Pacific Hydro is a leading Australian-owned renewable energy company
Read More

In our Back to Basic Tips series, we’re focusing on the simple ideas for going green, with some helpful suggestions for taking the next step up and really get to a more intense carbon diet.

Green Tips back to basics - Switch off your lights

In a seemingly endless array of green tips for your home - the whole process of going green can seem quite daunting. Practically anything you do can have a more "eco" alternative - just where do you start when it comes to making the green switch.

When it comes reducing your impact, whether you're a green newbie or an eco enthusiast, sometimes it's just as important to remember to go back to basics. That's why in our Back to Basic Tips series, we're focusing on the simple ideas for going green, with some helpful suggestions for taking the next step up and getting into a more intense carbon diet.

At Green Pages, we understand it's about making your own level personal commitment to trim down, cut back and reduce your eco footprint.

Back To Basics Tip # 1 - Switch off your lights

Switch off your lights - there are a number of eco friendly, energy efficient light bulb alternatives you can explore, but when it comes to a good environmentally conscious habit, one of the most important things to do is to switch off lights when they're not in use and when there's plenty of natural light available. Remember electricity accounts for about 40 percent of our greenhouse gas emissions, so every little bit counts.

For a laugh:

Want more help switching off your lights? Consider these funny eco hints:

1. How to switch off the light from the other side of the room

2. As a training tool, install a motion sensor that plays Nelly Furtado's "Turn Off the Light" as a reminder when you leave the room.

3. Get your pets trained to help you out like this cool cat.

(Get a free GP subscription for a year if you send us a video of any of these funny eco hints in action!)

Have you got more ideas about switching off the lights? Leave your thoughts comments on the Green Pages blog.

Green Step up: After the lights, consider powering down and unplugging all your electrical appliances when they're not in use. According to a 2005 study, Australians are wasting over $950 million a year on power we're not using, and as a result, releasing more than 6.5 million tonnes of CO2 emissions. The Lawrence Berkley National Library has a detailed comparison of common household appliances that are left plugged in and how much power they consume.

Eco step stool: if you're likely to forget about powering down your appliances, consider helpful gadgets that make it easier to switch off appliances at power points. Extension cords with easy to access power boards are one solution. There are also a number of eco devices that help such as large button power boards with an easy tap switch, remote controlled switches or timer devices that you can set and forget. In Australia, Todae has a great selection of energy saving switches that can help.

Want more great green news like this delivered straight to your inbox?
Subscribe to the Green Razor weekly e-newsletter

ALSO THIS WEEK:

Scientists make meat from sewage

3 Fish - Time to do the right thing

Cleantech investment rise globally in second quarter

How to buy a bicycle

Charge your cell phone by air

Green Tips back to basics - switch off the lights

The Ins and Outs of the Insulation Rebates