For individuals: Reducing your emissions
By saving energy and then offsetting those emissions that you aren't able to reduce, your lifestyle can be carbon-neutral.
Simple ways to reduce your household's contribution to climate change, starting
with some of the easiest:
Switch to Green Power
www.greenpower.gov.au
Choosing
government accredited Green Power is a simple way to reduce your greenhouse
pollution. This can cut your greenhouse emissions by 6-8 tonnes each year
- which is equivalent to removing two cars from our roads. However, the growing
number of Green Power providers can make choosing the best one difficult!
Green Electricity Watch www.greenelectricitywatch.org.au
ranks Australian providers according to their 'effectiveness' in supporting
green power generation and offsetting emissions.
Also see the Green Power price watch comparison guide at www.greenpowerpricewatch.com.au
Consider the impact before you buy!
Every dollar spent has a greenhouse impact. Choose
eco friendly products, local produce in season and organic produce. If your
supermarket doesn't stock an alternative, ask them to. It's up to us to
create the demand and drive change.
Turn off lights and appliances when you don't need them
Turn appliances off at the power point where possible, rather than leaving them on Standby. Items such as DVD players consume 85 percent of their total energy while on standby.
Use energy efficient light globes
Energy
saving light globes use approx 80% less electricity. On average, six energy
saving light globes will save half a tonne of greenhouse gas per year.
Purchase appliances with a high energy-star rating
Switch off the second fridge
Your car
To reduce fuel consumption service your car regularly, keep the tyres at the correct pressure and drive smoothly. Avoid using the car when you have another option - try to car pool at least once a week.
When buying a new car, choose the most fuel-efficient one from the class of vehicle that you suits your needs. Test drive a hybrid-electric or new-generation diesel. Before purchasing, check the fuel consumption rating displayed on the windscreen. See www.greenvehicleguide.gov.au which rates new Australian cars based on greenhouse and air pollution emissions.
Buy recycled where appropriate - from paper towel to building materials.
Refill recycled water bottles from
the tap instead of buying bottled water
A simple filter which
you can fit to the nozzle will improve the taste!
Cut your hot water consumption by washing clothes in cold water
Install water-saving shower heads
They can save the average family up to $200 each year on gas/electricity
bills. www.waterrating.gov.au. You can buy an AAA shower head for as little as $15. You'll save up to 100,000 liters of water each year, without losing any pressure.
Take shorter showers. 3-4 minutes, the length of your favourite song.
Replace an electric hot water service with solar or a high-efficiency gas one
Set your thermostat to a slightly cooler (or warmer)
temperature
Close off areas that don't need heating in winter
- heat the space you're in, not the whole house. Seal draughts and gaps
around external doors and windows. A jumper is a lot more energy efficient
than a heater! www.energysmart.com.au.
Insulate your home to retain heat and save on
heating costs
www.greenhouse.gov.au.
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