For more eco hints, eco news, ideas from the Todae Team check out the Official Blog Of The Todae Team!

Energy Saving Hints:

• Although it is simple and easy, the No. 1 thing we can do is switch to 100% renewable energy. This means solar or wind power and can save up to 8 Tonnes of carbon per year. It typically only costs only about $4-5/week more than conventional power.
• Today most electrical appliances have stand-by mode. Stand-by mode still uses energy as it trickles through to the appliance. Over the year this can add to your electricity bill and increase carbon emissions. So, switch off your TV, radio or computer at the power button instead and save yourself money and electricity. Our Mains Timer can switch off appliances automatically to save you hassle and money.
• Turn your thermostat 1 degree up in summer and 1 degree down in winter. You probably won’t notice the difference in temperature, and it will add up to a significant energy saving over the year. Using a fan instead of air conditioning can save considerable power as well as fans use only 5% of the power of a air conditioner. Wearing a jumper instead of increasing your thermostat in winter can also contribute to energy savings.
• Cover pots and pans in the stove. This will save lots of energy and time.
• If you have halogen downlights, get a dimmer switch installed or replace them with energy efficient downlight alternatives. Did you know that normal halogen downlights only use 10% of their energy to create light, the other 90% is wasted in heat. On average halogens cost $15 per year in energy so even if you have just 20 halogens in your house you could save over $240 and 2 Tonnes of carbon! Try our Halogen Replacements.
• Use the cold water setting for your washing machine. Not only will it save you money and electricity, your clothes will never shrink. Washing on cold water will reduce your carbon emissions by 300kg and save you $20 per year.

Water Saving Hints:

• Did you know that the by changing your shower head to a 3-star/AAA rated head you can save 25,000 liters of water per year - that's enough to fill a backyard swimming pool, and around $100 on your water and energy bills every year and around one tonne of greenhouse gas emissions every year.
• Try reducing the length of showers, this will save water and electricity. If everyone took one minute less in the shower we would save thosands of Tonnes of greenhouse emissions every year. Try our simple 4 minute Shower Timer to help you achieve this.
• Wash fruit and veggies in a half full sink instead under running water as this can save a lot of water. For extra fresh and clean fruit and veggies try washing them in a sink with Enviroclean Fruit and Vege Wash.
• Dishwashers and washing machines use large amounts of water and add to water and electricity bills. Use the shortest cycles on both machines to save you water, electricity and money. Most brands feature a short cycle and you won’t notice any difference from your normal wash.

Eco Hints:

• Buy fresh foods rather than frozen to save up to 10 times the energy (and they taste much better).
• Drive smoothly – this can use up to 25% less petrol than rapidly accelerating and braking (and it’s a more peaceful way to drive).
• Try composting your food. This reduces landfill and co2. If you don’t have a garden, use a small Bokashi Indoor Composter. You can put all your kitchen scraps in the bucket (including meat, poultry and citrus) with a sprinkle of the magical Bokashi mixture and the waste is composted into a highly concentrated natural fertilizer which will leave your garden smiling without hurting the environment.
• Ensure your fridge is full, as empty fridges require a lot more electricity to continually cool the air that escapes when the door is opened. You can do this filling the empty areas of your fridge with bottles of water.
• Make sure the seals on your fridge are in good condition. If they are allowing cool air to leak out of your fridge, get them replaced.
• A balanced diet is not only good for you but good for the environment. Eating more grains, veggies and fruit can reduce carbon create by packaging, processing and production. Also try buy local foods as not only are you supporting Australia, these products use less carbon to get transported to you.

These are just a few simple ideas. If you have specific questions or concerns about the efficiency of your house or office, feel free to call us on 1300 138 483 or email us at info@todae.com.au

We also offer Environmental Home Assessment and Commercial Environmental Assessments to help you reduce your impact on the environment and make a difference.