Glen Elmes, Member for Noosa, Queensland State Parliament

MOBILE PHONES

Are you getting rid of an old phone? - click here to find a great way to recycle the old one

UPDATES:

I came across this tip and thought it a good one. if you think you may have a shower which is a little too generous
with it's flow rate, then here's a simple way to check: if you can just about fill a 10 litre bucket in less than 1 minute, your
showerhead is a little too liberal - consider upgrading to a better model.

It's time to think about our cars and driving habits - here are some of the things I will be doing to help reduce my
carbon 'car print':
- lighten the vehicle's load
- clear out the boot and remove roof racks if not needed
- drive smoothly instead of braking at high speed
- ensure the tyres are filled to the maximum recommended air pressure
- have the car serviced regularly.

Checking on the electricals - Unplug your electronics: Most electronics still use some energy even when turned off.
This 'standby mode' or 'phantom load' drains up to 10 percent of electricity used in most homes.
- Use surge protectors to make it easier to unplug lots of things at once when you leave a room. Of course, if you have
solar powered hot water, you are already doing well!

Changing to CFL lightbulbs
Compact fluorescents are a type of fluorescent lamp that uses less energy than a normal incandescent light bulb - but
remember to dispose of them responsibly as they contain mercury (check with Council about this)

Use the dishwasher, stacked properly and full, instead of washing the dishes by hand - more hot water is used when
doing them manually. NOTE: check your machine to make sure you are using it's most efficient cycles, and during the
dryer winter months you really don't need the heated drying option either.

Changing the thermostat - up 2 degress in summer, 2 down in winter
Heating and cooling is responsible for a large percentage of a household's energy consumption. Turn up your temps. in
warm weather and down in winter.

Not letting the taps run
As you are brushing your teeth, washing your face, washing your hands, etc... turn the water off when you are not using it .

Making compost
The use of compost for planting, adds water-holding organic matter to the soil - it feeds the soil micro-organisms that help
the soil and the plants stay healthy.

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Tell us your ideas for low impact living