I received an email last week from Dr. Earth (the dude in rather fetching white suit, above, and all round good bloke). The name might actually sound familiar to hardcore MuseGreeners as I wrote about Dr. Earth and his brand new eco-nightclub a few months ago. Well, Dr. Earth reflects on human actions and lifestyles and is someone who wants to actively promote environmental awareness. Take a moment to check out his biography here – it’s actually quite a fascinating read!

Anyway, the subject of his email was ‘Dr. Earth’s 25 steps to becoming a Greener Being’ and so I thought I’d share what he had to say (warning for US-types: it’s in Brit speak so please hang in there!):

1. SWITCH TO ECOTRICITY
The traditional way of creating electricity from fossil fuels is the largest contributor to climate change. Switching to ecotricity is probably the single biggest step you can take (UK specific)

2. INFLATE YOUR TYRES
By keeping your tyres adequately inflated you save 250lbs of carbon dioxide and about £250 a year.

3. USE COMPACT FLUORESCENT BULBS
By changing four of your bulbs at home you can save 400lbs of carbon dioxide and about £100 per year.

4. USE RECYCLED PAPER
Using recycled paper saves 5lbs of carbon dioxide per ream of paper.

5. CHANGE YOUR AIR FILTER
Check your car’s air filter. A more efficient filter can save 250lbs of carbon dioxide and £50 per year.

6. ADJUST YOUR THERMOSTAT
Turn down your thermostat by 1 degree. Don’t use more heat than necessary. Switch heating off when you’re not at home. Save 2000lbs of carbon dioxide and £100 per year.

7. BUY PRODUCTS LOCALLY
Buying at local shops means using less fuel to drive your car to do shopping.

8. FILL THE DISHWASHER
Run the dishwasher only with a full load. Save 100lbs of carbon dioxide and £25 per year.

9. CHANGE YOUR REFRIGERATOR
Refrigerators are responsible for almost 18% of our domestic electricity consumption. Old refrigerators can be as much as 50% less energy efficient than newer ones. If it does not make sense to change it then lower the temperature even by 1 degree. Turn on your ‘energy saver’ switch near the thermostat. Very importantly, clean the Condenser Coil.

10. BUY GOODS WITH MINIMAL PACKAGING
Why not reduce your garbage by up to 20% and save 1500lbs of carbon dioxide and also mitigate methane emission?

11. INSTALL A LOW-FLOW SHOWERHEAD
Using less water in the shower means less energy to heat the water. Save 350lbs of carbon dioxide and £75 per year.

12. GIVE YOUR CAR ENGINE A TUNE UP
Studies have shown that a poorly tuned engine can increase fuel consumption by up to 20%

13. REPLACE OLD APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL GOODS
Not only the refrigerator but other old appliances and electrical goods waste more electricity than necessary.

14. REDUCE AND RECYCLE RUBBISH
Use local recycling centres where available for paper, plastic and glasses. Save about a 1000lbs of carbon dioxide per year.

15. USE A PUSH MOWER
Instead of a fuel generated mower use a push version if you can. Save 80lbs of carbon dioxide annually and get some exercise too.

16. INSULATE YOUR HOME
Insulate your loft, walls and ceilings. Grants for home insulation are available from some local authorities. Building regulations for new homes require effective sound and heat insulation. Save 2000lbs of carbon dioxide and £250 per year.

17. GO ORGANIC
Buying organic and, better still, wild-crafted products avoids the chemicals used in modern agriculture which pollute the water supply thereby adversely affecting the climate.

18. AIR DRY YOUR CLOTHES
Weather permitting if your residence is suitable line-drying your clothes instead of using the tumble dryer can save 800lbs of carbon dioxide and £90 per year.

19. SWITCH TO DOUBLE GLAZING
Double glazed windows and doors conserve energy and can cut your energy bills dramatically. Save 10,000lbs of carbon dioxide and £400 per year.

20. UNPLUG UNUSED ELECTRICAL DEVICES
This simple procedure can actually save nearly a 1000lbs of carbon dioxide and £70 per year.

21. REDUCE YOUR WATER HEATER TO 120F
Adjusting the water-heater thermostat in this way can save 500lbs of carbon dioxide and £20 per year.

22. CLEAN YOUR AIR CONDITION FILTER
Cleaning dirty air condition filters can save 300lbs of carbon dioxide and keep an extra £70 per year in your pocket.

23. TURN OFF YOUR COMPUTER
Shut off your computer when not in use. If you’re on the go, then conserve energy by using computer ’sleep mode’ rather than screensaver.

24. PLANT A TREE IN YOUR GARDEN
Trees ‘inhale’ carbon dioxide and purify air. Each tree you plant can spare the environment of up to 2000lbs of carbon dioxide emission.

25. WEATHER PROOF YOUR HOME
Simple things such as weather strips for your front, back door and internal doors can do much to keep out the cold. This economical act can save you £120 per year and 1500lbs of carbon dioxide.

So, fess up. What did you get out of 25?