Have you ever observed your surroundings and noticed small changes you can make to suit your pocket as well as the environment?

We all know that with the economy being as it is, we have to tighten the purse strings. To achieve this, we must learn to live within our means. A sensible first step will be to look at the main factors attacking our income … yes, those water and electricity bills!

Here the opportunity arises to create a more sustainable lifestyle. Our supply of clean water is stressed to the limits and price hikes have been implemented to regulate its use. To avoid a sky-high water bill, start collecting your own water through water catchments. You can use water containers to catch runoff rain water from the roof. ‘Grey water’ can also be collected. This is dishwasher-, laundry- and bath water. ‘Grey water’ can be filtered and used for irrigation, but can also be re-used in soil water outlets, such as your toilet system. ‘Grey water’ that has been used in a toilet system becomes non-recyclable and is known as ‘black water’.

The use of ‘grey water’ can cut water consumption by approximately 30%.

Those of us who use a conventional toilet system can place a brick in the cistern to lessen the amount of each flush. If you are not sure whether this method suits your particular system, you should contact your hardware store or sanitary supplier.

With regard to electricity, we find ourselves in the lucky position of fast-improving technology in alternatives like solar heating and generators. Solar heating means a reasonably large initial investment, but once installed the sun starts working for you and brings massive savings, regardless of the volume of hot water used.

The average South African household’s energy usage is: 15% for space heating/cooling, 24% for water heating, 10% for appliances, 8% for refrigeration, 17% for lighting, 11% for cooking and 15% for standby energy use.

Solar energy does not require any type of fuel; thus you will not be subjected to fuel price hikes. It’s also friendly on the environment as it does not need to be plugged into anything, is clean, silent, odorless and does not release harmful gasses – which all means it does not contribute to global heating. It lasts for decades and requires little or no maintenance, which is great asset in our busy lives.

Although the installation is expensive, the solar energy industry is becoming larger and more price competitive.

One also needs a fairly large area for the solar panels to be mounted. Solar heaters for water involves no electric current, but you will need electric storage units if you want to use solar power for other domestic appliances like lights, fridges, stoves and vacuum cleaners. These battery storage systems are non-recyclable and they don’t come with a guarantee for life. Also, the backup generators are expensive and need to be fuelled. But in the end the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Seek professional advice to know your options and on how to get things done.

Over and above these technical means of energy saving, there are also a number of surprisingly simple ways of keeping your energy bill in check. Close your blinds or curtains after sunset during winter and open them only when the sun is falling on windows in order to maintain heat. The opposite should be done in summer. To keep your home cool, windows should be left open and the blinds drawn as soon as the sun starts falling on them in the morning.

Keep your refrigerator full at all times or, if this is not possible, store water bottles in it. This will allow the fridge to reach its full working capacity. Clean the condenser coils at the back or bottom of your fridge so that the fridge can work efficiently. Remember to switch the fridge off and to remove the electric plug from its socket before you start to clean. Place your refrigerator out of the direct sun and as far as possible from other heat sources like stoves.

When laundry day arrives, make sure you have a full load and when drying your clothes in a tumble-dryer, make sure that the lint filter is clean to ensure a good air flow and faster drying.

Use florescent light bulbs around your house; they last longer and use less energy. Try to use battery operated telephones and switch off appliances and lights when they are not in use. When boiling water in the kettle, boil just enough for what’s needed or use the excess for cleaning cups or other utensils in the zink.

Lastly, use low maintenance materials that last longer. They will save time and money.

For these and more savings tips and equipment visit the 2009 Home Improvers Show running from 26 to 29 March at the Good Hope Centre in Cape Town. You can expect more than 150 exhibitors with plenty of handy tips and equipment to improve your home.