Recycling waste reduces the impact on the environment.

One kg of newspaper = a 4.5-month long phone call. The energy saved by manufacturing 1 kg of newsprint from recycled material, compared with new material, is enough to charge a mobile phone battery for a 4.5-month uninterrupted call.

One aluminum can = 7 hours of TV viewing. The energy saved by manufacturing an aluminum can from recycled material, compared with new material, is enough to power a television for 7 hours.

There are plenty of websites that provide tips on how each of us can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We have gathered a few examples.

For the household:

• Use compact fluorescent light bulbs. It is a good idea to use energy-saving compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL) instead of conventional light bulbs. If you replace a 60 watt light bulb with a CFL, you will save about 500 kronor in electricity over the life of the bulb.
• Avoid driving when you go grocery shopping. The car ride from home to the supermarket usually accounts for about half of the total carbon emissions your food generates. Good planning – making big purchases by car and picking up smaller items by bicycle or foot – is an excellent way to help the environment.

Drive climate-smart:

• Carpooling is good for your wallet and the environment. One year of driving 10 km to work costs about 4,500 kronor (at a gas price of SEK 11.80 per liter) and produces 900 kg of carbon dioxide.
• Smart-driving techniques. With the right driving techniques you can cut fuel costs by up to 20 percent. A couple of examples: Accelerate up to the right speed quickly. Drive in a higher gear; many cars can be driven in fifth gear at 50 km/h on flat ground.

Sources (Swedish): http://www.energiradgivningen.se, http://www.folksam.se/testergodarad/bilenochmiljon/korklimatsmart