Becoming Smarter as we Learn to Save Energy

Welcome to #TRVSTLOVES. We curate news, stories, ideas, and inspiration from across the world which demonstrate how real action can accomplish a positive social impact. In this edition, we’re looking at some of the different ways in which initiatives from across the globe are striving to save energy. You'll find tips on small changes we can all make in our own homes as well as inspiring enterprises tackling the problem on a larger scale.

Thought about your washing routine recently?

In the spirit of us all doing our bit to make a difference, have you ever thought about making a few adjustments to your washing routine? Apparently, the washing machine is one of the most heavily used appliances in the home, so we should be as eco-friendly as we can when using one. Sometimes it's about challenging the things we do on autopilot, rather than doing the same old thing because we've always done it.

We've got some useful tips over here, such as selecting a lower temperature to wash with and considering whether your clothes could be aired rather than washed each time - you might even find your clothes last longer this way too!

The Energy Gang podcast

This is a great little find: a sustainable lifestyle podcast from the US called The Energy Gang,  debating the latest trends in energy, cleantech, renewables, and the environment. Last month there was a fascinating episode with Terry Jester who is Chief Exec of Solpad - a modular home solar storage system. Solpad allows consumers to store solar energy for use 24/7, so tune into the podcast for a listen, it's a great and educational interview.

CITyFiED: creating a space to collaborate and learn

CITyFiED is leading an interesting European initiative which in their words “adapts European cities and urban ecosystems into the smart city of the future”. For those cities and towns wanting to sign up, the website has created a special and defined “space” for learning and development.

Recognizing the importance of real data, CITyFiED has also recently progressed an app to measure the water, heating, and electric usage in a typical home in Spain. We love the collaboration here: it’s going to take a lot of learning from one another to tackle some of these climate issues, so data sharing and gaining knowledge is going to be the way forward without a doubt.

Are carbon neutral startups the next big thing?

We’re not exactly short of start-up companies in this day and age are we: but what about carbon neutral start-ups? Are these becoming a thing? We hope so. The explanation is simple and focuses on balance: if a company is generating CO2, then they need to ensure they remove the same amount as that which was put in.

Apparently, this doesn’t have to be as difficult as it sounds, this article suggests checking out EcoAct for inspiration and ideas. Businesses that are accountable for their actions and are thinking of the future not just in the sense of profits are, in our mind, the ones moving in the right direction.

Eco-friendly houses for all

Providing affordable housing is a worldwide issue for all countries to try and solve. Low-income households need homes that are cheap to run, and the world needs more eco-friendly houses so we can move towards "green homes for all".

So step up São Paulo who has started a “green building movement” with the Julio Prestes social housing project, certified by EDGE. The project will provide resource-efficient units for lower-income households who would normally spend up to 20% of their income on utility bills. So, an idea that benefits both people and the planet? Well, that’s surely a winner, we look forward to hearing more!