Schemes that cut greenhouse gas emissions receive public support

Australian householders overwhelmingly support government schemes that cut greenhouse gas emissions by helping save on energy and water use, a Newspoll survey in NSW and ACT has found.

Strong support for practical environmental action will make home energy efficiency and water saving "the new recycling', according to Paul Gilding, green business leader and former executive director of Greenpeace International.

The Newspoll research was commissioned by environmental company Easy Being Green.

The survey found that initiatives like the NSW Greenhouse Gas Abatement Scheme, which has allowed NSW and ACT residents to receive Climate Saver Packs, worth $100, free of charge, were supported by over 9/10 respondents.

The survey also found the vast majority of people who'd heard of the NSW scheme said it's making them more environmentally aware and active. About 9 out of 10 in this group now think more about saving energy and water, and are encouraged to do more of it in future.

Easy Being Green has given away over 450,000 Climate Saver Packs containing six energy-efficient light globes and a water-saving showerhead (standard pack) under the NSW scheme.

"Just one Climate Saver Pack installed and maintained in every one of Australia's 8 million homes would be equivalent to stopping a 1000 MW black-coal fired power station, or to taking 2 million cars off the road," Gliding said.

Gilding pointed out that based on 450,000 packs installed in homes so far:

• Over 450,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions will be prevented from going into the atmosphere each year for at least seven years, equivalent to taking over 110,000 cars off the road.
• Over 6 billion litres of water will be saved each year ongoing, equivalent to about 2500 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

"In addition, those householders collectively have received free energy-efficiency and water-saving equipment worth $45 million at retail and, if they all install and maintain their packs, they will save a combined $60 million-plus off their utility bills every year," Gilding said.

"It's practical environmentalism that nearly everyone can do. There's a huge opportunity for practical environmentalism in the homes of Australia."

Easy Being Green's free-of-charge pack is available at www.easybeinggreen.com.au and the offer ends 30 September.

28/09/2006