Energy generation
In WA, 99 per cent of our electricity is generated by burning fossil fuels such as coal and gas which in turn produce carbon dioxide. For every unit of electricity produced, around 3 units of fuel must be burnt at the power station and as a result, around 1 kg of carbon dioxide is produced.
- SEDO
1. Use accredited green power: one of the best ways to reduce your carbon emissions is to sign up to electricity from renewable energy sources.
2. Insulate your home: it can save you hundreds of dollars each year on your energy bills and reduce your carbon emissions.
3. Use less hot water: water heating uses about a third of all the energy in the home.
4. Try driving less: you save 1.5kg of carbon dioxide for every 5km you don't drive.
5. Keep your car running well: make sure you keep your car in good working order. When buying a new car try to make your choice based on fuel consumption as much as style or brand.
6. Don't rely on standby: standby power from appliances averages 92 Watts per household or 800kWh per year. This can cost you around $105 annually.
7. Waste not, emit not: every tonne of paper recycled saves almost 13 trees, 2.5 barrels of oil, 4100kWh of electricity, 4 cubic metres of landfill and 31,780 litres of water.
8. Use your air conditioner less: turn your thermostat down 2°C in winter and up 2°C in summer. This can save up to 20 per cent on your heating and cooling bills as well as reducing greenhouse emissions.
9. Buy locally: buy as much produce as possible from local sources. Not only does this help boost the local economy, it reduces the amount of energy needed to get the product to you.
10. Actually do it!
Premier's Climate Change Statement |
A message from the PremierThroughout history, we have depended on our environment for our every need. However, over the past century, our dependence on our environment has taken its toll, with one of the most serious consequences being the global threat of climate change. However, we can take practical steps to create a sustainable economy, society and environment without having to make huge lifestyle changes. By taking action now we can reduce the risk of suffering the extreme impacts of climate change predicted by scientists. The Western Australian Government has been taking action to respond to climate change with initiatives such as the new southern rail line, powering the Kwinana Desalination Plant with renewable energy and offsetting all emissions from the Government vehicle fleet. The State Government also recognises the clear demand for information on what individuals, families and communities can do to combat climate change and protect our unique environment. In response to this, the State Government has developed ActNow - a virtual one-stop-shop on sustainable living in Western Australia. This web portal directs you to State Government initiatives on sustainability and is a comprehensive hub of information and advice. The State Government offers more than $10 million in power and water-saving rebates. Until now, people interested in these rebates had to trawl through several different websites. ActNow streamlines this process and makes it easier for you to cash in on these incentives. Fighting climate change and caring for our unique environment is the responsibility of all of us. We are all in this together and this website provides us with the practical steps that we can take to meet the challenge.
Hon Alan Carpenter
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