Zero Net Emissions

Climate change is happening now and you can do something about it.
Everyone can cut their greenhouse gas emissions and reduce the impact of climate change.
Every Victorian household produces on average over 12 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year. More than half of these emissions come from electricity usage, the vast majority of which is generated through burning brown coal in the Latrobe Valley.
Our local greenhouse emissions are growing and will continue to grow unless we take actions to curb our energy usage. By saving energy, you'll save money, as well as help protect our environment from the impacts of climate change.
Governments and businesses around the world are setting targets to reduce their greenhouse emissions and every day, more join the ranks of those setting the ambitious Zero Net Emission target. Click here to find out how you too can set your target to Zero Net Emissions.

Here's how to set your target to Zero Net Emissions:

We create greenhouse gases every time we drive our cars, take a plane, or turn on our lights and computers; however it is possible for us all to become climate neutral. This means emitting zero greenhouse emissions from your personal or business lives. Here are some simple tips and tools so that any person, home or business can become Climate Neutral. There are four simple things to do:-

1. Save energy

Some easy things you can do around the house:
* Change all your globes to compact fluorescents
* Insulate your roof or top up existing insulation
* Set your heating to 18-20 C and your cooling to 24-26 C
* Buy 5 star appliances
* Fit AAA taps, toilets and washers
There is lots of information on the web to give you ideas and assistance: - www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/www/html/1517-home-page.asp

2. Reduce your energy and fuel use

* Walk or cycle whenever you can - think of the time you can save on going to the gym!
* Do fortnightly big shops instead of nicking down to the shops every few days.
* Relax on the train, tram or bus instead of sweating in the traffic.
* Car pool with your colleagues or neighbours.
* When you drive, run your car efficiently:
http://www.greenhouse.gov.au/fuelguide/tips.html

3. Use Renewable Energy - purchase accredited Green Power

Purchase Green Power, generated from renewable resources such as solar or wind energy, for homes, businesses and events. Talk to your energy retailer or see:
www.greenpower.gov.au
www.greenelectricitywatch.org.au

4. Offset what's left

While the emphasis should always be on reducing emissions first, purchasing offsets is a practical and affordable way to compensate for emissions that we still create. In addition, by incorporating the cost of greenhouse gas emissions into day-to-day life, a person or business can get a sense of the true cost of their activities.
It's now possible to offset remaining emissions from your energy usage and for your car or plane trips. Listed are links to calculate and offset your emissions in Victoria.
www.climatepositive.com
www.carbonneutral.com.au
www.greenfleet.com.au





What else can we do?

Ethical Investing in Australia: How you invest your money, including superannuation, may have one of the largest impacts on your greenhouse emissions. Put your money where your mouth is. If you don't agree with the tobacco industry, uranium mining or Asian sweatshops then don't pay for them!
Ethical Investment Association lists Australian ethical investment fund managers
www.eia.org.au

Sustainable Shopping: What you buy can have a big impact. Buy local and refuse packaging whenever you can. Eco-Buy helps business and government organise their purchasing to aim for more environmentally friendly product selection
www.ecobuy.org.au