ERP, Ireland’s only pan European compliance scheme for electrical and waste battery recycling, is urging people in Mayo to make an extra effort this World Environment Day (Saturday June 5 ) and take the time to recycle their old or unwanted items responsibly.
To celebrate World Environment Day, Martin Tobin, general manager of ERP Ireland, has the following tips to help even the novice eco-warrior get started.
Recycle your e-waste
ERP hold regular Be Free electronic recycling days where people can bring along their old or unwanted e-waste to be recycled free of charge. Electronic waste can also be recycled at your local civic amenity centre, or waste batteries can be brought back to any retailer that sells a similar type battery.
Flip the switch
It sounds almost too simple, but turning off the lights or appliances when you leave a room can save a lot of energy. Lighting alone is responsible for about 11 percent of a home's energy bills. To save even more energy, switch your old incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent lamps as this uses about 75 per cent less electricity.
Drive smart
With the escalating cost of car fuel, being a smarter driver would certainly help the pocket and mean fewer emissions. Of course the best way to save fuel is to walk or cycle. If you do need to drive, keep your speed below 88 kilometres per hour as every 8 kilometres per hour you drive above this you lose 10 per cent fuel efficiency.
Turn the water off
Early indications show that this will be a much dryer summer than in recent years so try to conserve water where ever possible, particularly in the bathroom. A massive 65 per cent of our home water supply is used in the bathroom. Simply turning the tap or shower off could save litres of water.
Run on full
Although great labour saving devices, washing machines, dish washers and tumble dryers are water and energy guzzlers. It takes less energy to wash fewer loads and no energy to air dry so ensure you run a full load and take advantage of sunny days to put clothes out on the washing line.
Get the kids involved
Give your kids the gift of green and get them to help sort household waste for you to recycle. Going green is a lifestyle choice so include these little tasks part of everyday life.
