Going green need not cost the earth

Want your household to be more environmentally sustainable but worried about the cost?

This article says it's possible to go green in small steps.

Here's how:

1. Look at your energy provider's website to see how much electricity you can save by turning off appliances at the wall rather than leaving them on standby.
2. Take advantage of the many free handouts of energy-efficient light bulbs. Installing 9-12 such globes can save a household $180 a year.
3. Organisations like Neco and Easy Being Green can do home assessments to help you determine ways to cut your energy and water usage.
4. Get tips from the owners of Sydney's first sustainable house.
5. Cut household waste with a worm farm or Bokashi bin. The latter recycles all your kitchen waste (including meat scraps) into a soil conditioner.
6. Consider buying a USB-activated powerboard. When you switch off your PC, your printer and speakers get turned off too.
7. Invest in a rainwater tank that's connected to the garden, washing machine and toilet.
8. The Aussie government is helping eligible households with a rebate under its solar hot water programme.
9. A well-insulated home can cut energy consumed in space heating and cooling.
10. A cistern converter, which costs <$13, flushes only as long as the button is held down and saves 5-10 litres a flush.
11. A flow regulator for the shower (about $20) cuts water use to 9 litres a minute.