FACT
Did you know that the average Australian household emits the equivalent of 339 wheelie bins of CO2 emissions weekly just through the use of electrical appliances in the home?
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Start Now. In the morning, reduce your shower time from ten to only four minutes. By doing so, not only will you conserve valuable water, you will also reduce your household’s CO2 emissions by the equivalent of 10 wheelie bins each week.
FACT
An estimated one million people across Australia have taken part in the 18th Clean Up Australia Day at more than 7000 sites across the country.
We're getting dozens and dozens of questions on our emails. It seems you all have an insatiable desire for more information about what you can do which is just great!
Below are 10 of the most commonly asked questions, if you have any queries or would like more information please contact us we love hearing from you!
10 Most Commonly Asked Questions
1. Water Tanks - Are they easy to install and how much do they cost?
There are lots of water tank suppliers out there now - and government rebates a plenty (AUS). Rebates can range from about $650 in NSW - some as high as $800. Make sure you check with your local council first, as you will often need approval. There's been such a demand that many of the installers may have long waiting lists, but be persistent. The cost on average is A$1,900 (5L) and A$2,600 (15L) but it depends on the size and type. Under the BASIX legislation for new homes, they are mandatory for grey water.
Every 100mm of rainfall running off the average home roof can provide enough water for several weeks of total household consumption!
2. Solar Power/Heating - When will the costs come down?
On average, a solar system will cost between A$14-17,000. But it will pay for itself in energy savings within 5 years (and with electricity prices about to soar, it's a good idea!). Costs are coming down (albeit slowly) and government rebates (AUS) are provided for solar heaters. Check in your state. Of course, as the demand increases, this will drive down the cost of photo voltaic cells - and Aussie/Chinese technology is leading the way - I just wish we had more solar 'banks' in Australia!!
3. Recycling - Why aren't more plastics recyclable?
Currently in Australia there are only about three types of plastics in common recycling - (1) PET soft drink bottles, (2) HDPE milk/juice bottles and (3) PVC vinyl. These are the ones you can recycle in kerbside collection. The industry is heavily subsidised, but I think that manufacturers should be made more responsible for their packaging as well as their products contained inside!! As more government regulation is introduced (in Australia there's something called Packaging Covenant Mark II under discussion!...yes, I've read it!) there will be more innovation (forced) and more items will be able to be recycled. Check with you local council and there's also good information on the Clean Up Australia website.
4. Cars - How come Hybrid cars cost more?
Good question - there are only two currently on the market in Australia, the Honda Hybrid and the Toyota Prius and they're a little more expensive than other standard vehicles. And there's also a long waiting list due to the success of these cars in the US (there is also a Hybrid Lexus SUV in the US) so we get less sent here!! BUT you save sooo much on fuel. My fuel bill has been cut by 2/3!! So it's worth paying more upfront as the savings are real. If you're in the market for a new car, look for a Hybrid. If not, look for an LPG powered (gas) car.
5. Insulation - What's the best type of insulation for my home and will it save me money on my electirity bill?
Did you know that you can lose up to 35% of your home's heat through the roof if it's not insulated, and a further 15-25% through the walls and floor. Most common insulation is fibreglass - but there's also jute and wool or recycled paper! It will save you hordes on your heating and cooling bill - and save on our Co2 emissions.
6. Do Plasma TV's use a lot of energy?
Yes, a huge amount. They are about to usurp refrigerators as the biggest user of electricity in the home (after the electric hot water heater). The problem is that as they are a new product they're still not required to have an energy rating sticker, so you don't realise how inefficient they are! If you have a big plasma, it's costing you heaps on electricity!
7. How do I find a heater that uses less electricity?
Look for the energy rating on all electric heaters. Don't buy cheap 'unnamed' brands as they will cost you more in the long run. Radiators chew energy like there's no tomorrow - with a single electric bar generating about a kilo of greenhouse gases every hour! Fan heaters are no better. Natural gas and reverse cycle air conditioners are better alternatives, generating only a third of the emissions of electric radiators.
8. What's the best way of reducing my household carbon emissions?
Each household generates on average around 14 tonnes of carbon emissions each year - which is significant.
Households represent about 20% of Australia's total greenhouse gas emissions so we all have a role to play. Buy Greenpower from your energy supplier. Switch off appliances when they're not in use. Swith your lightbulbs over to the new CFL's (mandatory in Australia from 2012). The big one is your hot water service. If you can switch to gas hot water, that's a lot better.
9. What's the most environmentally friendly cleaning product?
We don't want to endorse one product over another...but you can check out what Choice magazine or different environment groups say. Total Environment Centre recently did a good report. Look for products low in phosphorous and harsh chemicals. There are a couple of good ranges now on sale in alternative supermarkets or stores like NECO. Of course, you can clean up with a micro-fibre cleaning cloth, warm water. a dash of natural soap and good old-fashioned elbow grease. Try the natural methods like vinegar, lemon juice and bicarb of soda on tough stains.
10. I know I shouldn't be dry cleaning my clothes - What can I do?
Yes, there was life before dry cleaning! Firstly, wear natural fibres suited for the climate. Dry cleaners use large amounts of chemical solvent, tetrachloroethylene, which isn't good (suspected carcinogen, which aggravates asthma and allergies). How about a quick hand wash or spot cleaning. Hang your clothes out to air!! You'll save money too. Look for a cleaning service with 'clean and green' processes including reuse of hangers and garment bags.