How Can You Help?

There are many ways each of us can personally help the environment and slow climate change. Most of them come with the added bonus of also saving you money. By combining all of the savings tips listed here, it is now theoretically possible to not just cut a power bill to $0 but to have your electricity retailer pay you!

Free and easy behaviour change savings

There are numerous steps that can be taken around every home that cost nothing; they instead require slight changes in behaviour.

  • Turn electrical items off at the power point when they are not in use.
  • Turn off the second fridge when it is not needed.
  • In summer:
    • Use fans instead of air conditioners.
    • Close the windows, curtains and blinds during the day to keep direct sunlight out and then open them at night to let the cool breeze in.
    • If using air conditioners, set the temperature as high as possible and keep doors and windows closed and well-sealed. Only cool rooms that are being used.
  • In winter:
    • Use a reverse cycle air conditioner instead of plug-in electric heaters. Only heat rooms that are being used.
    • Open the curtains during the day to let the heat in, then close them in the evening to keep the heat in.
  • Use the washing line instead of a clothes dryer (each load in a clothes dryer costs around 90 cents in electricity). If it's raining outside, a pedestal fan can be used to dry clothes.
  • Turn off the TV when it is not being watched.
  • Only use the dishwasher when it's full.
  • Set energy saving measures on all computers.

Technology change savings

There are many opportunities around every home that can be taken to improve energy efficiency. With electricity prices rising dramatically (they rose by 15% in 2009 and by 13% in 2010), investing a little now can reap financial rewards into the future.

  • Apply reflective films to windows and shade the house with awnings or vegetation to reduce cooling costs.
  • Install ceiling insulation.
  • Get an energy monitor to gain a better understanding of your electricity consumption patterns (available through the Climate Smart Home Service).
  • Choose energy efficient appliances when upgrading.
  • Use solar powered lights to light the garden.
  • Look for opportunities to save costs on the pool such as pool blankets, solar heating, and connecting the pump to an off-peak tariff.
  • Install a solar PV system, replace a mains electric hot water system with a solar hot water system, and replace inefficient lighting with more energy efficient options.

Solar PV savings

Solar PV (photovoltaic, or solar power) systems allow householders to produce their own clean renewable electricity. PV systems are eligible for Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), a Federal Government incentive. Thousands of dollars worth of RECs are currently available, even on small PV systems. By installing PV you can also take advantage of the State Government's Solar Bonus Scheme which allows all the surplus electricity produced by a PV system to be sold into the grid at 44 cents per kWh. Read the Clean Energy Council Consumer Guide to PV before buying.

A number of Logan based companies sell and install both solar PV and solar hot water systems. They are available to provide advice and quotes to residents and businesses alike.

Please note: Council does not endorse any of these companies or any of their products, this list is provided simply for information.

Hot water savings

About 25-30% of the average home's electricity bill is due to water heating when a standard electric hot water system is used. It is therefore worth either managing hot water use as effectively as possible, or replacing the old mains system.

Solar flat panel, solar evacuated tube, and heat pump hot water systems are all significantly more efficient than a standard electric system. Upgrading now will allow you to take advantage of up to $2,600 (or $3,000 for pensioners) in incentives, and will reduce your power bill by $250 to $500 a year depending on how much hot water you currently use.

If you can't afford to upgrade yet, instead ensure your existing hot water system operates as efficiently as possible.

  • Install water saver shower heads.
  • Have an electrician check the thermostat setting on the hot water system. If it's over 65°C, get it turned down to just above 60°C.
  • Use only cold water in the washing machine.
  • Fix dripping hot water taps as soon as possible.
  • Rinse dishes prior to putting them in the dishwasher with cold water only.
  • Use the dishwasher rather than washing up by hand.
  • Have short showers.

Home lighting savings

At home, probably the smartest two things in regard to lighting you can do are:

  • Remember to turn off lights when you don't need them.
  • Change over to more energy efficient lighting technologies such as compact flourescent lamps (CFLs).

Power supply savings

It can be difficult to know if you are on a good electricity deal or not, with so many retailers and so many deals and contracts available. There are several electricity comparison websites which allow a quick comparison of the deal you are currently on with all others available to Logan residents. They also offer an easy method of purchasing a deal that comes with a proportion of Green Power. Simply do an internet search on 'electricity price comparison' to find these sites.

Vehicle savings

Walking, skating, riding a bicycle or even riding a motorbike or bus will all result in considerably less carbon emissions than driving a passenger vehicle.

If a passenger vehicle must be used, there are many ways to reduce fuel consumption which are surprisingly cheap or even free, requiring only changes in behaviour and/or driving style.

  • Drive smoothly to minimise acceleration and braking.
  • Minimise idling.
  • Minimise drag by removing additional items such as roof racks, bike racks, bull bars, and flags.
  • Travel light by removing needless heavy items.
  • Look after your car and your tyres by regularly checking that the tyres are all at the same and correct pressure, and that they are properly aligned.
  • Choose a fuel efficient car. Compare vehicles using the Green Vehicle Guide.

Water savings

To reduce mains water consumption and associated costs, there are a range of measures you can employ.

  • Limit shower length to four minutes.
  • Install a water saver showerhead.
  • Install a hot water recirculating valve where unused water in the hot water pipe is returned to the hot water system.
  • Install a pool cover to reduce evaporation.
  • If upgrading, choose a water and energy efficient dishwasher and washing machine.
  • Install a rainwater tank or grey water treatment system.
  • Fix water leaks as soon as possible.

Other tips

There are lots of other little things everyone can do to reduce their carbon footprint.

  • Plant trees. Free trees are available through Council's Free Trees initiative and Council's Land For Wildlife program.
  • Offset car travel emissions using organisations such as Reverse The Effect.
  • Offset air travel emissions when buying plane tickets.
  • Grow your own fruit and vegetables.
  • Start a compost bin or worm farm.
  • Recycle waste where possible and buy products made from recycled materials.
  • Come to the Logan Eco Action Festival (LEAF) in June.
  • For tips on how to build or renovate a house to make it more sustainable, liveable and cheaper to live in, visit the Federal Government's Your Home website.
  • Make your townhouse more sustainable. Body corporate by-laws and covenants can no longer ban certain sustainability installations such as solar panels.
  • Do one thing at a time - just pick a few steps that you feel comfortable with and focus on those for the time being.