Your sustainability action list

When replacing a frequently used bulb, compare LED options at the same light output and check fixture compatibility.

Check: Record the rated watts and hours used; do not assume a fixed personal emissions saving.

Use a switched power strip for suitable non-essential electronics when they are finished being used.

Check: Identify which devices must remain powered before switching off the strip.

Use cold-water washing when appropriate for the fabric and cleaning needs; wash full loads without overloading.

Check: Check care labels, detergent instructions and the machine’s load guidance.

Scrape dishes rather than pre-rinsing where the machine instructions permit. Run a full load and use air drying if available.

Check: Check cleaning results and the chosen drying setting.

Close shades against summer sun. In cold weather, use sunlight during the day where it helps warm the room.

Check: Observe sun exposure and comfort before changing heating or cooling settings.

Follow a temperature schedule appropriate to the equipment. Heat pumps may need adaptive-recovery controls to avoid unnecessary auxiliary heating.

Check: Check the system manual or qualified advice before applying a conventional setback schedule.

Check the fridge, freezer and pantry before shopping; plan meals and quantities around food already available.

Check: Keep a short record of uneaten food and adjust the next shopping list.

Use storage guidance for each food and prepare or freeze suitable portions you will not use promptly.

Check: Check storage and food-safety instructions; compare avoidable waste over time.

Check for dripping fittings and compare the water meter before and after a period with no intended water use.

Check: Investigate unexplained meter movement and obtain repair help where needed.

Match watering to local conditions and plant needs rather than keeping an unchanged schedule through every season.

Check: Look for runoff and overwatering; use local watering rules and irrigation guidance.

Use a locally appropriate low-water plant list. Suitability depends on climate and location.

Check: The linked EPA lists are for the US; obtain local plant guidance for Israel or another country before buying.

Identify a single-use product you can avoid or replace with something reusable that you will keep using.

Check: Record actual repeated use rather than claiming a fixed carbon saving.

Consider repairing a suitable existing item or buying a used alternative before purchasing a new one.

Check: Check condition, repairability and suitability for the intended use.

Check the municipality’s rules for each waste stream. Keep outdoor bins closed and avoid overflowing them.

Check: Confirm the actual local collection route; recyclable labeling alone does not establish local acceptance.

Record vehicle distance or passenger-distance as appropriate; do not substitute travel hours for distance.

Check: Choose a factor for the correct mode and geography. UK reference factors do not automatically describe another country.

Compare the same journey and emissions boundaries, including whether upstream fuel or electricity emissions are included.

Check: Use either measured fuel or a distance-based estimate for the same vehicle journey, avoiding double counting.

If buying paper or wood, read the specific certification label. FSC Mix is not the same claim as FSC Recycled.

Check: Use the scheme’s supplier-certificate record and label guidance. A label does not quantify your personal emissions savings.

Choose a variety of plants native to your region to provide suitable pollen and nectar sources.

Check: Ask a local native-plant authority about suitable species. US plant examples are not automatically appropriate in Israel.