One of our primary goals at Mushroom Producer Organisation Ltd is to continuously reduce our carbon emissions and be more environmentally friendly.
MPO and our growers have also significantly invested in several environmental actions; Solar PV systems, tunnel insulation, temperature regulating heating pumps, coolers, LED Lighting to name a few.
By investing in Solar PV systems 3 of our members have significantly decreased their environmental impact. MPO is now able to generate renewable energy, reducing our reliance on energy from the grid as well as reducing our need to use fossil fuels and therefore reducing MPO’s carbon emissions and greenhouse gases per KG of mushrooms produced.
As we celebrate Earth Day, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the ways we all can reduce our energy consumption and make a positive impact on the planet. Energy conservation not only helps preserve our planet’s natural resources but also saves you money and reduces your carbon footprint. In this blog post, we’ll explore some simple yet effective energy-saving tips that you can easily incorporate into your daily life.
Practice Energy-Efficient Cooking
- When cooking, using energy-efficient appliances like air-fryers or slow cookers can help save energy. Air fryers are best for quickly cooking smaller portions of food with less preheating time, making them efficient for certain meals or snacks. Slow cookers are ideal for recipes that require longer cooking times or for cooking large batches of food at once, saving energy by using low heat over an extended period.
- When using your regular oven, avoid opening the door frequently as this can cause heat loss. Additionally, using lids on pots and pans helps to trap heat and cook food more efficiently.
Eat foods with less air miles
- Eating foods with fewer air miles can significantly reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable food system. By choosing locally sourced produce and products, we can minimise the environmental impact associated with transportation, which often involves long-distance shipping and air freight.
- Mushrooms are grown locally all year round, whatever the weather. In fact, they are one of the most eco-friendly foods you can get!
Switch to LED Light Bulbs
One of the easiest ways to save energy is by replacing traditional incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs. LED bulbs consume significantly less energy and last much longer than incandescent ones, making them a cost-effective and eco-friendly choice.
Unplug Electronics When Not in Use
Many electronic devices continue to draw power even when they’re turned off, contributing to what’s known as “phantom energy loss.” Make it a habit to unplug chargers, appliances, and other electronics when they’re not in use, or use power strips to easily switch off multiple devices at once.
Adjust Thermostat Settings
- Heating and cooling account for a significant portion of household energy consumption. During the warmer months, set your thermostat a few degrees higher to reduce cooling costs, and in the colder months, lower the temperature by a few degrees to save on heating. Consider investing in a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust temperatures based on your schedule.
Seal Leaks and Insulate
- Inspecting your home for air leaks and properly insulating it can greatly reduce the amount of energy needed to heat or cool your living space. Seal gaps around windows, doors, and ducts with caulking or weather stripping, and add insulation to your attic, walls, and floors to improve energy efficiency.
Reduce Water Heater Temperature
- Lowering the temperature of your water heater to 49 degrees Celsius can help save energy without sacrificing comfort. Additionally, insulating your water heater and hot water pipes can prevent heat loss and further improve efficiency.
By implementing these simple energy-saving tips into your daily routine, you can contribute to a more sustainable future for our planet while also saving money on your energy bills. Remember, even small changes can make a big difference when it comes to conserving energy and reducing our environmental impact. So let’s celebrate Earth Day by taking action to preserve the Earth’s precious resources for generations to come!
