Living Tips

Make the switch to sustainable power

• There’s a wealth of ways of to use your power more efficiently and therefore more sustainably. For example, install energy efficient globes and lighting – each globe uses 80 per cent less power and lasts eight times as long.
• Turn appliances off at the switch instead of leaving them on standby – standby can contribute to 11 per cent of your household’s electricity bill.
• What’s stopping you make the switch to green power? Visit greenpower.com.au for a list of accredited suppliers.

Don’t just go with the flow

• Appliances such as front loading washing machines, dual flush toilets, aerated taps and power shower-heads all mean less water is used in the home.
• Take shorter showers – cutting your shower each day by one minute will save over 3,285 litres of water per year.
• Fix leaking taps and toilets – leaks can waste hundreds of litres of water each week.

Emission possible

• Get fit and put Port Coogee’s walk and cycle path network to good use by riding or walking to the shops, or just to enjoy the waterfront.
• Consider switching to a low-emitting hybrid or more fuel-efficient vehicle.
• Use public transport more frequently, catch the train from Fremantle into the Perth CBD rather than battling the freeway traffic.

Green fingers

• Enjoy your garden and your gardening, while helping reduce precious water-use.
• Plant local natives in your garden – they use less water and food and provide shelter for native animals.
• Place a thick layer of mulch on your garden – you’ll cut water waste by 70 per cent.
• As a general rule only water every five-seven days in the summer and 10-14 days in the winter. For more waterwise information visit smartwatermark.org and watercorporation.com.au.