World Energy Conservation Day is a day to focus on energy conservation and raise global awareness about climate change that results from using fossil fuels such as oil, coal, and natural gas. This day is celebrated each year on 14 December to bring awareness to the overconsumption of energy throughout the world. Many people in 2021 still don’t realise that the ways we use energy every day contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, which are gases like carbon dioxide or methane released from burning fossil fuels that trap heat within our atmosphere, creating an overall warming effect on Earth’s surface.

The United Nations (UN) states that if we continue at our current rate, by 2040, we will be using twice as much oil and gas as what remains available for us to use! They also state that 80% of all electricity used in buildings is wasted because there are no efficient ways to control temperature, and lighting.

If everyone starts working together and start conserving energy now, then maybe we can prevent a future catastrophe from occurring. ’We’ll provide tips that anyone can apply in their everyday lives today! Let’s see how you can help save our environment in small, easy ways. Not only will you have conserved energy, but this might just help you save some money too!

How to conserve energy at home?

• Turn off lights when you leave a room.
• Unplug appliances when not in use.
• Turn off your geyser when away.
• Cover your geyser with insulation.
• Set your pool pump to operate for shorter periods.
• Replace all your bulbs with LEDs.
• Purchase energy-efficient appliances.
• Try and use less hot water in general.
• Wear clothes more than once before washing them if possible.
• Wash full loads when using the washing machine and dishwasher.
• Dry your clothes in the sun instead of using the tumble dryer.
• Walk or bike instead of driving whenever possible.

How to conserve energy at work?

• Make sure that the equipment at work is energy-efficient.
• If you are a business owner, get an energy audit to determine how much energy you are using and where you can adjust your energy use.
• Turn off machines and lights when not in use.
• Replace your lights with LEDs or energy-efficient bulbs.
• Make use of natural daylight in the office if possible.
• Switch off outdoor lighting during the day.
• When possible open windows for fresh air and lessen the use of air conditioners.
• Encourage employees to lessen their carbon footprint at work and home.
• Make it a team effort and plant trees outside the office.

Tips for being more eco-friendly when you’re shopping/on the go

• Make use of reusable shopping bags. Almost all stores sell alternatives to plastic bags nowadays. Many of us have been frustrated with ourselves when getting to Woolies’ till and realising we forgot our bags at home. Make this an everyday habit.
• Eliminate single-use items such as coffee cups and plastic water bottles. Take your own cup when getting that takeaway coffee.
• Take your own takeaway container for left-overs at restaurants.
• Get yourself some reusable steel straws.
• Rather use the hand air dryer instead of the paper towels in the restroom.
• Buy loose vegetables and fruit. This will help reduce the amount of plastic bags used.
• Support stores that are making an effort to reduce their carbon footprint.
• Buy food that is produced in a more eco-conscious way.
• If the option is available, ask for an emailed till slip instead of a printed one. A lot of stores are going paperless nowadays.

Some of the advice provided here might be things you’ve heard of numerous times, yet, there are still people who do not apply even the simplest of things. Now more than ever, we have to encourage our family and friends to think about the consequences of our actions on Mother Earth. Just a reminder that she’s the only one of her kind…

And if that isn’t enough motivation to keep earth safe, keep this in mind – It’s the only planet with chocolate!!!

Every little bit helps, so let’s start now!