My next step - progress?
Hi guys. How are you going with your steps so far? What steps were you already doing? What steps have you started on? What changes have you noticed? Would be great to hear your stories!
Submitted by Sarah on 12 December 2007 12:03:09
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Solar water heating, this is the second summer - typically no water heating bill from November through March/April. During the winter it helps reduce the electricity usage.
The new low energy light bulbs installed where possible. The rest are low energy halogens.
Double glazing throughout the house - we live in Wellington and recently finished a major renovation.
State of the art insulation. Throughout the house.
Wood burner + heat pump. Both used carefully but we don't go cold in winter.
I ride my vespa to work daily (have had it for 3 yrs), ride my bicycle often also.
These are the big things. Would love to grow more veges, Energy is my major focus - there is more I could be doing if I give it more thought.
Submitted by Steve McKinlay on 12 December 2007 21:11:47
That's great, Steve!
Does anyone else have any stories that they'd like to share?
Submitted by Sarah on 20 December 2007 09:52:58
I'm much more aware now of how much power and water I'm using, and I think I've reduced both considerably. :)
I'm replacing the lightbulbs with power-friendly ones - and I noticed that my daylight bulbs are actually already eco-friendly ones!
Submitted by cactuscat on 12 January 2008 17:23:35
This year I'm starting a job that's going to involve a heck of a lot of car and air travel so I made it my new years resolution to reduce my carbon footprint by eating less meat. So far I've been eating meat about 1-2 times a week instead of every day and I'm quite enjoying learning to cook vegetarian!
Submitted by pea308 on 31 January 2008 18:50:17
What an excellent approach, pea308! Even if it's not practical to reduce your travel, at least you can offset it elsewhere.
My partner has been vegetarian for the last 30 years and he must be one of the happiest and healthiest people I know. I would be vegetarian except for my weakness for fish... I just adore sea food! But I do try to choose fish that is in the slightly better section of the Forest and Bird Best Fish Guide:
http://www.forestandbird.org.nz/bestfishguide/index.asp
Good on you for taking your next steps!
Submitted by Lindis on 5 February 2008 11:14:37
By the way, with a name like "pea" you would need to be careful not to accidentally eat your friends :)
Submitted by Lindis on 5 February 2008 11:15:26