The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) has launched a campaign triggering staff, thinkers, scientists, students at universities and schools, as well as the broader public to post their environmentally-sound New Year’s resolutions on EAD’s social media channels on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

 

As part of the campaign, EAD is collating green resolutions from the public with the hashtag #‎MyGreenResolution‬.

 

To help people commit to a green resolution for 2015, EAD has outlined 20 tips that are simple and that the public can use today to green their lifestyle, their family, their home, their transportation, and more:

 

1. It is time to enjoy nature away from urbanization. Ensure your trip to the desert does not impose any threats on the environment. Make sure you ignite the campfire in safe locations, in addition to purchasing firewood from dedicated outlets instead of street sellers. Avoid cutting any trees and plants, choose clearly customized driving routes away from sand dunes, and always clean the area prior to leaving.

2. Use energy-saving lighting bulbs as an alternative to regular light bulbs. A 20 Watt energy-saving light bulb provides the same light emitted from glowing bulbs with a 100 Watt capacity. These have a lifespan 6 times as that of ordinary incandescent bulbs.

3. Look for energy-efficient appliances; if you're shopping for new appliances for your home or office, always look for the ‘Energy Saving Recommended’ logo. These products are the most energy efficient in their category, will cost less to run and help reduce carbon dioxide emissions associated with climate change.

4. Use natural light instead of artificial lights by letting the sunshine in where there are windows. Energy saving light bulbs are much more efficient than the traditional version and last up to 10 times longer. Next time you need to replace a bulb, take the energy saving option. Get into the simple habit of switching lights off whenever you leave a room. And remember to do it at work too!

5. Most heaters only take 20 minutes to heat enough water for a shower, so get into the simple habit of switching it off when you do not need it.

6. For washing at home, try to use phosphate free detergents. Where possible, run your machine at 30° C cycle. It will save energy and the results will be just as good. Don't use the washing machine until you have enough laundry to fill its capacity. Run your dishwasher only when it's full; use the rinse-and-hold dishwasher feature until you're ready to run a full load. We have plenty of sun and warmth here, so use it to dry your clothes instead of the tumble dryer.

7. If you leave your TV or computer on standby overnight, it uses almost as much electricity as it does when it's switched on. Remember to turn it off and unplug. If you have an extension lead connected to a wall point and it's switched on, you're needlessly wasting power.

8. Participate and create your community’s environmental campaigns. Going out for a picnic outdoors? Collect your rubbish before you leave!

9. Use mugs and glasses rather than Styrofoam cups.

10. Reduce; reuse, direct your recyclable garbage items to any recycling facility wherever possible.

11. Install water-saving shower heads and low-flow faucet aerators. Leaky faucets can waste thousands of litres of water each year, like money down the drain. Repair or replace old or damaged fixtures.

12. If you have a pool, use a pool cover to cut down on evaporation. It will also keep your pool cleaner and reduce the need to add chemicals.

13. Minimise evaporation by watering plants during the early morning hours, when temperatures are cooler.

14. Use rechargeable batteries.

15. Take your own reusable bag with you to the supermarket when you know you are going to buy a few items.

16. If you know you're going to be parked for more than 30 seconds, turn off the engine, otherwise you're idling. Ten seconds of idling can use more fuel than turning off the engine and restarting it.

17. Be a food saving hero: Make the most of the food you buy and find out what types of food can be frozen, stored, dehydrated etc. so that you avoid throwing anything away.

18. Feel with others: Remember that there are always people out there who are in need of food, dress, toys, so instead of throwing leftovers, give them away to those in need! Please make sure that the food is safe to eat before donating it to others.

19. Walk! Taking the time to walk can be extremely rewarding for two important reasons: it is healthier for both the mind and body and it prevents more carbon from being emitted into the environment. Only drive if it is too far to walk.

20. Before using a pesticide, make sure you carefully read the instructions on the label to guarantee safe usage for effective environmentally-friendly results.