Taking Action

Per capita, Australia has the highest greenhouse gas emissions in the world (IPCC, 2006). Locally, Parramatta Council in 2004 proportionally contributed to 2.24% of greenhouse gas emissions in NSW. Council believes that we (Council, businesses and residents) are all equally responsible for the total ‘footprint’ associated with our lifestyles.

There are a number of actions that Council, businesses and residents can undertake to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and climate change:

• Purchase Accredited Green Power www.greenpower.gov.au
• Implement energy efficiency measures in the home and office, this could include retrofitting lighting, enabling the energy star feature on equipment and fitting timers to equipment  
• Purchase sustainable products
• Choose sustainable transport options, for example catch a train or bus, ride a bike or walk.
• Reuse, recycle and minimise consuming products that require a lot of packaging
• Plant a tree

Take the first step today. Real action on climate change may be easier than you think.