Green Tip #7 – Collect rainwater for flushing toilets and watering plants
When it rains, you can bring out the pails or other storage containers for collecting rainwater. The rainwater collected can be used for flushing the toilets, watering the plants and even for washing your car. There is no need to use clean drinking water for those purposes. By using rainwater, it would help you save water and money.
If you stay in a flat and do not have space outside your corridor to collect rainwater, you can consider making a simple rainwater collection system. Tie some funnels to a bamboo pole and connect the outlet of each funnel to a plastic hose that leads to your pail. When it rains, put out your bamboo pole and close your windows (leaving a slight opening for the hose). The funnels collect the rainwater and channel it through the hose to the pail. Explore other possible ways to collect rainwater. Be creative and have fun.
Photo credit: Chance Agrella via freerangestock.com.
Green Tip #6 – Avoid printing ATM receipts
The printing of ATM receipts not only wastes paper but also creates a litter problem. There are about 1,416 ATM locations provided by the three local banks (DBS/POSB – 676; UOB – 385; OCBC – 355). If there are two people printing receipts from each ATM machine daily, we would end up with more than one million paper receipts annually.
And this is not taking into account the fact that there can be more than one ATM machine at each location and that there are more than five other banks with ATM machines. Imagine the paper wasted if we take all these into account.
In addition, the receipts are often found as litter around the ATM machines. So, choose not to print receipts and check your bank account online or update your bank book regularly to ensure that there is no discrepancy.
Image attribution: padday.
Green Tip #5 – Reduce your refrigerator’s energy consumption
There is a refrigerator in most homes, and they are always running and consuming significant energy. According to the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources website, “a typical 4-room air-conditioned HDB flat spends 30% of its energy bills on air-conditioning, 17% on its refrigerator, 10% on lighting, and 9% on its water heater.” Since the refrigerator is the second highest energy consumer in our house, we should aim to reduce its energy consumption. Read more
Green Tip #4 – Don’t be a slave to the latest fashion
We have a choice. We can choose what we want. There is no need to follow the latest fashion and keep on changing our clothing and accessories to suit the new style. Read more
Green Tip #3 – It’s not necessary to be always clean and spotless
December 10, 2007 by Eugene
Filed under Energy and Transportation, Features, Tips, Waste and Materials, Water, Air and Land
We feel that it’s not necessary to be clean and spotless at all times. It’s ok to be slightly dirty, and help save water and energy or reduce the use of chemicals. You may not agree with us but we think cleanliness can be overlooked at times. Read more
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