Reducing our carbon footprint

By Shant Fabricatorian

Environmental scientist and lawyer David Newhouse delivered a presentation on the Federal Government’s Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) at Waverley Library last Thursday, part of Waverley Council’s ongoing series of environmental seminars.

The presentation included an introduction to the scheme, how it will work, and an explanation of linkages and offsets.

The CPRS will cover 75 per cent of Australia’s emissions.  Half of Australia’s total emissions are currently generated from ‘stationary energy’, or power generation.

“Australia’s per-capita emissions are very high due to our reliance on coal-burning power stations,” Mr Newhouse said.  “Fifty per cent of our emissions is being generated through really dirty coal.”

Newhouse also discussed the local impacts of the CPRS and ways in which Waverley residents could help reduce emissions.  With cars making up the highest source of greenhouse gas emissions from households and accounting for around a third of total emissions, catching public transport at least once a week, or using a car-sharing scheme such as GoGet, makes a significant impact in reducing an individual’s carbon footprint.

Individuals can also noticeably reduce their energy consumption around the house.  Heating water is the second-highest source of greenhouse gas generation by households, Mr Newhouse said.  Zero-cost alternatives to reduce environmental impact include cold-washing clothes and shorter showers.

Likewise, excessively heating and cooling the home can represent a big waste of energy – a difference of just one degree can reduce energy consumption and greenhouse pollution by up to 10 per cent, said Mr Newhouse.

Waverley Council is also looking to conduct a 10-month composting trial and be involved in research into food waste avoidance.  The trial starts across Randwick and Waverley councils in August. To find out more, call the Food Waste Reduction Officer on 9369 8112, or email laurenm@waverley.nsw.gov.au.