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Household Energy Descent Plan

Our household energy descent plan to 2020

Transport

Current situation

We sold our car in 2004 which reduces/removes the option of "convenience" driving short distances. However we borrow cars from friends so have not eliminated car usage.

Am trying not to fly. Last flight was 2004 to America.

Commuting

One of the criteria for buying a house was that it be within 30mins cycling from work, and have reasonable public transport. Our house is 30-40 mins cycle at a slow pace form work, the nearest bus stop is 2 minutes walk at both ends of the trip, and the train stop is 10 mins walk.

Holidays

No flying.

Should switch to only cycling and public transport.

Still using a car to get to M's parents in Tauranga.

Food

Currently buy anything we feel like from Pak N Save.

Buy 50% of our meat from the neighbourhood butcher.

Food miles

Need to research.

Food production (both environmental and ethical concerns)

Need more info.

Home Energy

Have spent a lot of time insulating the house. Ceiling and floor are double current R recommendations.

Energy supplier

Switched to Meridian (100% renewable energy?)

Energy consumption

2005 and 2006 we used 5000 Units, well below the "low user" threshold of 8000 Units. 2007 used 5500 Units due to more powerful web server and the baby.

Replaced our old clothes washer with more energy efficient front loader.

Options for further reductions; build up solar PV system and move web server over to it. Replace fridge-freezer.

Add on/off switches to all "phantom load" devices (oven, cellphone chargers, lounge radio,

Home Maintenance

Energy consumption

Put a moister barrier on ground under house.

Retrofit all south side windows with double glazed units.

Environmental issues (type of materials used and source)

Currently just go to Mitre10 Mega - how can I do better?

Waste Management

Currently use a Bokashi bin and compost.

Improve composting. How? Is a worm farm worth it?

Packaging

Currently put out 1 black rubbish bag per fortnight. How to improve?

Waste miles

Need more info.

Health

Pharmaceuticals

Proactive measures

I have not had any time off this year due to cold/flu. This may be because of all the insulation efforts, plus a policy to not skimp on heating the house - I aim for 20 degrees inside.

Also I tend to catch the bus on rainy days more often now than I used to.

Cleaning

Household cleaners

Clothing

I spend less than $300 per year on clothes. Trying to buy second hand whenever possible.

However - I do get given some cycling clothes by Ground Effect.

Environmental and ethical concerns

Community

Re-localisation

Working on Moera TT and community garden.

Relationships

www.moera.org.nz

Education

Water Management

How much water does our dishwasher use?

Consumption

Have installed 2000 litres of rain water tanks.

Plan to add another 2000 litres of rain water tanks then connect water up to toilet and clothes washer.

New front loading clothes washer has much better water rating than previous washer.

Grey water

No plans yet.