Tip #1 - Stay informed
One of the best things we can all do is educate and inform ourselves about current issues, trends, and our very own impact. Keeping up to date empowers us to take action where it’s most needed, and where it is most aligned with our own priorities and abilities. It also allows us to have informed conversations with those around us.
For sources of information, try the ABC, SBS and The Conversation.
Tip #2 - Reduce, reuse, recycle
Another very practical, very immediate thing we can do is consider where we can reduce our consumption. It may seem simple, but it’s not necessarily easy! Reducing our consumption means fewer of earth’s resources are needed, and the waste we produce is lowered.
Take a few moments to think about where in your life you could reduce your consumption/ purchasing new… consider areas such as packaging, storage, paper, clothing, food (waste), water and household goods. Buy/ Swap/ Sell marketplaces online are a great place to find and sell second hand goods, often at a fraction of the price of new.
Next to reducing our consumption is reusing. This is a powerful way to reduce our reliance on new resources too. Consider where you could reuse packaging, paper, household waste (by turning things you might throw out into something else!) even food waste (e.g. get creative with leftovers!)
Finally, don’t forget to recycle. Wherever possible, recycle what must be thrown out. Be sure to take your plastic bags to RedCycle facilities and follow local guidelines when it comes to recycling properly.
Tip #3 - Evaluate your travel
In 2021, transport contributed 17.5% of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions (the third highest contributor) so it’s an important factor. It’s also another element where many of us are able to make a choice to change our habits.
Consider where you might be able to carpool, walk or bike (the fresh air and exercise are an added benefit!), take public transport, and even skip the travel entirely, instead choosing to meet virtually if that’s appropriate.
Tip #4 - Refresh your diet
Agriculture is Australia’s fourth highest contributor to emissions, weighing in at 14.9% of the total. Whilst most of us don’t own farms or land that we can change, our behaviour and consumption habits are areas we can control!
Meat and dairy are really resource-intensive foods. It’s estimated that five kilograms of greenhouse gases are created in the production of a single serve of meat! Reduce (not necessarily eliminate!) meat and dairy in your diet and you'll have an immediate and important positive impact.
Tip #5 - Donate time and efforts
When you care about the environment, and are worried about climate change, one of the powerful things you can do is support organisations that are generating real outcomes.
Think about your values, then find organisations that align - and look into whether you might be able to donate your time in service if you're able, to support their efforts. This might mean volunteering for an event (for example beach cleanups, tree planting or educating the community) or signing and sharing a petition. Environment-centered organisations can always benefit from more support!
Tip #6 - Change your energy source
Did you know that over 30% of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions are from electricity generation? Electricity is something we all need, and what’s more, we have the power to change our household energy source.
Installing a Plico solar + battery solution will allow you to drastically cut your household’s carbon emissions and have an immediate positive impact. With Plico’s affordable weekly rate (with no big up front installation cost, plus ongoing support for 10 years), it’s more accessible than ever. In fact, Australia’s plan to reach net zero emissions by 2050 includes a significant emphasis on solar technologies.
These ideas are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to taking everyday action as individuals. A simple search for “reduce my environmental impact” will present hundreds more ideas! And don’t forget seasonal opportunities and events such as birthdays, Christmas, and holidays.
As mentioned, changing your household energy to solar is a concrete, doable action you can take. If you’d like to learn more about finding the solar + battery solution that is right for you, talk to one of our friendly team members or call 1300 175 426.
Sources
https://www.industry.gov.au/data-and-publications/national-greenhouse-gas-inventory-quarterly-update-march-2021
https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/about-epa/publications/1219
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