At SkyGreen we truly recognize the “three Rs”, which are “reduce, reuse, recycle”. But also this got extended to include 2 more Rs, didn’t it? Adding firstly ‘refuse’ and, also ‘repurpose’. Let’s think about the first one, ‘refuse’, in the light of solar power. Refusing to even use power from the grid for many activities is now entirely possible, leading to zero power consumption for some activities.
Dress for the weather - layer up!
The energy used to heat or cool a space we live and work in is one of the highest contributors to our individual carbon footprints. Globally, heating and cooling accounts for nearly half of all energy consumption and 40% of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions.
Take a shorter shower
Taking shorter showers is just one of many ways to reduce water use and conserve our drinking water. It's also an easy way to reduce your water bill. Shorter showers can also save up to 350 kilograms of carbon dioxide a year and help cut down your energy bills.
Carpool to work when you can
Fewer cars need to be parked in city streets, and inner-city car parks can lower congestion and the time spent sitting in traffic jams. This would allow more space in cities to be used for other purposes such as green spaces, rather than towering concrete car parks that store cars for hours on end.
Switch appliances off at night
Survey each room and unplug idle devices. The Department of Energy estimates you could save 10% every month if you unplugged appliances when not in use. Unplugging appliances can save electricity, so make it as much of a habit as when you turn off the lights to conserve energy
Shop at a local farmer's market
Farmers' markets support the environment by attempting to minimize waste and pollution. They support growing activities such as regenerative agriculture and reduce eco miles as local producers are sourced for the markets.
Eat vegetarian/vegan once a week
Being vegetarian helps reduce pollution of our streams, rivers, and oceans. Pollution from livestock production largely comes from animal waste, which can runoff into our waterways and harm aquatic ecosystems, destroy topsoil, and contaminate the air – which all have harmful effects on wild animals AND humans.
Grab a coffee with my keep cup
Over the course of one year, one individual using a KeepCup instead of disposable cups reduces water use by up to 90%, greenhouse gas emissions by 92%, and landfill by 99%. Your carbon footprint is 4 times smaller when using a KeepCup, compared to disposable cups.
Carry my refillable water bottle
Overall, choosing a reusable water bottle is clearly better for the environment in countless ways. They use less oil, release less carbon dioxide, they won't pack landfills, and they're good for water in general. It's a no-brainer!
Turn off sprinklers for the winter
Evaporation rates are low in winter and there is usually enough rainfall to sustain lawns and gardens. Water being used on lawns and gardens in winter is a waste of this valuable resource. The winter sprinkler switch off aims to prevent this wastage and save water for the hotter, drier months.