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Reducing Costs

There are lots of ways of reducing costs for you and for the University. Here are a few ways you can help yourself and help the University and help the environment.

Water

Reducing water use not only makes good environmental sense, it can save on your bills too. Here are a few waterproof tips.

By making a few changes you will be helping to cut demand on our most important natural resource. By saving water you can help protect wildlife like birds and fish that live in rivers and wetlands.


Saving tips:

In the Bathroom

  • Do not shower longer than necessary. Time your shower to keep it under 5 minutes.
    You could save up to 1,000 gallons a month
  • Do not let the water run when brushing your teeth. You could save up to between 4-9 litres each time you brush
  • Do not use your toilet to flush away cotton wool balls etc; they should go in the bin. It saves gallons every time
  • Prevent taps from leaking by turning them off properly. Report dripping taps immediately
  • If you wet shave - to rinse your razor, run a little water into a plugged sink. Rinsing your razor under a running
    tap wastes lots of water  





Save Water
Save Heat

In the Kitchen

  • Wash vegetables in a bowl rather than under a running tap
  • Select the proper size pans for cooking. Large pans require more water than may be necessary
  • The most water efficient methods for cooking vegetables are microwaving, steaming or using a pressure cooker.
    You can also cut down on water loss by using tight lids on pots and simmering instead of boiling rapidly
  • Thaw frozen foods before you need them or use the microwave instead of placing them under running water
  • Use a bowl rather than the sink for washing up and use another bowl full of clean water to rinse
  • Keep a jug of water in the fridge so you do not have to run the tap until it goes cold
  • Kettles should be filled with enough water for your needs but not to the brim


Electricity

  • Turn your lights out as you leave the room
  • Turn your appliances of at the wall, do not leave them on standby
  • Only boil as much water as you need
  • Always turn off your lights when you leave a room
  • Wait for a full load in washing machines, to cut down on ‘wasted’ electricity
Save Energy