My personal checklist

By Emile da SilvaBy Emile da Silva

a. Turning off a light when it is not in use

b. Turn my refrigerator down. Refrigerators account for about 20% of Household electricity use. Use a thermometer to set your refrigerator temperature as close to 37 degrees and your freezer as close to 3 degrees as possible. Make sure that its energy saver switch is turned on. Also, check the gaskets around your refrigerator/freezer doors to make sure they are clean and sealed tightly.

c. Set my clothes washer to the warm or cold water setting, not hot.

d. Make sure my dishwasher is full when I run it and energy saving setting, if available, to allow the dishes to air dry.

e. Keep my mobile on power save mode all the time. It will last for at least two days without charging rather than two hours.

f. Use recycled paper to help save trees.

a. I can help reduce pollution just by putting that soda can in a different bin.

b. Pick always the product with the least packaging.

c. I'll start recycling my bins at home and at work.

I don't have a car, but if I buy one I'll buy a hybrid car

If I build a house, I'll carefully consider the aspects below:

- Solar Design- Insulation- Hot Water- Lighting- Ventilation Systems

Baking Soda - cleans, deodorizes, softens water, scours.

Soap - unscented soap in liquid form, flakes, powders or bars is biodegradable and will clean just about anything.

Lemon - one of the strongest food-acids, effective against most household bacteria.

White Vinegar - cuts grease, removes mildew, odors, some stains and wax build-up.

Washing Soda - or SAL Soda is sodium carbonate decahydrate, a mineral. Washing soda cuts grease, removes stains, softens water, cleans wall, tiles, sinks and tubs. Use care, as washing soda can irritate mucous membranes. Do not use on aluminum.

When it is possible, I’ll try to avoid using chemicals at home. There are many inexpensive, easy-to-use natural alternatives which can safely be used in place of commercial household products.

Try to always buy food from the local markets.

Studies show that sustainable agricultural practices can actually increase food production by up to 79% while at the same time actively reducing the effects of farming on climate change through carbon sequestration.

Avoid using chemical sprays in the garden - some of these can be poisonous to wildlife.

It's best to let the birds eat the cabbage-munching caterpillars, the hedgehogs and toads deal with the lettuce-loving slugs and the ladybirds dine on the rose-ravaging greenfly!

a. Turning off the water while I'm brushing my teeth,

b. Try drinking tap water instead of bottled water so I'm not wasting all that packaging as well.

c. Wash my clothes in cold water

Do not flush paints, solvents or any kind of toxic chemicals down the toilet.

Do not plant large trees or shrubs nearby because the roots may affect the disposal field.

Do not overload the system with too much water. For example, a running toilet or dripping faucet, or by watering on or near the disposal area.

Do not flush cigarette butts, filters, sanitary napkins, newspaper, disposable diapers, condoms, facial tissue (e.g. Kleenex), paper towels, hair, metal or metal items, coffee grounds, tea leaves, fats or grease. These can all plug a septic tank or a drain field.

Establish a water conservation strategy for the house

In many countries souvenirs made from rare wildlife are available - never buy shells, coral or things made from elephant ivory, rhino horn or cat skin etc.

Try to reduce your 'carbon footprint'.

Never buy fur

Try to buy goods from local markets and support them

Speak my first language at home, while living overseas

Keep notes about my culture

Trade is when people who grow and produce food (for example coffee and chocolate) and other products (e.g. clothing) are paid a fair price for their work. This helps make sure they have enough money to look after themselves and their families, and also makes sure that they work in safe conditions.

a. Try to avoid buying goods made in countries with a bad reputation in treating the employees.

b. Try to buy Australia made products

c. When shopping for more exotic ingredients like chocolate, coffee or bananas, look for products labeled "Fair Trade"

a. I'll work with my employer to implement these and other energy-efficiency and waste-reduction measures in my office.

b.I'll also join local citizens' groups and work with local government officials to see that these measures are taken in schools and public buildings

Buy fresh food from the local markets

Small sustainable farms, produce healthy, high quality food and preserve the environment. In order to protect and promote their health, consumers have a clear choice: shop sustainable.

Protect and positively impact the destinations you've traveled to

Seek out responsible travel options

Buy hand-crafted goods produced by local artisans in economically disadvantaged communities

Re-define and replace few beliefs:

“My own initiative is not good enough and I don’t have the time to think through tasks.” for "I can distinguish between what is a genuine specialist task and what isn’t."

“I must stay up-to-date in order to gain the approval of others.” for "I use my financial energy to express my authenticity and to support those businesses that are in alignment with my values."

"I can only love myself if I look good and own the right things.” for "Real beauty radiates from within"

“I need to own certain things in order to feel secure.” for "I can distinguish between what I really need to feel secure and what I want to own as a substitute for taking responsibility for myself."