
PICA Group is committed to ensuring a more sustainable future for our customers. Through education, leadership and offering practical advice we aim to make positive short and long term impacts to enhance the lives of our customers and the communities they live in.
What residents can do
There are many ways that residents can manage their energy, water and household waste to live a more sustainable lifestyle.
Energy management tips
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Fridges, on average, are the largest user of electricity in any home. To use your fridge more efficiently:
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When purchasing appliances or white goods check the energy rating. The more stars on the rating panel the more energy efficient. You can use the governments
energy rating calculator to compare products.

Turn off appliances and chargers from the power point when they are not in use.

Use your appliance in an efficient manner.
Fridges, on average, are the largest user of electricity in any home. To use your fridge more efficiently:

Reduce the exterior temperature of your fridge by positioning it away from sunlight and hot appliances. Your fridge will not have to work as hard to keep cool.

Set the internal temperature to 3-5°C. Setting the temperature too low can affect energy consumption.

Test your fridge door seal to ensure it is airtight. To check close the door over a piece of paper, so that the piece of paper is half in and half out of the fridge. If the door is shut and it can be pulled out easily it may be time to replace the seal.

If you need to purchase a second fridge consider purchasing a bigger, more efficient main fridge instead.
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Waste management tips
Follow the waste hierarchy
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Source: http://greenstrata.com.au/topic/managing-waste-your-apartment

Water management tips

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Source: http://greenstrata.com.au/topic/managing-waste-your-apartment
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Avoid creating waste by placing a “No Junk Mail” sticker on your letter box.

One in five shopping bags end up in the bin. Reduce the amount of waste you create by only buying food that you need. Consider purchasing goods that can be reused such as rechargeable batteries over disposable ones.

Reuse items by donating unwanted goods to charity, purchasing second hand items or selling no longer wanted goods.

Familiarize yourself with your local councils recycling centers. Many products such as old electronics, wood and scrap pieces of metal can be recycled.
Water management tips

Leaking taps can waste up to 2,000 litres per month. Replace washers as soon as taps begin to leak.

Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth.

Take shorter showers, ideally 4 minutes or less. Use a shower timer as a reminder.

Keep a bottle of water in the fridge for drinking instead of running a tap and waiting for the water to be cool.

Thaw food in the fridge or microwave instead of under running it under water.

Instead of rinsing dishes prior to washing, scrape food remains off dishes and dispose of scraps in the compost or garbage bin.
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