Green Movement
Gains Momentum

TAKE a stand against global climate change by turning off your lights during Earth Hour 2009. On March 28, the UAE will come together in an energy-saving gesture on behalf of our planet between 8:30pm and 9:30pm.

• When you go away for more than a day switch off the main power switch.
• Use candles instead of your incandescent lights for dinner.
• Configure your computer to “energy saving” mode in which it will automatically change to the state of low consumption.
• Switching off the screen can save even more than just letting the screen saver run.
• Turning your computer off at night instead of leaving it on will save on average 25% of its annual energy bill.
• A television in standby mode can use up to as much as half the electricity as when it is switched on.
• Make sure that your refrigerator door is tightly fit.
• Don’t put warm or hot food straight into the freezer.
• The toaster is more energy efficient than the grill for toasting bread.
• When using a percolator to make tea or coffee, boil only the amount of water required.
• Install patio covers, awnings and solar window screens to shade your home from the sun.
• Replace air conditioner filters.
• Turn off appliances, lights andequipment when not in use.
• Do not use the remote to switch off your appliances, since they will still be consuming electricity on stand by.
• Use solar powered lights for your garden.
• Keep the refrigerator away from direct sunlight or the oven.
• Fill your electric jug with only the amount of water you need to boil.
• Using a warm machine wash setting in your washing machine rather than a hot wash will cut consumption by half.
• Look for an energy rating when shopping for appliances.
• Only heat or cool the rooms you are using
• Use a ceiling fan whenever you can.
• Don’t leave the water running while brushing your teeth.
• At home, separate cans, bottles, plastic, and newspaper and take it to a recycling center.
• When you go grocery shopping, take a permanent carrying bag instead of using their plastic bags.
• Use rechargeable batteries instead of regular throw away batteries as much as you can.
• Keep your fridge and freezer closed as much as possible.
• Don’t locate your fridge and freezer in direct sunlight or next to the stove or dishwasher.
• Don’t use your dryer, if you can help it.
• Check the seal on your refrigerator door.
• Drive slow, the faster you drive the more fuel you consume.

• If your intended destination is not too far away, consider walking than driving your car.

• Use a sponge instead of a paper towel around the kitchen.

• Encourage recycling, buy recycled products and support your local recycling agency.

• Don’t buy single-use, throw-away products such as plastic utensils, razors and paper plates.

• Don’t throw but recycle your old phones.

• Use containers again - buy food, drinks and toiletries in returnable containers and ask local shops to stock them.

• Repair your old electronic gadgets instead of constantly shopping for new ones.

• Rearrange your plumbing so that rainwater or wastewater from your shower and tub is used to flush your toilet.

• Refrain from purchasing overpackaged products.

• Educate your children on the importance of climate change.

  EARTH HOUR - Main Story

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