Being energy efficient is an important consideration for families that want to reduce their carbon footprint. Here are four simple steps your family can take now.
1. Get the kids involved in saving energy
Setting family challenges each week – with prizes for the most energy-efficient – can help bring the kids on board, and the things they learn along the way will last their whole lives.
As part of the challenge, use sticker charts as a fun way to track energy saving habits like:
Unused appliances are switched off at the wall
Handwashing small kitchen items after use
Only using the dishwasher when it’s full and on an eco-setting
Keeping fridge and freezer doors closed
Switching lights off when they’re not needed
Taking short showers
Reading or playing instead of watching TV
Helping to hang the washing on the line
Suggesting novel ways to change the family’s habits.
Of course, tracking whether or not the kids are actually earning those stickers will use more of your energy, but you could see a payoff in your electricity and gas consumption. And you could always add ‘making mum and dad a cup of tea’ to the list.
