Changes you can make for free
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Put ‘Live Gen Less’ at the top of your shopping list
Our well-being improves when we focus less on material goals and values. So spending a little more time with whānau, friends or nature, and a little less on new things, can help us get more out of life overall.
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Plan your food, eat it all
Putting food in your tum rather than the bin is an easy way to save the energy-related emissions of food production. Planning meals and storing food so it lasts longer could also save the average household $560 a year.
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Measure your carbon footprint
How much greenhouse gas do you produce as you live your life? The average New Zealander’s carbon footprint is around 8.6 tonnes a year. Find out how you’re doing – and what you could do better – with a carbon footprint calculator.
Park the car
Take a breather from driving and give the planet a breather too. Driving less is one of the most impactful things you can do to bring down your carbon footprint – and there are so many ways to do it.
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Love every hot drop
Around 30% of the energy used by the average household flows into hot water. Simple changes to the way you use it save energy – and reduce your power bill.
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Speak up
As a customer, voter, friend and active citizen, you’re worth listening to. Speaking out can have a significant ripple effect and lead to positive changes on a grand scale.
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Check what your KiwiSaver does
Nearly 3 million Kiwis have invested over $57 billion in KiwiSaver. Check that your share is contributing to the type of lower-energy future you want to see.
Changes that cost a bit
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Switch to LEDs
LED light bulbs use up to 85% less electricity than traditional incandescent or halogen bulbs and can last 15 times longer. They cost around $3 to $10 each – so a bit more upfront but the long-term savings are worth it.
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Offset your emissions
Emission offsetting services can calculate the emissions you produce, then help you fund projects that remove emissions from the atmosphere or prevent them in first place. Offsetting a domestic flight costs less than $5.
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Choose efficient appliances
An appliance with more stars on the Energy Rating Label is more energy efficient – meaning you can save money on running costs, and New Zealand can save energy and emissions.
Choose better quality
A better quality product should last longer and do a better job. If you don’t have to replace it, it saves another product being created – and all the emissions that go with it.
Big changes worth investing in
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Buy or build low emissions
Lock in low-emissions living when you choose or plan your home. An environmentally-friendly approach to design and build can result in a beautiful home that’s easy to keep warm and healthy.
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Insulate your home
Like the world’s longest hug, insulation is your best step towards a warmer, drier home that uses less energy to heat.
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Go for low carbon hot water
When it’s time to upgrade your hot water system, go for one that runs on our 80% renewable electricity, sustainable wood energy (wetbacks) or solar energy. Our tool will help you find the one that suits you best.