How can I help protect the environment?
Use environmentally friendly transport
Get out of your car and get into cleaner air
Almost half of Melbourne's daily air pollution is caused by vehicle emissions. It is individuals who now control the quality of our air, not industries, so it is time for us all to look at cleaner transport alternatives. Air pollution affects our physical health, well-being and quality of life. Getting out of the car will improve the air for all of us.
Cycling or walking - more benefits than just clean air
If your trip is short, you should leave the car at home and cycle or walk. You will feel better for it and our air quality will benefit. Cycling organisations, such as Bicycle Victoria, can provide information on bicycle tracks, safety information, bicycle insurance and events that can make getting out of the car rewarding and fun.
Try public transport
By changing your travelling habits and taking public transport, even if it is only once or twice a week, you can make a big difference to our air quality. Travelling on public transport can make your trip less stressful, without the traffic jams and parking hassles.
As well as getting a breath of fresh air, improving your fitness and saving on petrol and parking costs you can play an important part in reducing air emissions and greenhouse gases by choosing environmentally friendly transport alternatives.
For more information on sustainable travel options visit www.travelsmart.vic.gov.au.
Recycle
Recycling is good news for the environment. It helps conserve natural resources and reduces pollution and littering.
Call your local council for more information about what you can and can’t recycle in your area. Most councils offer a weekly kerbside collection service for items that can be easily recycled such as newspapers, cardboard, glass, aluminium and most plastic bottles.
Don’t forget that you can buy recycled products for your office, home or school. The greater the demand for recycled products, the more companies will be encouraged to add recycled material to their products, resulting in less waste for everyone.
For further information, contact Sustainability Victoria on 1800 353 233.
Compost and reduce waste
When our rubbish goes to the tip, it doesn't go away. It gets buried and produces greenhouse gases as materials decompose.
The best thing you can do is reduce the amount of rubbish you have to throw away in the first place.
- Buy just what you need.
- Look for products that are durable or can be reused.
- Take a shopping bag with you.
- Start up a compost heap using weeds, leaves, lawn clippings, cooking oil and most food scraps (not meat).
For further information on composting contact Sustainability Victoria on 1800 353 233, Centre for Education and Research in Environmental Strategies (CERES) on (03) 9387 2609 or your local council.
Dispose of litter carefully
One of the best things you can do for the environment is to always dispose of your litter properly.
If it is recyclable, like a drink can or bottle, first find a bin, or better still, a recycling container. If it isn't recyclable, put it in a garbage bin or take it home and put it out with your own garbage.
Littering is not just bad for the environment, it is also an offence carrying heavy fines. You can help by reporting litterers online, or alternatively, calling EPA's Litter Report Line on 1800 35 25 55 (available 24 hours). If they fling it, ring it. For more information, contact EPA.
Save energy
Saving energy not only saves money, it also reduces air pollution and greenhouse gases.
Some simple techniques for saving energy are:
- Use cold water to wash clothes.
- Insulate your ceiling to avoid losing heating or cooling.
- Turn off lights that aren't needed (better still, install energy globes).
- Take public transport to work or cycle or walk.
- Use the clothesline to dry clothes, not the drier.
- Install weather stripping around doors and windows to draft proof your house.
- Buy a high energy-efficient appliance next time you need one.
- Have shorter showers or fit a water-efficient shower rose.
For more information on saving energy and money, call the Sustainability Victoria on 1300 363 744.