Published Sunday, 21 December, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation
The Honourable Andrew McNamara
Enjoy a ‘low- carb’ Christmas says Climate Change Minister
Queenslanders are encouraged to take a ‘low carbon’ approach over the Christmas holidays by choosing sustainable gifts and decorations this year and making simple changes to reduce household greenhouse gas emissions.
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation Andrew McNamara said with only eight more sleeps until Christmas now was an ideal time to help the environment and help lower greenhouse gas emissions.
“There are plenty of ways to enjoy Christmas, make a difference to our environment and help combat climate change,” Mr McNamara said.
“Make sensible choices like gifts and decorations that won’t end up as landfill.
“Ask Santa to put presents into a Christmas stocking or pillow and when it’s time to clean up then separate wrapping, cards, bottles and other items for recycling,” he said.
Mr McNamara also encouraged Queenslanders to take the Low Carbon Diet 30-day challenge.
“Queenslanders can lose 2000 kilograms of greenhouse gas emissions each year by making small commonsense and relatively inexpensive changes to the way we use energy.
“Committing to cutting household emissions throughout Christmas and 2009 is a gift to yourself, your family and future generations,” he said.
“Queensland is particularly vulnerable to climate change but you can help by making some simple changes to your everyday life.”
This could include:
• running the dishwasher one less time a week and using cold water to wash the clothes;
• use ceiling fans as they use less energy and are often adequate alternatives to air conditioning at times during the summer;
• set air conditions to 24 - 28 degrees C and draw thick curtains over all windows;
• shade windows facing the sun from the outside with vegetation or awnings to reduce heat getting into the house;
• If leaving home for the holidays, switch off appliances so that energy isn’t wasted maintaining stand-by lights and circuits. Tiny though each one is, they add up to a surprisingly high rate of power consumption, as 10 percent of Australia’s electricity is estimated to be consumed by appliances not actually in use;
• save energy and reduce frosting up fridges by not repeatedly opening and closing the fridge door in hot weather.
• if buying a new fridge, washing machine, clothes dryer or dishwasher, make it one with as many stars on its efficiency rating as you can afford;
• don’t try to cram the largest fridge you can fit into the space available in a kitchen as a good supply of circulating cool air is needed to help meet energy efficient star ratings;
• with warmer weather over the summer months consider taking cooler showers – it will help cool you down as well as your energy bill from associated energy savings
• Plan to replace your existing electric hot water systems with a solar hot water system and enjoy the benefits of hot water that eventually pays for itself.
“I wish all Queenslanders a safe and happy Christmas and remind everyone to be kind to the environment as you enjoy this special time of year.”
Media contact: Wendy Nye 3336 8004
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation Andrew McNamara said with only eight more sleeps until Christmas now was an ideal time to help the environment and help lower greenhouse gas emissions.
“There are plenty of ways to enjoy Christmas, make a difference to our environment and help combat climate change,” Mr McNamara said.
“Make sensible choices like gifts and decorations that won’t end up as landfill.
“Ask Santa to put presents into a Christmas stocking or pillow and when it’s time to clean up then separate wrapping, cards, bottles and other items for recycling,” he said.
Mr McNamara also encouraged Queenslanders to take the Low Carbon Diet 30-day challenge.
“Queenslanders can lose 2000 kilograms of greenhouse gas emissions each year by making small commonsense and relatively inexpensive changes to the way we use energy.
“Committing to cutting household emissions throughout Christmas and 2009 is a gift to yourself, your family and future generations,” he said.
“Queensland is particularly vulnerable to climate change but you can help by making some simple changes to your everyday life.”
This could include:
• running the dishwasher one less time a week and using cold water to wash the clothes;
• use ceiling fans as they use less energy and are often adequate alternatives to air conditioning at times during the summer;
• set air conditions to 24 - 28 degrees C and draw thick curtains over all windows;
• shade windows facing the sun from the outside with vegetation or awnings to reduce heat getting into the house;
• If leaving home for the holidays, switch off appliances so that energy isn’t wasted maintaining stand-by lights and circuits. Tiny though each one is, they add up to a surprisingly high rate of power consumption, as 10 percent of Australia’s electricity is estimated to be consumed by appliances not actually in use;
• save energy and reduce frosting up fridges by not repeatedly opening and closing the fridge door in hot weather.
• if buying a new fridge, washing machine, clothes dryer or dishwasher, make it one with as many stars on its efficiency rating as you can afford;
• don’t try to cram the largest fridge you can fit into the space available in a kitchen as a good supply of circulating cool air is needed to help meet energy efficient star ratings;
• with warmer weather over the summer months consider taking cooler showers – it will help cool you down as well as your energy bill from associated energy savings
• Plan to replace your existing electric hot water systems with a solar hot water system and enjoy the benefits of hot water that eventually pays for itself.
“I wish all Queenslanders a safe and happy Christmas and remind everyone to be kind to the environment as you enjoy this special time of year.”
Media contact: Wendy Nye 3336 8004