Ways to Reduce your impact
In his recently-released book, The Weather Makers, author Dr Tim Flannery provides a "Climate Change Checklist", suggesting ways that each of us can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) produced as we go about our daily lives.
The Weather Makers checklist is reproduced below along with further information to help you make the small life changes that can have a big impact in reducing climate change.
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Change to an accredited Green Power option. Eliminate household emissions from electricity Green Power is government accredited clean, renewable electricity from the sun, the wind, water and waste. Only accredited Green Power guarantees that you support investments in new renewable energy capacity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Look for the Green Power "tick of approval" when choosing your supplier.
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Install a solar hot water system. Up to 30% reduction in household emissions Further information about solar hot water can be found on the Sustainable Energy Authority Victoria and Your Home websites. You may also like to consider insulating your existing hot water system, or installing a high-efficiency gas hot water heater.
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Install solar panels
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Use energy-efficient whitegoods - up to 50% reduction in household emissions from electricity Before you purchase your next appliance, be sure to check out the Energy All Stars website, which compiles the top performing appliances. The Energy Rating website provides more detailed information about appliances' energy efficiency.
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Use a triple-A rated shower-head - Up to 12% reduction in household emissions.
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Use energy-efficient light globes - Up to 10% reduction in household emissions The Australian Greenhouse Office has more information on energy-efficient lighting.
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Check fuel efficiency of next car - Up to 70% reduction in transport emissions. And with rising petrol prices, choosing a fuel efficient car can also save you money. Visit the Green Vehicle Guide or ratings on the environmental performance of new vehicles sold in Australia.
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Walk, cycle or take public transport - Can reduce transport emissions The TravelSmart website provides information, toolkits and resources to help you reduce car usage and making smart choices about alternative forms of transport.
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Calculate carbon footprint - Can eliminate transport and household emissions Climate Friendly provides a series of calculators to help you determine your "carbon-footprint" - the amount of CO2 that is produced by your daily activities. The Earth Day Ecological Footprint Quiz helps you estimate your ecological footprint, which includes CO2 emissions.
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Suggest a workplace audit - Up to 30% reduction in emissions Most of the tips on this page can be applied to the workplace - but there is much more that can be done. If you are an employee, ask your employer if an environmental plan is in place and suggest a workplace audit.
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Write to a politician about climate change - In NSW write to Premier Iemma asking him to commit to a clean energy future thepremier@www.nsw.gov.au. The Climate Action Network website also has a list of actions.
The Green Directory is an
online resource with easy-to-access to information about eco-friendly products
and services across a wide range of areas including power, natural living,
building, food, water and more.