Every year, organisations and individuals all over the world pledge to turn their lights off for an hour at the end of March to mark Earth Hour.

This global grassroots movement, started by World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), aims to increase awareness and spark global conversations on protecting nature, fight climate change and ensure our own health, happiness, prosperity and even survival.

This year, let’s go beyond turning off the lights between 8.30pm and 9.30pm on 27 March 2021 and practise some of these green tips to save the Earth. And if you’re working from home, these eco-friendly measures will help you save some money too!

5 Tips to Save the Earth (and Your Wallet)

1) Eliminate Energy Vampires

Did you know that your electrical appliances such as televisions, TV set-top boxes, speakers and microwave ovens continue to suck power on standby mode? Switch them off totally when not in use and you can save an additional $25* a year.

And leaving your storage water heater on after your shower can further bump your annual electricity bill up by an additional $110*!

Switch everything off at the power source when not in use and voila, you would have just saved yourself $135* a year.

2) Keep It Cool at 25°C

Using a fan instead of the air conditioner to keep cool can save you about $400* a year.

If you must use the air con, set the temperature no lower than 25°C for maximum energy and cost savings. For example, you can save $15* every year simply by raising the temperature from 22°C to 25°C.

Or enjoy the best of both worlds by running the air con for about an hour, and then switch to using the fan to stay cool. This hack will save you $340* a year!

3) Save Those Precious Drops

Ask for a free water saving kit from PUB and save as much as 5% from your monthly water bill.

Each kit comes with 4 water thimbles for taps and 2 for showerheads.

Each thimble has 3 and 4 holes, which help regulate your tap and showerhead’s flow rates and cut down on water waste.

4) Turn the Computer Off When Not in Use

If you are not using your computer for more than 30 minutes, turn it off! Mother Earth (and your wallet) will thank you for it.

Case in point: leaving a 300W desktop computer switched on overnight for 8 hours will cost you $240* a year.

5) Use the Thermos Flask

Need a hot drink as a pick-me-up? Instead of using an electric air pot to keep your water on a constant boil, why not switch to a vacuum flask instead? This simple move alone will save you $300* a year.

*Cost calculated based on electricity cost of $0.27 per kWh of electricity.

Tips are adapted from National Environment Agency & PUB