Residents eager to save energy, reduce power bills

Residents eager to save energy, reduce power bills

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4 MIN READ

Dubai/Abu Dhabi: Going green now not only means reducing your carbon footprint but also on reducing your electricity bill as well.

A carbon footprint is the total set of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions caused directly and indirectly by an individual or organisation, and is measured by undertaking a GHG emissions assessment.

According to previous reports, the UAE is at the top of the rank, ahead of the US and Kuwait, with the highest per capita carbon footprint.

One of the ways to reduce the carbon footprint is by using energy-efficient light bulbs, in addition to having the added benefit of reducing your electricity bill by up to 80 per cent.

City Talk took to the streets and asked residents if they were aware about these energy efficient light bulbs, and if they will consider using these light-bulbs instead of the ordinary ones.

Abdul Haleem Mohammad, a barber from Sudan, 32, said: "I have read about them in magazines before and I think it is a very good idea, and I would like to you it although I never bought any. I try to do my part in saving the environment by recycling newspapers every now and then."

Aimee Macaraeg, editor and photographer, Philippines, 27, said: "Of course I will use it if it helps the environment and also because it will reduce the expenses of my business. I use a lot of light bulbs in the studio that I work in, and it will be very good if I could reduce the electricity bill. I will definitely look out for them when I go shopping next time. It is important to do as much as we can when taking care of our environment, because right now I only recycle paper."

Saif Al Islam, a Bangladeshi waiter, 30, said: "I have never heard about it before and there should be more promotion because there is not enough awareness right now. I think it will be a very good idea if all businesses bought these types of light-bulbs because they are the ones who use the most electricity and make more waste than the residents."

Mohammad Abbad, public relations officer, Yemen, 22, said: "I did not know that such a light bulb existed and they should be advertised more in shopping centres, so that people will be encouraged to use them.

"The government should also play a larger role in promoting the light bulbs across the country, because only then can it make a difference to the environment. Although I do not use them, I remind my family to use less electricity at home and also to unplug electrical appliances when we do not use them, because I think they still use some amount of electricity even if they are switched off."

Hadeel Agha, bank administration employee, Palestinian, 36, said: "No, I have never heard of such light bulbs so I don't use them at all. If it helps me reduce the cost I wouldn't mind using them.

"Frankly, I cannot think of something specific that I do to help better the environment."

Ranjini Tejaswini, sales executive, Indian, 33, said: "I do use energy efficient light bulbs at home. They are equally good in lighting and help cut cost. We continue to use few conventional ones too. I came to know about it through my husband who is an engineer.

"We are an environmentally aware family and at home we practice simple things like switching off lights and taps when they are not in use etc. Those who are buying any electronic goods must look out whether the appliance is energy saving. It should not be limited to just bulbs."

Nitesh Poojari, aircraft technician, Indian, 30, said: "Earlier we used to have the conventional bulbs but in view of the electricity bill savings we changed to the energy efficient ones. Not all of them have been replaced yet. But we mostly use the energy efficient bulbs.

"I don't do anything specific to reduce my carbon footprint, but I do use resources efficiently as much as possible like by switching off the lights when I leave a room and so on."

Blenda Evangelista, dental assistant, Filipina, 29, said: "We use energy efficient bulbs at home and at the work place. They last longer, I think, and also helps conserve energy. Everyone must consider using them as it is good for their pockets as well as for the environment. Recycling is something I follow to help the environment.


Lots of people here in UAE are not aware what a carbon footprint is. People should be made aware on how to better conserve their environment not only in minimising their utility bills but also in recycling, etc. Not only can we save money from these initiatives but also make our future generations enjoy life on earth can offer.
Farah
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: September 27, 2009, 17:29

It is a good start. But there's more everyone can do.I am an energy auditor and can help households and businesses save energy and make the world a better place.
Johar
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 27, 2009, 17:03

People cannot say there is not enough awareness of electricity efficient bulbs. If they read more instead of waiting for an advertisement to come in front of their noses, they will be more educated also about other environmental issues as recycling, using less plastic bags, etc. Everything is on the web and in the newspaper. It's just upon people to make the effort for change.
Katarina
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 27, 2009, 16:55

It would be very helpful to me, if the people who use these energy savers could tell the brand of such bulbs and where I could buy them from!
Ann
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: September 27, 2009, 13:05

This is the time every body should give their attention towards saving the environment.
Syed Ashraf Ali
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 27, 2009, 12:01

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