Are you ready to go on a carbon diet? It’s now a proven fact that the average person produces about 10 tonnes of carbon dioxide, and the figures here in the UAE are probably far worse than that.

According to scientists, more carbon dioxide means global warming – and that means a temperature rise of 5 degrees before 2100. The freak weather patterns produced by such a change would be catastrophic to world economy and yet if we all act now it would only cost around 1 per cent of global GDP to stabilise atmospheric CO2.

The biggest waste area is home energy use. ACs, hot water and electricity account for about half your family’s direct carbon emissions - more than any other activity. Much of this energy - millions of tonnes of CO2 a year - is wasted.

There’s plenty you can do to improve things. Try to change your routine so it becomes second nature to save energy rather than squander it. After all, how hard is it to switch off a light?

Here’s a few ideas to help you save the planet, and some money…

KITCHEN

Fridge and Freezer

Defrost and keep coils dust free. Dirt increases energy use by up to 30 per cent. Cool and cover foods before storing. Replace damaged door seals — they let the heat in. You’ll save money on your electricity if you replace your old fridge freezer with an A+ or A++ rated model

Tumble Drier

Most clothes can be dried outside, or on a rack inside. You’ll save money by not using the drier – and your clothes won’t wear out so fast.

LOUNGE

Did you know that TVs and DVDs on standby are still using power? Don’t leave them on standby – use the off switch.

BEDROOMS

If you’re not using the room, keep the curtains closed on bedrooms where the hot sun beats down on the windows. That way you save on AC bills, and your bedroom furniture won’t fade away.

BATHROOM

Loos are the biggest single water guzzler in the house. Get a “hippo” or put a brick in the cistern to save using so much when you flush.

Take a shower where possible. An average bath uses 80 litres of water, but a five-minute shower only uses 35 litres.

IN EVERY ROOM

Replace conventional light-bulbs with energy-saving compact fluorescent lamps. Start in the entrance hall or landing - wherever lights are left on for a long time. They cost more than conventional bulbs but they use 75 per cent less electricity and last eight times longer.

KEEPING THE HEAT OUT

Find the gap

Turn the AC off, then use a lit stick of incense to find out where hot air is getting in. There’s a problem wherever smoke blows horizontally, so plug that gap.

Windows

If you don’t have double-glazing, it may be worth changing windows in the main rooms. If you live in a villa, it’s worth insulating the roof with a foam layer.

Use the car less

If you work within 2km of your home, try getting up earlier and walking or cycling to the office. Before you know it, you’ll be able to cancel that expensive gym membership.

If you live near a supermarket, try walking there instead of jumping in the car. If you need to get kids to school, try sharing the school run with a friend or neighbour.

Eat less meat

Rearing animals and processing and refrigerating meat products uses much more energy than growing crops, fruit and vegetables.

Livestock releases vast quantities of methane. Cows are the worst offenders. Each 1lb (0.45kg) of reared beef on your dinner table has cost 5.2kg of CO2 to produce – never mind the transport costs. Try to choose locally-produced alternatives such as fish instead – it’s healthier anyway.

Eat all the food you buy

It’s estimated that over a year we throw out a fifth of the fresh produce we buy. So do your bit. Plan your shopping carefully, meal by meal, don’t buy more perishables than you can eat in a week and watch those use-by dates. You’ll save money and help reduce the waste mountain.

Buy in bulk

If you use a car to shop, you can avoid travelling so often to the supermarket by buying in bulk. Non-perishables such as cereals, rice, and pasta are cheaper to buy in bulk and you’ll cut down on packaging waste.