Deep Green

For every tonne of plastic recycled we save an enough energy that can be used by 2 people for a whole year! More >

If we could Minus the car, the drive and the waking up at dawn, we could save so much energy, and slow down global warming. More >

Get kinetic workout clothes. What these do is convert your motion into electricity, which can then be used to power your iPod. More >

Bring your personal re-usable shopping bag to replace plastic or paper bags. Plastic bags do not biodegrade. More >

Let’s Minus the paperwork from our lives! If we Minus enough paper from our lives, we could Minus paperwork entirely. More >

The next time you want to add some pizzazz to your home, think about the type of paint to use. More >

It’s back to basics big-time. Instead of using an electric blender to froth up your coffee/omelette/icing/batter use a hand beater or whisk. More >

+ Add Widgets

Making a Difference

Mangrove Treasures

So, you’d like to start making a difference but find yourself wondering where on earth should you begin? Well the answer is simple. You can start making a difference this very instant, starting with your own home. Did you know that the average home is responsible for a large portion of CO2 emissions contributing to global warming? Now you do. So let’s make a checklist of all the things we can do to conserve energy, save the environment and save our pockets as well.

My Personal Energy Checklist


Close the curtains on the sunny sides of the house as A/C units work extra hard to cool hot air from sunny windows. Install white window shades, drapes or blinds to reflect heat away from the house.	Turn down the A/C thermostat to 24-25 degrees Celsius as each degree cooler will increase energy use by 6-8%.	Check for air leaks in a/c by testing for tightness on a windy day. Hold a lit \incense stick next to windows and doors where there is a possible path to the outside. If the smoke stream travels horizontally, you’ve found an air leak to seal. Save as muchas 10% on cooling bills by reducing air leaks.

Replace your light bulbs with energy efficient ones. Over its lifetime, one bulb can reduce your lighting costs by up to RM30 – 40 annually and will last around 10 times longer.	Switch off the light. Where possible, use the sun for a natural source of light.	Plug home electronics into power strips and turn the power strips off when the equipment is not in use. Make sure the lights are off on your electronics, or else you’ll be paying for standby energy use.

Set optimal refrigerator temperature to 26 – 35F (2 – 3 C) while freezer to 0-5 F (-18 to 15 C). Remember to keep the water in the freezer full.	Defrost refrigerators and freezers regularly; frost build-up decreases the energy efficiency of the unit. Don’t allow frost to build up more than one- quarter of an inch.	Make sure your refrigerator door seals are airtight. Test by closing the door over a ringgit bill so that it is half in and half out of the refrigerator. If you can pull the bill out easily, the latch may need adjustment or the seal may need replacing.

Regarding Waste

	Refuse		Reduce
	If you don’t need it, don’t buy it. By refusing to purchase products that you don’t really need, you can influence the whole production cycle, from extraction of raw materials to disposal in landfills.		Don’t opt for disposable goods or products with lots of packaging. Buy vegetables loose and not pre-cooked, bring your own shopping bag. Don’t use plastic where possible.
	Reuse		Recycle
	Instead of paper cups, use a mug. Invest in rechargeable batteries instead of disposable batteries. Reuse or donate toys, books, furniture, clothes, jars and containers. Where possible, consider fixing it instead of purchasing a new replacement.		(What can be recycled?) Newsprint, Magazines, Office and computer paper Tetra pack, Juice boxes, Cardboard containers (cereal, milk cartons and shoe boxes)

*Compost most uncooked kitchen and garden waste.

Sustainable Transport Option Project (STOP)

In mid 2009, DiGi participated in a 12-month awareness project for action (by CETDEM Malaysia) designed for urban Malaysians to assess their use of transport and to encourage and motivate participants to adopt and maintain new habits on sustainable transport.

To find out more on how you can be a part of this

Centre for Environment, Technology and Development, Malaysia (CETDEM) is an independent, non-profit, training, research, consultancy, referral, and development organization. It is committed to improving environmental quality through the appropriate use of technology and sustainable development.

Learn more about climate change here
(Source: CETDEM Malaysia)