Suggested by MEGAN H
Most of the times in New Zealand there’s no shortage of water. In any case, that doesn’t mean that it’s not wise to conserve it. Water generation and treatment uses a lot of energy.
On a household scale, installing aerators and toilet water savers can save heaps of water, and filling up your kettle with only as much water as you need saves energy and water at the same time.
Suggested by MEGAN H
A way to save heaps of energy, plus be cosy and snuggly at home. Just like in the pink batts ad, but preferably with wool batts.
Suggested by MEGAN H
We all know that plastic shopping bags are evil, but if we don’t get them sometimes, what do we put our rubbish or recycling in? Perhaps the answer is corn syrup bags, or maybe we need to redesign our recycling bins so that they have compartments and a lid. Would be great to see an article or project related to this.
Suggested by TRUDIE M
Grow your own – It’s rewarding and healthy and you don’t need a big garden to cultivate your favourite fruit and vegetables.
With worsening economic conditions and increased interest in organic and sustainable living, many people are turning to vegetable gardening as a supplement to their family’s diet. Food grown in your own backyard, uses up little if any fuel for shipping, and the grower can be sure of what exactly was used to grow it. Organic gardening, has become increasingly popular for the modern home gardener.
Have your say in electing today’s ‘brownie’ badges. And if you have a cool idea that’s not listed here yet, just send us your suggestions.
Cheers!
Thomas
Suggested by ELIZA K
Less demand for new clothes, meaning less factories, less transport, less fossil fuels, smaller climate change.
Suggested by ELIZA K
Here are a number of reasons:
Suggested by ELIZA K
A good half of the average home’s energy usage is water heating. Shower under 10 minutes (and/or with a friend – musn’t get too steamy and go overtime :)).
Suggested by ELIZA K
Badge earner to switch to clean energy supplier (cleanenergyguide.org.nz)
Suggested by JOHANNA KNOX
Ovens and stoves use a large proportion of household electricity. Many bought, packaged foods used a lot of energy in production. Cook as much as you can from scratch, using homegrown, organic and/or locally grown, and minimally packaged ingredients. Also use environmentally friendly cooking methods like solar cooking, residual heat cooking, woodstove cooking, earth ovens, and some types of barbeques. (Or just go raw!)
