Tips for Home

The average Australian household produces about 14 tonnes of greenhouse gas each year. Of those 14 tonnes, car use (34%) and water heating (16%) account for the largest percentage. Luckily, you don't need to make big sacrifices or investments to reduce your personal carbon footprint.

Car related carbon emissions:

• Take public transport, bike or walk whenever possible. It saves carbon emissions and money
• Choose a less polluting car – a fuel-efficient car can save up to 20 tonnes of greenhouse gas and up to $10,000 on fuel over its lifetime. New diesel cars are generally more efficient than petrol
• Drive cars efficiently: Drive smoothly and avoid start-stop traffic
• Ensure tyres are pumped up to the recommended pressure so that they run smoothly
• Remove unnecessary weight from your car as well as unused roof racks and other features which create more air drag
• Carpool whenever possible
• Get your car air conditioner checked regularly for leaks and keep the filters clean. Use it only when absolutely necessary
• Offset the carbon emissions from your car – go to our carbon calculator

Carbon emissions from water heating:

• Install an energy efficient showerhead - it can save your household up to $100 per year in water and energy costs
• Buy a solar or gas energy efficient water heater – look for environmentally friendly labels
• Take shorter showers and avoid using baths
• Avoid rinsing dishes under running hot water
• Avoid using small amounts of hot water when cold water will do – it saves the carbon emissions needed to heat the cold water in the pipes
• Switch off your hot water system when you’re going away for a few days
• Fix dripping taps
• Ensure exposed hot water pipes are well insulated

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