As technology rapidly advances, the gadgets we once recognized become obsolete in just a short period of time. And as the technological demands of people changes and increases, previous models of phones, ipods, cameras, computers and other electronics are thrown away into the garbage bin even if they are still in a good working condition. Doing that is a big waste of money and a hazard to the environment’s well-being. As a responsible and mature citizen, there are countless ways to make these gadgets and electronics efficient and functional. Here are some environment-friendly tips on how to recycle or sell your old electronics:

• Turn your “trash” to cash. There are several companies that would buy your out dated gadgets. Gather all your phones, ipods, cameras, computer or other electronics that you would want to sell. Then search the internet for the companies on whose criteria your merchandise would fit. Set your price per gadget by searching it in the internet or electronic shops and comparing its current value. We think the best service for recycling phones is Mobile Muster: www.mobilemuster.com.au

• Repair and refurbish your computers for a cause. You can donate surplus computers and other information and communication technologies to schools, city libraries, and other charities that will need it most. Not only are you able to help save the environment, you can also take part in providing these individuals and institutions a better future.

• Reuse your gadgets especially if they are still in good condition. Although they may be quite behind the new models, there may be several applications, hardware and programs that you can install to your gadgets to keep it as modern as its fresh counterparts.
You can make a big difference when you get involved and take your part in e-cycling. Advocate for it now and become conscious of the welfare of the environment and others. Support Australia’s government campaign for the control and elimination of toxic electronic waste.

Special Offer
Click here for special health insurance offers from GMHBA

Related posts:

1. Recycling Technology Items Most people think that you just throw away old computers...
2. E-waste scrap rules urged OSLO (Reuters) - A metric ton of old mobile phones...
3. 6 Great Recycling Tips Protecting the environment and saving money at the same time...

Man was made to rule over and take care of His creations. But religion is not the only aspect in our life that calls us to be concerned of the welfare of the environment. Our health, happiness and the future generations likewise depend on how we use and manage the Earth at present.

Caring for the environment begins from the basic unit of society, the family. It is through the awareness of the responsibility of each member of the household to protect and nurture the planet that you are able to globally participate towards the achievement of a better life. It doesn’t require much labor for you to be earth-friendly. There are so many simple ways that when done consistently the right way, can make a significant and huge difference. Here are some suggestions on easy ways to make a greener home and living:

1.       Replace appliances to energy-efficient models. Check for the “Energy Star” logo when you use or purchase appliances and gadgets because they consume up to 10%-50% lesser energy and water compared to typical ones. Use energy-efficient lights. Standard incandescent light bulbs consume more energy compare to Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFL). The latter can last 10x longer and consumes about 66% lesser than the former.

2.       Water conservation. It doesn’t require products for you to implement the wise use of water rather it only needs some behavioral change on your part. Simply turning off the faucet every time that it’s not used can make a great difference. Installing a low-flow toilet or adjusting its float bulb can greatly minimize 2 liters of water used to flush the toilet. Save up to 80 liters of water when you use the broom instead of using the garden hose every time you clean the driveway. .

3.       Use less paper. Paper comes from trees. Whenever we recycle or use a post-consumer paper, we save money, trees and the environment.

4.       Minimize plastic use. Polyethylene plastic is usually found in grocery, trash and sandwich bags. Throwing plastics away to the landfill increases greenhouse gasses which in turn contribute to the occurrence of global warning. Additionally, burning and processing plastics is a major contributor to global warming since they are made from petroleum.

5.       Organic gardening. Instead of using fertilizers and other chemicals to grow plants at home, use compost. Not only does it contain the right amount of nutrients, but also a good degree of soil organism is present to keep the soil fertile and healthy for plant growth.

It’s a cliché but as a matter of fact, recycling and cutting down on what you consume are the basic means for living a green and earth friendly life.

Related posts:

1. Energy Efficiency At Home One concern that we have to address when managing our...
2. Space agencies, Google seek ways to save forests OSLO (Reuters) - Space agencies and Google Inc are helping...
3. A chance to live in Australia’s first green home THIS is the greenly way to do it. And there...

Even things as simple as washing your clothes can create a huge impact on our environment. The power that washing machines and dryers use produce carbon dioxide that we know is harmful to the environment. On top of this detergents used when washing clothes contain chemicals which may remain behind within waste water as it is washed through our water system. But, even if it sounds like the negative effects of washing clothes outweigh the positive ones, it doesn’t entirely mean that we have have to have limited access to clean and fresh clothes!

Here are some sustainable and environmentally friendly things that you can do when washing your clothes.

1. Lower your washing temperature! Many detergents nowadays work well with lower temperature settings. You can save about 40% on your electricity use  if you switch from 40 to 30 degrees and you still get the same results!
2. Wash in bulk! Don’t do small loads of washing but wait until you get a full load of laundry before washing it. Although it may sound like a huge job, it can save you a lot of power, detergent and water. If you can’t wait for it to be full, hand wash smaller washes.
3. Never leave the machine on standby. This does not only apply to washing machines but to every appliance you own. Even on standby appliances continues to draw power so turn it off and unplug your washing machine and other appliances when not in use.
4. Use a washing machine that has an energy saver feature. Look for the energy saving labels and do some research to identify recommended models. Energy efficiency not only lowers your energy consumption, but it also emits less carbon dioxide making them more eco-friendly.
5. Replace chlorine bleach. Choose environment friendly detergents. As an alternative to bleach, you can use ½ cup of baking soda as an ordinary or eco-friendly detergent. It produces similar whitening and cleaning effects to your clothes. You can also try soaking your clothes overnight in a mixture of 1 part white vinegar and 6 parts warm water. The sour odor of the vinegar will just evaporate and leave unnoticed. Another alternative is oxygen bleach. Although it works slower than chlorine bleach, it has gentler effects on your clothes and environment as well.

As much as we want to keep our clothes clean and fresh, we should not forget to protect our environment too. Utilise these environmentally friendly washing tips and see how far they go in saving you money and the environment.

Related posts:

1. Washing Machines Almost every household would own a washing machine and these...
2. Dishwashers Once upon a time we hated cleaning up after a...
3. Energy tips for round the house Things you can do to help save energy: • Don’t wash...

One concern that we have to address when managing our homes is how we can save and use energy efficiently. As technology advances and the population continues to grow, total energy consumption will continue to increase.  Although there are many new cost-effective and energy-efficient appliances available our dependence on technology will continue to put pressure on our energy use, especially at home.

Aside from the fact that home electricity bills have risen dramatically over the last two years, there is the unavoidable impact of our rising energy consumption on climate change since carbon dioxide emitted by the process of energy production is the cause global warming.  While reducing energy consumption at home won’t reverse global warming we can employ some tips and techniques to reduce the impact on the environment and save some money at the same time.

1. Install energy saving improvements at home. Using your central heating controls wisely can get your bills down as well as reduce wasted energy. Install thermostats and timers to manage your heating energy use.
2. Use renewable energy sources where possible. Natural energy sources such as solar power produces environmental friendly and sustainable energy for your home through the process of microgeneration. With the use of solar panels or even wind turbines to create energy, heat or electricity, carbon dioxide emissions are  can be reduced dramatically.
3. Buy energy efficient appliances. These appliances require less energy and need not be any more expensive or offer less quality and functionality. Look for the energy saving labels to ensure that your appliance is one of the top 20 percent most energy efficient products in the market.

Although the above tips are applicable for today, the traditional energy saving techniques (such as turning off appliances when not in use, maintaining an accurate electric meter, covering pans and pots when cooking, drying clothes outdoors, replacing light bulbs at home with energy saving ones, etc.) remain  effective means of saving energy. Being conscious and mindful of your energy consumption will not only create a big impact on your budget and will benefit the environment as well.

Related posts:

1. Solar PV Systems Solar PV cells are the latest panels that use a...
2. Saving Energy At Home Insulation improves a homes energy efficiently by a large amount...
3. Solar Water Heating The most household energy created comes from our hot water...

The rebate program introduced by the government has been in for around four months.

While Australians want their houses to be cooler in the hot summer months, electricians warn that they are turning houses into potential death traps.

Federal environment minister Peter Garrett said that safety was a priority.

“Metallic foil is conductive and when installed incorrectly, without undertaking the mandatory risk assessments and in breach of clear program requirements, this product can be dangerous,” the minister said in a statement today.

He said there was still evidence of installers using dangerous practices, despite a ban last year on the use of metal fasteners for foil insulation.

“That is why we have taken steps today to suspend the use of foil under this program,” he said.

“Based on the outcome of these discussions I will consider what additional steps will be required if foil insulation is to remain eligible for a rebate under the Home Insulation Program,” he said.

“As I have said consistently, safety is the absolute priority under this program.”

- with theage.com.au

Related posts:

1. The evergreen way to save energy SOLAR panels on your roof can save heaps and heaps...
2. Breakthrough in food safety THERMO Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, this...
3. California, Astro Turf reach lead-safety accord LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - AstroTurf LLC, a leading maker of...

But ironing doesn’t just have an impact on your clothing; it effects the environment as well. Using the iron daily uses a lot of unnecessary power and adds to our already over-used resources.

You should only iron clothes you really need to, like work shirts and skirts. If you iron underwear, sheets and even napkins you should stop now. It may look nice and pressed but it is not a ‘must iron’ garment and pollutes the environment. If you want to get serious about cutting down our carbon emissions then having an ironed bed sheet is not going to help.

For clothing that needs to be ironed, ensure that you fold them when you take them out of the dryer or off the line. This will make ironing easier and quicker, resulting in less scrunched clothing (and carbon).

Iron shirts when they are still a bit damp. This will make the ironing task quicker, reduces the drying time and means you don’t have to steam iron.

You should also de-calcify your iron by putting a white vinegar and water mixture into the steam cavity. Turn your iron on hot and let it steam, after this pour the solution away.

Related posts:

1. Tips For An Eco-Friendly Wardrobe 1- Buy less- Try to buy fewer clothes but spend...
2. Baby Clothes Babies grow so quickly, and unfortunately their clothes don’t grow...
3. Methane cuts targeted by groups in climate fight COPENHAGEN (Reuters) - Carbon dioxide pollution is the dragon the...

But using electric or gas appliances are not good for our green earth. This is why there are alternative sources like heat pumps that allow us to gain heat from natural sources. Heat pumps allow us to transfer heat from the ground, building or home to provide heat and in some cases even heat domestic hot water. You can also install air and water pumps that will produce heat from these natural sources.

Costs-
The average cost of a ground-source heat pump will be around $1,000. The Dux Airoheat Sub-Zero Heat Pump is $1,500 and it will cost you a bit more for installation and connection to the main distribution system. It will always be costly at first to install something environmentally friendly, but it will save the environment and yourself money in the long run.

Grants-
You have until June 30 to apply for both state and federal rebates and with the RECs you can save up to $4,000 on the heat pumps.

Savings-
In the long run you can save between $300 and $1,000 on heating bills and up to seven tonnes of CO2 a year. It may take a while for you to see the benefits but in the end it will be worth it.

Related posts:

1. Study says steamy heat more common in California LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Bouts of extreme muggy heat lasting...
2. Scorching heat fuels Los Angeles wildfires LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Firefighters battling four wildfires around Los...
3. Solar Water Heating The most household energy created comes from our hot water...

Depending on the amount of dishes washed, the dishwasher can use up to six times less water than the average person uses to wash them in the sink. Modern dishwashers use as little as 10 litres of water per wash. But most of this can be tied to poor washing-up habits and practices, rather than technological improvements.

Making a dishwasher takes a huge amount of energy and raw materials, which could have bad environmental effects that counteract with the water saving benefits. There are both positives and negatives with the dishwasher appliance, but here are some steps to follow to save power and water.

Step one- don’t pre-wash the dishes before you put them in the dishwasher. There is no washing difference between those rinsed and un-rinsed, so just scrape off large bits of foods and place it in. However, if you have really dirty dishes it may save more water and energy to do it once by hand, rather than three times in the dishwasher.

Step two- use eco-friendly powder or liquid. These products will not contain phosphates or other chemicals that are harmful to our environment.

Step three- set the dishwasher temperature cycle to a low setting. High settings use more water and take longer to wash, making it not environmentally friendly.

Step four- make sure you clean out your dishwasher filter regularly. This helps your machine to run as effective as possible and more dishes will be clean using less energy.

Related posts:

1. Washing Machines Almost every household would own a washing machine and these...
2. How To Make Your Cleaning Environmentally Friendly Sometimes our cleaning habits make the space in our homes...
3. Energy tips for round the house Things you can do to help save energy: • Don’t wash...

But no one is going to get rid of their washing machine that washes their clothing in a short amount of time, and with ease. The good news for the environment is that there are now many models available that use less energy and water.

In fact, newly designed washing machines use about half the water and energy than the average ten-year-old washing machine. The most efficient machines use less than 50 litres of water each wash.

As well as purchasing an energy efficient machine, there are simple steps you can do to save power and water.

Step one- about 90% of energy used washing our clothes is when we heat the water. If you aim to wash your clothes at around 40C it will use half the amount of energy as it would at 90C and is still a decent wash.

Step two- don’t wash clothes after one wear, only wash them when they are dirty. Unless they have something spilt on them or smell after a night out, you should be able to wear clothes at least twice before washing, saving power and water.

Step three- fill the washing machine to the brim. Washing clothes in a machine that is half full needlessly wastes power and water. Make sure it is as full as it can be, without overfilling. If you have to wash only half a load, make sure you select the half load cycle.

Related posts:

1. Washing The Environmentally Friendly Way Even things as simple as washing your clothes can create...
2. Dishwashers Once upon a time we hated cleaning up after a...
3. Printers and Fax Machines Printers and Fax machines are used almost as much as...

We need to choose the right appliance that will have little impact on the planet whilst satisfying our needs. The first thing to do is to do the RESEARCH. Find out about the appliance before you buy. Compare a range of different appliances and a number of different manufactures and see which is more energy efficient. Tray and go for those with the Energy Saving Recommended logo.

The most important thing is to ASK FOR ADVICE. If you are not sure, or want to know more about a specific appliance ask for help. The sales staff should know information on technical things as well as the benefits it has. Here is a checklist you should complete before you buy.

· Is the appliance an Energy Saving Recommended one?
· How much energy does it produce when it is only on standby?
· Does the appliance have any special energy-saving features?
· How long wills the product last? What is the said lifespan?
· REMEMBER- to purchase quality items that will last for a long period of time.

Related posts:

1. Washing Machines Almost every household would own a washing machine and these...
2. Printers and Fax Machines Printers and Fax machines are used almost as much as...
3. Computers Computers are used in most Australian business on a daily...