Plastic Bags

3.92 billion of them. That's how many Australia used in a year. Enough to circle the earth 24 times. And only 3% of them were recycled. It's such a waste, because making each 8.7 bags consumes the same energy as driving a car a kilometre.

The better alternative is to use (and reuse) the 'green bags' - which now come in a variety of colours - even those of your favourite football team. :)


If you do forget your re-usable bag(s), at least recycle the plastic one - or get another re-usable one and give it to a friend when you're done with it.

Origin's Solar Deal

Last month i posted some solar prices i had found. Today, I though i'd let you know about Origin's latest deal on solar electricity.


They're offering 1.5kW systems for $2,990 - and there's even a interest-free payment plan of $299 up-front and 112.12 a month for 2 years. Oh, and there's a 25-year warranty on the panels.

Is There Any Difference?

Was sent this in an email. Watch for the subtle morphing ;)


All quotes are actually from Kevin Rudd. Only the very last quote was doctored (and the original version of that quote is at the start of the video).

Coffee Video - The Big Picture

Sometimes it can be quite daunting to think of the size of the climate change problem. Sometimes our efforts seem small in comparison. Then a heart-warming video like this one comes along.


In one morning, Starbucks encouraged 5000 people to switch from disposable cups to re-usable tumblers. And in the process made this extraordinary mural. I found it quite an inspiring little video.

Coffee drinkers can join the global pledge at the big picture

e2 Design

Similar to e2 Energy, the e2 Design DVD is a series of six 25-minute episodes (narrated by Brad Pitt) about designing buildings to work with nature rather than against it.


Reducing a building's energy use by 80%, making homes from recycled materials, China's efforts to avoid the wastefulness of America, students building energy-efficient homes in Mexico ... for one city building, the power company even replaced the meters, because they couldn't believe the building's low energy usage.

I'm certainly daunted by the condition that the planet is in, but I'm extrememly optimistic about what we can do.

Episodes are also available as webcasts from the e2 website.

Adopting sustainable alternatives is not only a matter of progress - it's a matter of survival.

Friday Funnies - TV Weatherman

Look, i appreciate that sometimes you have to emit greenhouse gases in order to save greenhouse gases. For instance, when you get solar panels, you don't expect the installer to bring them around on a bicycle, or on public transport.

However, I did get a giggle when i read the following in a press release about a new initiative involving one of the tv weather presenters:

After landing on the oval in Channel Nine’s helicopter, he’ll talk to students about the impact of climate change on weather patterns, and encourage young people to be conscious of their carbon footprint.

Antarctica

Ice-melting is often mentioned as one of the big signs of climate change already happening. ABC's Catalyst team recently did a special report on Antarctica, and the melting.


In summing up, reporter Paul Willis said "the ice is melting from above and below. When it comes to sea level rise, Antarctica the sleeping giant is waking up." But the most shocking quote came from NASA's Dr James Hansen.

Antarctica was losing mass at about 75 cubic kilometres per year, well that's now doubled to about 150 cubic kilometres a year. So that's beginning to worry glaciologists.

I can tell you it also worries a few people who aren't glaciologists - such as yours truly.

Inconvenient Problems

Ok, 'inconvenient' is probably not strong enough a word. But if climate change wasn't enough reason to move to renewable energy, surely America's Oil spill is another. Again, spill is hardly strong enough to describe something that is now almost as large as the Exxon Valdez disaster of the 80s.


This animation (courtesy NOLA) shows the spread of the oil spill over the last couple of weeks. Oh, and for scale, across the top of the map are the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.

Living Green

Living Green (the missing manual) certainly lives up to its name. It provides a whole bunch of tips and instructions on a range of green issues.

Not all of the chapters relate directly to climate change, but those that do are quite helpful, although american. There are chapters on Reusing and Recycling, Transport, Renewable Energy, and Saving Energy.

In the Save Energy chapter, one of the tips is to get an energy audit, similar to the Free Home Assesments that I do (funded by the federal government).

Solar Earnings

Last week, i showed you current prices of solar electricity panels. Today we'll look at how much they'll save you.

This graph shows yearly savings with a 1.5kW system here in Queensland. Across the bottom is how much electricity you have 'left over' - which depends on how much your house uses during the day.

Even if just 10% of the solar power is sent to the grid, you still save about $500 by making your own energy instead of paying for it. Houses that consume less energy can sell more energy into the grid, which pays at the bonus rate, earning up to about $1000 a year.

And Origin, are offering an even higher bonus rate (50c rather than 44c) so that adds about another 10%.

(Oh, and if you're wondering about the 'zones' on the graph, most of Queensland's population is in zone 3. Zones 2 and 1 are in the southwest corner of the state, where there's even more sunshine)

Friday Funnies - Kermit

Just a slight re-working of the lyrics...

Cowardice

"Political cowardice" is how the PM described any delay of action on climate change. Then he decided to delay action on climate change.


The people at GetUp have launched an online vote of no confidence in Kevin Rudd's leadership on climate change.

Meanwhile, most Australians aren't cowards. 70% still want a tax on pollution, and 72% think Australia should reduce greenhouse gases before a world agreement is made.

Choosing Our Future

I mentioned Stuart's cartoons before, but i thought this one hit the nail on the head.


While some short-sighted companies and politicians put off action, things do have to change. The sooner we start, the easier it will be - rather than acting like the uni student attempting a 4000-word assignment the night before it's due.

Or as George Monbiot describes it (on SBS's Dateline):

The party is going to end one way or another. So, we either recognise that and try to forestall the tremendous disruption that will be caused, by engineering a soft landing, or we wait like rabbits in the headlight for the truck to run us over.

The Climate Diet

Jonathan Harrington takes the approach of a person trying to lose weight, with his book The Climate Diet. He starts off by giving us some motivation, and helping us set some goals. Then each chapter provides helpful tips on reducing carbon emissions from the various activities in our life.


Like a serious dieter, he is measuring his achievement. During the course of his climate diet, he managed to reduce his emissions by 40% and his energy costs by 46%.

Solar Panel Prices

On Saturday I was at a sustainability event, and picked up a brochure from a solar panel company. They quoted the net price (after rebate credits) for various system sizes.

1.5 kW - $2,899
2 kW - $4,199
3 kW - $8,199
4 kW - $10,999

There may even be better deals out there, but this should give you a fair idea of what you can expect to pay at the moment - if you're thinking of getting some. Most people go for the 1.5kW system these days (because that's when the government assistance cuts out). But some go for the bigger systems so they can take advantage of Queensland's Solar Bonus Scheme (or its equivalent in other states) where you get paid a higher rate for the excess electricity you put back into the grid.