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As an active blogger and Twitter user, I spend a lot of time online. Yet, at the same time, I always make an effort to be energy conscious because I know the repercussions of climate change. It may seem like a foreign concept-the idea of a food running out or melting ice-caps that would flood our Earth-these tragedies seem very unlikely to happen within our lifetime. But when I was actively speaking about going green as Miss Earth Singapore, this was my argument:
Going green isnt about taking a leap of faith into the unknown. Rather, it’s about taking baby steps to make changes to our current lifestyle. Like a jigsaw puzzle, every little piece contributes to a bigger picture. Piece by piece, slowly but painstakingly, you place each piece in its rightful place to eventually make the picture whole. Much like the jigsaw, each and every one of us is a puzzle piece and every action you make contributes directly to the environment, and your pocket. The next switch you turn off could contribute to that brand new item on your lust list.
For example, while doing your laundry instead of loading half the washing machine, why not try washing clothes on a full load? Not only does it help save energy, it also reduces time spent bent over the washing machine. On top of that, using a 4-tick machine instead of a 2-tick one is infinitely more energy efficient and saves you more money. Perhaps seeing the breakdown in dollars would make more cents (sense).
Based on average 2010 electricity tariff of $0.2348 per kWh from the E2 Singapore website, a 4-tick refrigerator saves you about $100 a year over a 1-tick model. It is no surprise then a 4-tick air-conditioner saves you about $355 in electricity bills a year compared to a 1-tick model. The more ticks you have, more energy efficient you are. This in turn translates to more savings. It’s the same idea as saving a dollar a day, and soon after 365 days, you’ll have $365 in your bank. All that is money I can use to buy more make up! Hahaha.
To fully understand this savings concept in relation to energy efficiency, play this Energy Challenge Online Game that asks you to save as much energy in the shortest time possible. You’ll realise that there are cheaper alternatives to help you be energy efficient AND save money. So this is my energy challenge to you: Pick any one of these energy saving tips to implement on a daily basis. Now, dont be greedy, just one, but be diligent about it.
You can either:
- switch off the computer completely when it’s not going to be in use for more than 30 minutes
- switch off the TV set when no one is watching
- don’t leave refrigerator door open longer than necessary when getting your favourite snack
- turn off the air-conditioner half an hour earlier using a timer
- switch off home appliances at the power socket because standby power can account for up to 10% of your home electricity use
- if you use an air-conditioner, set the temperature at about 25 degree Celcius
Sounds too easy? If these are already things you do on a regular basis, well done. I will gladly pass on my crown to you. You are truly environmentally conscious. The next step then is for you to visit the E2 Singapore website which has more energy saving tips for you to pick from. Now that energy tariffs have increased, saving more electricity only means saving more money! So, are you willing to take up my challenge?
