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WA$TED! (NZ)
Series 1 DVD
NZ$45 +$10 postage

WA$TED! (NZ) Series 2 DVD
NZ$45 +$10 postage
 
Now you have seen the environmental and cash savings to be made by reducing your impact on the planet it's time to start making changes to your own habits.

We've collated our tips from the series and links of organisations that can help you make changes in your home. There is also a huge amount of information available through your council, local environmental centre and on the web.

Some of our favorite websites:
www.energywise.org.nz Power Saving Calculator
www.fuelsaver.govt.nz Fuel Efficiency Calculator
www.energywise.org.nz Home Energy Efficiency Information
www.sustainableliving.org.nz Community Environmental Information
www.ecomatters.org.nz Leading Environment Centre
www.energystar.govt.nz Energy Efficiency Mark
Choke the Smoke Vehicle Emissions Information
www.sustainability.govt.nz Ministry for the Environment
www.ecobob.co.nz Information, News & Discussion on Green Living
www.consumer.org.nz The Consumers Institute
www.bethechange.org.nz Carbon Reducing Campaign


Rubbish

Buy good quality wooden toys instead of cheap plastic toys that will break quickly and thrown out. This will reduce the amount of rubbish sent to landfill and save you money in the long run.

Borrow toys from a toy library so children can borrow and enjoy new toys at a fraction of the cost. Learn more at www.toylibrary.co.nz

Use biodegradable potato plates when hosting a party instead of disposable plastic which will take forever to break down in landfill.

Give birthday presents that are an activity or experience, rather than adding to a pile of unwanted plastic presents that may end up in landfill.

Use biodegradable dog poo bags when walking your dog instead of plastic bags. These are made from corn starch and decompose in your compost bin reducing the amount of dog poo and plastic sent to landfill.

Compost your food scraps to reduce your rubbish by about 40%. It will also reduce the amount of methane created in the landfill by organic matter. Learn more at: www.reducerubbish.govt.nz

Buy recycled unbleached toilet paper so trees aren't cut down just so you can wipe your bum and you reduce the use of chemicals. Learn more at: www.reducerubbish.govt.nz

Use reusable drink bottles instead of buying bottled water which use precious resources and creates more waste. Install a filter is you are worried about the taste of water as it is 1000 times cheaper to drink from the tap that from a bottle.
Learn more at: www.earth-policy.org

Set up a worm farm to dispose of veggie waste. The worm farm will reduce food scraps to 5% of their original size - and they produce a fantastic fertiliser for your soil. Most local councils have information about starting a worm farm. Learn more at: www.zerowaste.co.nz

Compost food and garden waste to reduce the amount of methane created in landfill and to create a natural fertiliser for your garden. Learn more at www.sustainability.govt.nz

Plan your home renovation project carefully so you don't over order and waste building materials. Learn more at: www.rebri.org.nz

Hire a skip from a company that recycles your building waste to reduce the amount of waste to landfill.
Skip bins supplied by: www.pinkbins.co.nz

Recycle old or unused paint to reduce the amount of paint wasted or sent to landfill. Leftover paint can be used by community groups. Learn more at: www.resene.co.nz/paintwise.htm

Recycle stuff you don't use by either selling or donating to charity so someone else can make use of your junk.

Use your local transfer station instead of a dumphole to dispose of rubbish. Transfer stations have recycling facilties and anything that can't be recycled is sent to a properly managed landfill. Contact your local council to find out where your nearest transfer station is located. http://www.localcouncils.govt.nz

Get a pig to eat your food scraps rather than sending them to landfill which will create the greenhouse gas, methane. 40% of most household rubbish is food. If you don't have any animals set up a compost bin or a worm farm. Learn more at: www.reducerubbish.govt.nz

Buy only what you need to save cash and avoid wasting fruit and veggies that go rotten. Learn more at: www.reducerubbish.govt.nz

Reduce rubbish by avoiding single use or disposable containers. Not only will this reduce rubbish but it will save cash on buying single use items again and again. 80% of what we produce is discarded after a single use. Learn more about our rubbish problem at www.reducerubbish.govt.nz

Shop for food wisely - make a list, buy in bulk and cook at home. This will result in less packaging and will save you a lot of money. Learn more at: www.sustainablehouseholds.org.nz

Reduce takeaway packaging by taking your own re-usable containers. 80% of what we produce is discarded after a single use. Learn more at: www.reducerubbish.govt.nz


Power

Install a hot water heat pump to heat your hot water using 2/3 less power. Learn more at: www.energywise.org.nz AND www.smarterhomes.org.nz

Adjust your spa pool heater and pump so it is only operating for the minimum length of time required to save power and money. Check with your local spa pool provider for ideal times.

Insulate your spa to reduce heat loss and save on heating bills.

Do the laundry and the dishes at off peak times to reduce peak load on the national grid and the need for more power generation sites to be built. Peak times in NZ are between 8am-10am and 6pm-9pm. Learn more at: www.consumer.org.nz

Install a low flow shower head to not only reduce the water you use but also the power needed to heat it. Learn more at: www.ecomatters.org.nz

Reduce showers times to not only save water but to save the power to heat it. Use a timer or monitor to keep track of your time in the shower. Learn more at: www.energywise.org.nz

Swap baths for showers to reduce the amount of water you are using and also the power to heat the water. Even a 10 minute shower instead of a bath will reduce the amount of water by a third. Learn more at: www.4million.org.nz

Only use lamps when the main lights aren't on to save money on your power bill and reduce your drain on the national grid.

Install insulation to the ceiling and under floor is one of the most important ways to save money and stay warm during winter. Learn more at: www.energywise.co.nz

Look for products with automatic cut off switches to save on power consumption.

Replace old inefficient whiteware as they are likely to be using a lot more power than newer models. Always vent or use a machine that collects the moisture. When buying new appliances try to find a take-back scheme for the old one and look for the Energy Star logo on new appliances. Learn more at: www.energywise.co.nz AND www.energystar.co.nz

Turn off appliances and lights to reduce your power bill and the draw on the national grid.

Install a clothes line inside only if you can close off the room from the rest of the house and ventilate with a fan. This will save money and power that would have been used on a dryer.

Install an efficient heat pump will heat the room quickly and quietly. Not all heat pumps are equal so look for the energy star logo when purchasing. Learn more at: www.energywise.co.nz AND www.energystar.co.nz

Ventilate to avoid moisture build up in your home. Moisture will not only make your home damp but much harder to heat. Simple things you can do include opening windows when showering and closing doors into other rooms. Learn more at: www.energywise.org.nz

Wrap your hot water cylinder to reduce the amount of heat escaping and save on power bills.

Install double glazing to reduce the amount of heat lost out windows by half. This will save money on heating bills and make you more comfortable. Double glazing has become mandatory in some areas in new builds so check you're your local council. Learn more at: http://www.smarterhomes.org.nz

Install a solar hot water heating system to reduce the power needed to heat your water. Hot water heating accounts for a third of your power bill and solar can save up to 75% of that. EECA provide financial assistance to encourage home owners to take this idea up. Learn more at: www.solarsmarter.org.nz AND www.energywise.org.nz AND http://www.smarterhomes.org.nz

Install insulation in the ceiling to reduce heat loss so you need less power to heat your home. Learn more at: www.energywise.co.nz

Cut down or prune trees that are obscuring the sunlight to provide passive heat for the house during the day and to allow more sunlight into the backyard so you can dry clothes on the line for free.

Install insulation under the floor to reduce heat loss so you need less power to heat your home. Learn more at: www.energywise.co.nz

Stop draughts down the chimney with a chimney balloon and save money on your heating bills. Learn more at: www.energywise.co.nz

Turn off appliances and lights to reduce your power bill and the draw on the national grid. Learn more at: www.energywise.co.nz

Use energy efficient light bulbs to save power and money. Although they cost more than standard bulbs they more than pay themselves back by using 80% less power than a normal bulb and lasting 10 times as long. Learn more at: www.smarterhomes.org.nz

Turn off your beer fridge to save up to $150 a year. Most beer fridges are old inefficient models and often left half full. If everyone turned off their beer fridge the country would save enough power to turn off the South Island's Coleridge power station.

Check your fridge is working properly by checking the seals and making sure the temperature is set correctly as one in six NZ fridges is running inefficiently. Learn more at: www.energywise.co.nz

Replace old inefficient appliances as they are likely to be using a lot more power than newer models. When buying new appliances try to find a take-back scheme for the old one and look for the Energy Star logo on new appliances. Learn more at: www.energywise.co.nz AND www.energystar.co.nz

Install solar pool heating to use the sun's energy to increase the temperature of your swimming pool for free. Use a pool cover to retain the heat. Learn more at: www.smarterhomes.org.nz



Water

Recycle to save water used in the production of making things from scratch. Water is also used in the production of almost everything we use in our daily lives so by wasting food you are also wasting water. Learn more at: www.waterfootprint.org

Install a low flow shower head to not only reduce the water you use but also the power needed to heat it. Learn more at: www.ecomatters.org.nz

Reduce showers times to not only save water but to save the power to heat it. Use a timer or monitor to keep track of your time in the shower. Learn more at: www.energywise.org.nz

Swap baths for showers to reduce the amount of water you are using and also the power to heat the water. Even a 10 minute shower instead of a bath will reduce the amount of water by a third. Learn more at: www.4million.org.nz

Replace old inefficient whiteware as they are likely to be using a lot more power and water than newer models. Always vent or use a machine that collects the moisture. When buying new appliances try to find a take-back scheme for the old one and look for the Energy Star logo on new appliances. Learn more at: www.energywise.co.nz AND www.energystar.co.nz

Install an eco bathroom to reduce the amount of water used in by the shower, taps and toilet and save power by avoiding expensive heating options. Learn more at: www.sustainability.govt.nz


Fuel

Car pool to work with a colleague to cut your emissions and petrol costs by half and reduce congestion. Learn more at: www.energywise.org.nz AND www.sustainability.govt.nz

Take public transport to reduce carbon dioxide emissions that are contributing to climate change. Almost half of all New Zealand's carbon dioxide emissions come from private cars. Learn more at: www.mfe.govt.nz

Reduce air travel by going on local holidays to see what our country has to offer. This will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to climate change.

Have your car regularly tuned to increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Keeping your tyres inflated correctly, not carrying excess weight and driving with a careful foot will also increase fuel efficiency. Learn more at: www.transport.govt.nz AND www.chokethesmoke.govt.nz

Plan your journeys so you aren't driving more than you need to. This will help reduce fuel bills and unnecessary emissions.

Bike to work instead of driving. One third of all car trips in NZ are less than 2km. Not only will this save you cash on petrol it will also help you stay fit. Learn more at: www.mfe.govt.nz

Buy a hybrid or smaller vehicle next time you purchase a car. Not only will this save on fuel it can also reduce vehicle emissions by up to 50%. Learn more at: www.fuelsaver.govt.nz AND www.4million.org.nz

Go sailing instead of using a motorboat to eliminate petrol and carbon dioxide being released into the air and water. Learn more at: www.maritimenz.govt.nz

Upgrade your old 2-stroke motorboat engine to an efficient 4-stroke engine to reduce petrol use, pollution and emissions. Learn more at: www.maritimenz.govt.nz

Join a Walking School Bus to reduce congestion and vehicle emissions outside the school gates. Learn more at: www.landtransport.govt.nz

Drive moderately and smoothly to reduce the amount of fuel you go through and emissions you create. Learn more at: www.transport.govt.nz

Drive an electric scooter to eliminate the need for petrol while reducing your emissions and running costs.

Reduce air travel bu going on local holidays to see what our country has to offer. This will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to climate change.
Eco-holiday supplied by: www.takouriver.com



Toxics

Avoid plastic toys as they may contain phthalates which when chewed can be harmful to children.

Clean with less chemicals as it is better for you and the environment. Learn more at: www.arc.govt.nz

Buy organic fruit and veggies as foods grown without pesticides have more flavour and are better for your health and the planet. The fruit most sprayed with presticides and therefore best to buy organic are Apples, Peaches, Oranges, Pears, Kiwifruit, Strawberries.
Learn more at: www.organicnz.org OR www.safefood.org.nz/

Use baking soda to remove the odour from sweaty clothes either by soaking or by adding to a washing machine load. This will reduce the amount of chemicals you use and make your clothes last longer. Learn more at: www.marlborough.govt.nz

Use natural hair dye to reduce the amount of chemicals irritating your scalp and going down the drain.

Other

Plant a garden to attract wildlife back into suburban areas. Learn more at: www.smarterhomes.org.nz

Invest your money with "positively screened" investments to ensure your money isn't put into ethically questionable activities that cause environmental disasters or social atrocities. Learn more at: www.ethicalinvestment.org.nz AND www.socialinvest.org

Eat less red meat to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions produced by belching cows and sheep. Eating vegetarian meals twice a week will also save you money and be better for your health. Learn more on Page 8 of: www.sustainablehouseholds.org.nz

Wear sports clothes made of natural fibres which don't retain smell and can be recycled when you're finished with them.

Grow your own veggies to save money buying them at the supermarket. Even if you live in an apartment or townhouse you should still have room for a couple of pots. Learn more at: www.sustainablehouseholds.org.nz OR www.smarterhomes.org.nz

Only eat fish caught in a sustainable way so fish species aren't over fished and marine habitats destroyed. Learn more at: www.forestandbird.org.nz

Decommission your unflued gas heaters to avoid the release of Nitrogen Dioxide into your home which, in high doses, can be bad for your health. Each unflued gas heater can also produce up to 1 litre of water an hour which can make your home damp and harder to heat. Learn more at: www.moh.govt.nz

Plant a Raingarden to absorb rainwater and reduce the strain on the stormwater system. Learn more at: www.smarterhomes.org.nz

Clean paint brushes and rollers safely so the paint doesn't pollute the environment. Learn more at: www.resene.co.nz

Burn an efficient fire to reduce particle pollution and generate more heat. Learn more at: www.arc.govt.nz

Grow fruit trees in your backyard to make your land productive, reduce food miles and save money. You will also know what chemical fertilizers and pesticides have been used on your plants.

Host a clothes swap party to get rid of clothes you no longer wear and to get new clothes without spending money. Whatever is left at the end of the night can be sold or donated to charity.


Goods & Services

Magic Cottages at Takou River Accommodation in the Bay of Islands www.takouriver.com
Eco Matters Trust Suppliers of energy and water audits to the Auckland region. www.ecomatters.org.nz
Honda Hybrid and small vehicles with low emissions and high fuel efficiency. www.honda.co.nz
Green Stuf Insulation Insulation and cylinder wraps made out of polyester which can be recycled and installed easily. www.greenstuf.co.nz
Pink Batts & Pink Fit Insulation made out of fiberglass made from recycled glass. www.pinkbatts.co.nz
Worm Farm Ready-to-use worm farms www.wormzaway.co.nz
www.wormsrus.co.nz
Centameter A device that acts like a speedometer for your power box telling you how much power you are using at any one time. www.centameter.co.nz
Daikin Heat Pumps Heat pumps to heat your home efficiently www.daikin.co.nz
Electrolux Energy and water efficient washing appliances www.electrolux.co.nz
Westinghouse Energy efficient chest freezers www.westinghouse.co.nz
Nature Baby Suppliers of reusable nappies. www.naturebaby.co.nz
Energy mad Suppliers of energy efficient light bulbs. www.ecobulb.co.nz
Philips Suppliers of energy efficient light bulbs. www.philips.co.nz
B_E_E Suppliers of eco household cleaning products. www.bee.co.nz
The Eco Store Suppliers of eco household cleaning products. www.ecostore.co.nz
Thermoman Thermal camera imaging www.thermoman.co.nz
Eco Power Solar pool heating www.ecopowerltd.co.nz
Azzuro Solar Solar hot water heating www.azzurosolar.co.nz
Superheat Hot water tanks www.superheat.co.nz
Hot Water Heat Pumps Hot water heating pumps www.waterheating.co.nz
Thermoglaz Double glazing www.thermoglaz.co.nz
Waitek Shower monitor to measure water flow and temperature to calculate hot water usage and keep track of shower time www.waitek.co.nz
Friendlypak Potato plates for parties and biodegradable bags for picking up and composting dog waste. www.potatopak.co.n and www.biobaganz.com
Kiwi Valley Horse riding lessons www.kiwivalley.co.nz
Oratia Natives Native plants www.oratianatives.co.nz
Wild About NZ Bird feeder www.wildaboutnz.co.nz
E-cloth Microfibre cleaning cloths that don't require cleaning products www.e-cloth.co.nz
Struan Toys Wooden toys www.struantoys.co.nz
The Curtain Supermarket Thermal backed curtains to keep heat in www.curtainsupermarket.co.nz
Naturally Organic Home delivered organic fruit and vegetable boxes www.naturallyorganic.co.nz
GHD Hair straighteners that automatically turn themselves off www.ghdhair.com
Living Nature Natural skincare and beauty products www.livingnature.com
NZ Trees Please Boxed baby trees for gifts www.nztreesplease.co.nz
Securimax Extractor fans to reduce moisture in the home www.securimax.co.nz
Pure Water On Tap Water filters www.purewaterontap.co.nz
Nulethics Sports gear made of renewable or recycled materials www.nulethics.com
Patch From Scratch Organic Vege gardens built in your backyard www.patchfromscratch.co.nz
Weathersfield Organics Organic vegetable seedlings www.weathersfieldorganics.co.nz
Resene Environmental Choice certified paint www.resene.co.nz
Caroma Smart flush toilets (to reduce wate consumption) and basins www.caroma.co.nz
Methven Slide shower, basin mixer and shower mixer www.methven.biz
www.satinjet.com
Showerdome Showerdome to reduce the amount of moisture in the bathroom www.showerdome.co.nz
Safewater Tap aerators to reduce water consumption www.safewater.co.nz
Wetland Raingarden design and installation www.wetland.co.nz
Dexion Shelving www.dexion.co.nz
Pink Bins Skip bin service that recycle your waste www.pinkbins.co.nz
Junk 2 Go Junk removal and recycling www.junk2go.co.nz
Tree Fellas Tree pruning www.treefellasltd.co.nz
Eurotec Klikon klikoff switch to remotely turn appliances off standby www.eurotec.co.nz
Ceres Natural hair products www.ceres.co.nz
What Power Crisis Electric scooters www.whatpowercrisis.co.nz
Bathrooms Specifix Bathroom design www.bathroomspecifix.co.nz
Cromwell Gardenland Fruit trees
Nada Hair Salon Hair salon specialising in natural hair treatments www.nada.co.nz
Dalston Francesca's wardrobe (J Clark & emilyandfin labels) www.dalston.co.nz
Earthwise Suppliers of eco household cleaning products. www.earthwiseshop.co.nz
Ecover Suppliers of eco household cleaning products. www.ecover.co.nz


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