Challenge to Change – Community Events Opportunity Maribyrnong Council is launching a new online sustainability program in October called Challenge2change. This free program encourages participants to signup and reduce their carbon emissions by making small behavioural changes in their households. They set their unique emissions reduction action pledges and tick off their completed actions across energy efficiency, waste, and transport. Through the website, people can improve their sustainability knowledge and see how much energy and money can be saved. www.challengetochange.info However the success of the program relies on promoting it through the community. So we are inviting community groups across Maribyrnong to host sustainability themed events during October and help us to get people signed up to the website. This could be either bringing a sustainability element into an existing event, or running a new one. Council can provide partial reimbursement of selected costs for approved events. We will be also hosting a website launch event on October 1st to bring the community together for a sustainable living. The launch will be a great opportunity for community groups to come together and involve their audiences in the challenge, as well as meeting other like-minded community groups. Community Group Benefits Raise the knowledge of sustainability in your group Receive funds to assist with running your event Increase publicity and exposure to your group What we are asking of community groups: Organise a sustainability themed event - creative, entertaining and informative Promotion of the event and the Challenge2Change in any social media and newsletters Attend one or more free community events during October (Launch, ChallengeDrinks, Celebration, workshops) Criteria for Event re-imbursement Communicating and encouraging participants to sign up to the Challenge 2 Challenge Audience size Ongoing engagement around sustainability Receipts for reimbursement costs Timeframe Mon Sept 29th – Application Forms due Tues Sept 30th – C2C community events selected and community groups notified Wed Oct 1st - C2C Launch, 6pm Footscray Library, community events promoted th Wed Nov 12 – Celebration gathering Application Form Community Group: Name: Email: Telephone: Proposed event description. Please specify how sustainability will be communicated at the event , how people will be encouraged to sign up to the challenge and estimated numbers of attendance. List the social media /communication channels that you can promote your event through – in the lead up to it and during the rest of October. Please be specific. Proposed venue Date and time Reimbursement required (please specify) Woru Would a representative of your group like to speak at the launch or another event during October? Any additional information regarding the event: Here is a list of actions that will be on the website for people to select – you may wish to promote specific ones with your event. Title Summary Action Type Energy Type Installbulk insulation If your ceilings are not insulated you could be losing over a third of your precious heating through the roof. A well insulated home saves on heating/cooling bills and keeps you more comfortable. Solar hot water systems are highly efficient in their use of solar energy (sunlight) to heat water. It's possible to use solar powered hot water all year round for most Australian homes. On cloudy days, gas or electric boosters kick in to ensure you are never without hot water. By switching to renewable energy, you remove the need for coal - and its many waste products - to be utilised to provide you with electrical power (approx 2.3 tonnes of CO2 in the atmosphere per person per annum). By switching to renewable energy, you remove the need for coal - and its many waste products - to be utilised to provide you with electrical power (approx 2.3 tonnes of CO2 in the atmosphere per person per annum). Reduce your bills, insulate yourself from future price rises, and increase the value of the your home. Estimated saving are from a 1.5kw system. Have you got one lurking in the garage? Phoenix fridge (1300 366 283) will pickup your old fridge in any condition for free they are recycled and support the Brotherhood of St Laurence's social programs. Switch off heaters at night, when you go out, half an hour before you go to bed and other times when not needed. Heating Energy Hot Water Energy Power Energy Power Energy Power Energy Appliances Energy Heating Energy Is your hot water heater too hot? Set the cylinder to 60?C, which is the minimum recommended storage temperature. Very high temperature are unnecessary and unsafe. Modern detergents usually work just as well in cold water. Alternatively drop the water temperature to the coolest that your washing machine allows. Sun's rays contain UV which kills bacteria as a bonus. Hot Water Energy Hot water Energy Laundry Energy You will be saving water reducing your water bill, as well as your energy bills! This can save the most energy in rooms where lights are on for long periods. Hot Water Energy Lighting Energy Exchange your showerhead for free water saving showerhead at the customer service centre at the Footscray Town Hall, just bring along your latest water bill. Water efficient showerheads also slash your hot water energy use. Try reducing your usual daytime temperature by at least one degree. For each lowered degree, you can save up to three to five percent of heating energy used. Hot Water Energy Heating Energy Install solar hot water Switch to 100% Greenpower Switch to 50% Greenpower Get solar panels to generate your own power Turn off your second fridge Switch off your heater when not needed Drop the hot water temperature Wash clothes in cold water Dry your clothes using a clothesline. Limit showers to 4 minutes Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent globes or LEDs Install a water efficient showerhead Lower your thermostat Heat only rooms that are being used Manage your window coverings Draft proof doors and windows Service your heater Use the coolest and shortest settings on your dishwasher Install flow restrictors on taps Adjust your fridge temperature Use fewer televisions Only boil as much water as you need when you use a kettle Wash with a full load. Use cold water if possible when washing hands Turn off lights in unused rooms Open curtains and blinds during daylight hours Don't leave machines on standby Make sure the energy star function is enabled Smart food handling Use the most economical washing program If your heating system has vents, close off heating vents to as many unused rooms as your heating system allows. Keep curtains and blinds open on sun-exposed windows during the day. Close these same curtains at night to help impede the escape of heat. Ensure doors and windows have tight seals and remain closed when possible. Use inexpensive draft stoppers (snakes) on external doors. If you add up all the gaps and cracks in the average home, it’s the equivalent of having a window open 1 metre all the time! Heating systems, require regular maintenance. Maintenance should include ensuring equipment is dust free, cleaning burners and air conditioner coils, replacing and cleaning air filters and checking ducts and pipe insulation for leaks and damage. This will usually be enough to get your dishes clean. Remove large food particles using a damp cloth and a small amount of cold water so you can use an economical cycle with the same result. An easy way to save water and energy that only costs a few dollars. Many refrigerators are colder than they need to be, set them to 4°C only Watch TV as afamily or group. Try to get out of the habit of having 3 or 4 TVs on in the house. If you can watch TV together, you will lower your TV power use (as well as being more fun!) Use the smallest and/or most efficient one. Add water to the cup or pan you wish to use then pour it into the kettle. Heating Energy Heating Energy Heating Energy Heating Energy Hot Water Energy Hot Water Energy Appliances Energy Appliances Energy Appliances Energy A lot of energy is consumed to run a load so you may as well make the most of it ! Avoid using small amounts of hot water if cold water will do. Each time you run the hot tap your system will heat up around a litre or more of water that will go cold. This will reduce your electricity bill and save unused energy. Laundry Energy Hot Water Energy Lighting Energy Make the most of existing natural light and avoid using powered lights - its also better for you! Lighting Energy Switch them off at the wall when you're not using them. Appliances Energy On computers, fax machines, scanners or printers, if your appliance has this function. Appliances Energy Defrost food in the refrigerator Instead of the microwave. Let food cool down before putting it in the fridge. Serve in the cooking dish to save the cost of hot water for dishwashing. that gives you a satisfactory wash result with the lowest temperature or shortest running time. Appliances Energy Laundry Energy Clean the dryer filter A clogged filter will restrict flow and reduce dryer performance. after each use When using dryers, use the lowest temperature that is necessary. Reduce your waste The best way of avoiding waste is to not generate it in the first until you only need place! to put out your waste bin fortnightly Source half of your It's easier than it seems - once you start looking around there household items are so many places to get good quality second hand products from secondhand that will often last longer than equivalently price new ones! outlets - charities, Make sure you give back by getting rid of your items through garage sales, swaps the same channels rather than landfill www.buynothingnew.com.au Reduce your waste The best way of avoiding waste is to not generate it in the first until you only need place! to put out your waste bin 3 times a month Source a quarter of It's easier than it seems - once you start looking around there your household are so many places to get good quality second hand products items from that will often last longer than equivalently price new ones! secondhand outlets Make sure you give back by getting rid of your items through - charities, garage the same channels rather than landfill sales, swaps www.buynothingnew.com.au Recycle your old Local charity Kids off the Kerb (KOTK) run an appliances appliances refurbishment/recycling program, where items are either refurbished for second hand sales, or used for spare parts or scrap metal. They carry out a free collection - call 9918 7999 Purchase fresh, local Foods that are out of season locally have to be transported from and seasonal foods other parts of the world (think greenhouse gases!). Eating locally grown food reduces your carbon footprint and enables you eat a greater variety of food which is good for your health. Check out your local farmers market for cheap local food! Purchase organic, Organic farmers grow food without using synthetic chemicals unprocessed foods (such as pesticides or fertilisers). Buying organic food supports them and protects our land and waterways from toxins. Simple, unprocessed foods generally require the least amount to water and energy to produce. They require less packaging and they are also the healthiest! Compost your food Food waste accounts for around 50% of the amount of scraps instead of household waste, and emits methane as it breaks down (a throwing them away greenhouse gas 20 times as damaging as carbon dioxide) Composting avoids this and you also end up with a fabulous fertilisers that can help you grow veggies! Grow your own It's easy to start with herbs or lettuces and you'll be surprised at vegies what you can grow in pots and small spaces. There are lots of free gardening workshops available in Maribyrnong to get you going. Check out Sustainable Living Maribyrnong and My Smart Garden. Additonal options include joining a community garden or community group such as Permaculture Out West. Eat Less Meat - go Replace meat meals with a vegetarian options to get healthier meat-free for 2 and lesser your environmental impact. Land used for beans and day/week vegetables can produces 10 times as much protein as land used for raising beef, with less carbon emissions. Laundry Energy Reduce Food, waste and consumption Reduce Food, waste and consumption Reduce Food, waste and consumption Reduce Food, waste and consumption Recycle Food, waste and consumption Food Food, waste and consumption Food Food, waste and consumption Recycle Food, waste and consumption Food Food, waste and consumption Food Food, waste and consumption Eat Less Meat - go meat-free for 5 day/week Replace meat meals with a vegetarian options to get healthier and lesser your environmental impact. Land used for beans and vegetables can produces 10 times as much protein as land used for raising beef, with less carbon emissions. Replace meat meals with a vegetarian options to get healthier and lesser your environmental impact. Land used for beans and vegetables can produces 10 times as much protein as land used for raising beef, with less carbon emissions. You'll save a lot of energy going into making the bottle as well as the energy required to dispose or recycle it. Consider glass or stainless steel and you'll never have to worry about BPA or any other nasties that can be found in plastic. Plastic bags often end up in waterways, killing sea life. They are mostly unncessary with a little planning. Food Food, waste and consumption Food Food, waste and consumption Reduce Food, waste and consumption Reduce Food, waste and consumption Arrange a swap afternoon with your friends or neighbours - your trash could be their treasure! Recycle all your cans, glass hard plastic, paper and cardboard - but not soft plastic bags! Recycle your electronic products and whitegoods at Moonee Valley or Citywide Transfer Stations Reuse take-away containers Enter the Garage Sale Trail on 25th October /www.garagesaletrail.com.au Reuse Food, waste and consumption Offset your car's emissions Go full vegetarian Use a refillable water bottle instead of buying new ones. Use reusable bags instead of plastic bags Replace short flights with land transport Convert your car to gas Walk - 5km/week Walk - 10km/week Recycling saves energy and landfill - but make sure you don't put Recycle them in plastic bags or it will end up in landfill! Food, waste and consumption You will save valuable scrap metal from going to landfill Recycle Food, waste and consumption It's easy and they have so many uses… Better still purchase a set of glass storage containers and say good bye to plastic take away containers forever! Reuse Food, waste and consumption While reducing your car use is the best, if you've done what you can, then offsetting your car use with a reliable carbon offset provider can make a large difference. Air travel is the most polluting form of transport and emissions are responsible for driving both climate change and respiratory ailments. Take the train to sydney instead of flying - it’s a much more enjoyable trip! If you drive a lot, converting your car to gas will cut costs and reduce emissions. All those taxi's cant be wrong! Walking is the cheapest, most environmentally friendly form of transport available! Just by swapping your car for walking shoes, you help the planet and your heart! Replace one (5km return ) car trip a week by walking. Walking is the cheapest, most environmentally friendly form of transport available! Just by swapping your car for walking shoes, you help the planet and your heart! Replace two (5km return) car trips a week by walking. Driving Transport Driving Transport Driving Transport Active Transport Transport Active Transport Transport Cycling - 10km/week Cycling might get you there faster than a car! The average speed of a car in metro Melbourne is 22km/h. If you cycle 10km each way to work, once a week, instead of driving saves about $926 and 304kg of greenhouse gases each year. Cycling - 20km/week Cycling might get you there faster than a car! The average speed of a car in metro Melbourne is 22km/h If you cycle 20km each way to work, once a week, instead of driving you could save over $1800 and 600kg of greenhouse gases each year. Public transport Trains and trams are 40 times more energy-efficient than cars 20km/week (and 90 times more efficient than aircraft). So, as we try to reduce our personal contribution to greenhouse gas emissions from car and aircraft use, public transport provides an ideal alternative that is available to all right now. Public transport Trains and trams are 40 times more energy-efficient than cars 10km/week (and 90 times more efficient than aircraft). So, as we try to reduce our personal contribution to greenhouse gas emissions from car and aircraft use, public transport provides an ideal alternative that is available to all right now. Car pool Typically this involves two to three co-workers or people from the same community driving together, rather than commuting individually. It's more fun of course! Drive the small If you own a 4WD and a fuel-efficient sedan, then the smaller car/sell the second car on any long trips you can. Or better still sell the second car car and be more efficient with just one. Share school Instead of picking up your kids from school every day, ask a pickups and drop neighbour with kids in the same school to help. offs Minimise weight Have you checked your boot lately? Has your car become a within your car filing cabinet on wheels? Taking out all heavy items will increase fuel efficiency. Pump up those tyres 10% under-inflation of tyres can increase fuel consumption by 10% or more. Sustainable gift Making ones gifts environmentally friendly can send a strong giving message and can get others thinking. Share inspiring, informative books or magazine subscriptions with friends. Volunteer locally You would be surprised at how many local community groups are active around environmental issues. Meet other inspired people, multiply your efforts, be included, and have fun! Support alternative There are a wide variety of magazines, websites and channels media that engage with environmental issues. Inspire friend(s) to Encourage your friends, family, neighbours, workmates to live adopt more lighter on the planet. The challenge is to support and inspire, sustainable lifestyles rather than to preach. Or find an inspiring person to mentor you to make changes. Green 'tupperware' Hold an issue-based 'tupperware' party in your house - invite party friends, discuss, and get everyone to make individual (or collective) pledges. Start your own It could all begin with you and a few friends over the kitchen community group table - that how the largest charities started out! You will be surprised at how many people come out from the woodwork to follow. Tour/Field trip Get a group of people together to visit environmentally un/friendly organisations, government etc to learn first hand rather than just on the net. Create a media story, educate the Active Transport Transport Active Transport Transport Public Transport Transport Public Transport Transport Driving Transport Driving Transport Driving Transport Driving Transport Driving Transport sharing Sharing and learning sharing Sharing and learning learning Sharing and learning Sharing and learning sharing sharing Sharing and learning sharing Sharing and learning learning Sharing and learning attendees. Advocacy Instead of just blaming your local/state/federal government or corporations, do proactive something about it - engage in consultation processes, write letters, meet with decision makers. sharing Sharing and learning