Going green in 2013: Top energy and water saving initiatives

Choosing to purchase eco-friendly appliances and go green with DIY improvements can not only benefit the environment but also your wallet - helping you to make savings on both water and energy!

Initiatives such as installing a rainwater tank, using energy-efficient lightbulbs and draught-proofing your home can help to significantly cut down your water and power bills.

Here are some top home improvements from the government's Living Greener initiative to help you save energy, water and money!

Bedroom

Install draught-stoppers

Heated or cooled air can leak through gaps and cracks even if you home is well-insulated, with draught-proofing one cheap and easy way of lowering your energy costs.

According to the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, cutting down on draughts can save you up to 25 per cent on cooling and heating bills.

Simply look for gaps around your home - often found around windows and doors - and fill or block them.

Purchase or make your own draught stoppers to put at the base of the door to keep cool air from escaping during summer and to retain warm air during winter.

Bathroom

Water-efficient shower heads

Showers can be the biggest water guzzler in your home and if you're using an older style showerhead you might be taking more than needed.

Take care of this problem by purchasing a water-efficient showerhead which restricts the amount of water distributed, yet still provides you with a pleasant shower.

Living Greener states that some water authorities offer free water-efficient showerheads in a swap with your old one. You can check with your local water authority to see if this applies to you.

Kitchen

Efficient use of appliances

There are a number of water and energy-efficient appliances now available on the market, but you can take some green initiative with the appliances you currently have.

Positioning your fridge away from heat sources such as ovens and dishwashers, and placing it out of direct sunlight can help to "substantially reduce your energy consumption".

Simple maintenance tasks such as checking fridge seals can help to ensure you're not losing cold air through gaps.

Outdoors/Garden

Install a greywater system

Rainwater that usually runs down your roof and through pipes will no longer be lost to the drain, with a greywater treatment system letting you reuse some of it.

The average Australian home produces about 200 litres of greywater daily, and this can be used for activities such as flushing the toilet and watering the garden.

Installing a greywater treatment system could see you using less tap water, making great savings!