What You Can Do
Simple things you can do now
In the Home
Switch to using accredited Green Power. The Green Energy Watch can help you choose a supplier. - Use energy efficient compact fluorescent light globes
- Choose a local holiday instead of flying overseas
- Swap your 4wd for a fuel efficient car
- Offset your travel and driving emissions (through companies which invest in tree planting, energy efficiency and renewable energy). A regular assessment of offset products available in Australia can be viewed at the Carbon Offset Guide Australia
- Use the energy rating label when buying electrical appliances
- If buying a new car, check the Green Vehicle Guide to compare fuel economy and greenhouse emissions
- Walk, cycle, car-share or catch public transport
- Switch appliances off at the switch to save standby power
- Select an energy efficient hot water heater such as solar, gas or heat pump. The Australian Government offers Australian households rebates for the installation of solar and heat pump water systems. Click here to find out if you are eligible.
- The Australian Government has also put a photovoltaic rebate programme into place for homes, schools and community use buildings. Click here to find out eligibility criteria.
Just some of these steps can save 15 tonnes of greenhouse gas and takes you a long way towards being climate neutral.
Greenhome
GreenHome is the Australian Conservation Foundation's sustainable living program that helps you to reduce your impact on the environment by making positive changes at home and in your lifestyle.
Visit acfonline.org.au/greenhome and discover simple ways to make a difference at home - from saving energy and water, as well as reducing waste, to creating a sustainable garden, green shopping and cleaning. You can also measure your environmental footprint and choose the actions you want to take at home and go into the draw to win great prizes!
In the Office
- Switch off lights when you leave the office
- Enable Energy Star™ saving modes on computers and electrical appliances. Switch off computers when not used for extended periods. Portable computers and / or LCD screens use less energy than desktop models.
- Ride or walk to work if that's an option
- Encourage your organisation to commit to improved office energy efficiency and join CitySwitch Green Office.
