paper than is really necessary.

82.          Switch your music to mp3 rather than cd or dvd.

83.          Decrease your margins and font size in documents.

84.          Use incense rather than air fresheners.

85.          Water garden in the evening rather than in daytime.

86.          Rather buy wooden hangers than plastic.

87.          Don’t pour grease down your drain.

88.          Set your desktop/website background to black.

89.          Keeping to the speed limit.

90.          Send electronic invites rather than paper.

91.          Capture rainwater for gardening etc.

92.          Teach your kids to be green.

93.          If you are renting, move closer to work.

94.          Get rid of pests without pesticides.

95.          Re-use, buy second hand when possible.

96.          Use unprocessed foods.

97.          Set yourself green goals

98.          Apply your green commitments at home and at work.

99.          Eliminate the use of plastic.

100.       Share magazines with friends.

101.       Ensure your funeral is eco friendly.

Until Next time ... Go Green!