Earth Hour 2010 - Lights off to show you care!

‘Lights out’ for Earth Hour is happening again in 2010 and this year individuals and families can win free solar power by registering!

Earth Hour is an annual event that gives you the opportunity to do something practical about climate change and let the community know that you care by participating in a very visual campaign! It aims to encourage households, schools, organisations and businesses to take the simple steps that are needed to cut our greenhouse gas emissions.

Earth Hour is in its fourth year in Australia and is being supported in 2010 by Penrith City Council. The highlight of the campaign revolves around a designated one hour period on Saturday 27 March when households, businesses, organisations and schools are encouraged to commit to turn their lights off between 8.30-9.30pm. This year Earth Hour also will focus on the broader aspects of sustainability, giving everyone something to do beyond the hour of darkness on Saturday 27 March, with the theme ‘Earth Hour, Every Hour’.

You will be joining many Council facilities that have already signed up, including the Civic Centre, Queen St Centre, Council Depot, Visitors Information Centre, Penrith Memorial Swimming Centre, Ripples Leisure Centre, the Penrith Whitewater Stadium and the St Clair Recreation Centre.
So, on Saturday 27 March, let's all start to make a switch to a sustainable lifestyle and show that together, we are not "just one person" and that collectively we can do it. In 2010, why not make a resolution during the hour of darkness? Anyone can make a change and do something to reduce their environmental impact all year round - from families to big businesses. There are lots of ways to be part of Earth Hour on the night and ways to take more action after Earth Hour.

Take advantage of the dark during Earth Hour and enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner for two, explore your backyard by torchlight, visit a planetarium and look at the stars or head to a park with some neighbours for a picnic by candlelight.

To show your support for Earth Hour simply email krace@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au or visit http://www.earthhour.org/ to sign your home up. You can also sign up your business or organisation at the same time. Signing up is absolutely free and can be done right up to the event.

For more information on Earth Hour and how you can save energy around the home visit Penrith City Council’s website http://www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/ or contact the Sustainability Unit on (02) 4732 8074.

NSW Home Saver Rebates Program Extended

Thanks to the extension of the NSW Home Saver Rebates program, every NSW household is eligible for up to $1,500 worth of rebates to improve the water and energy efficiency of their home.

Under the extension to the program, householders can now receive:
- $150 for the installation of a regulated or on-demand hot water circulator unit
- $200 for new 4 star dual flush toilets to replace single flush
- Up to $1500 for rainwater tanks that are connected to a washing machine and toilet
- $300 to replace an electric hot water system with solar, heat pump and 5-star gas hot water systems
- $150 for a 5-star water efficient washing machine (to 30 June 2010)
- $35 to have a second working fridge taken away

For more details on the rebates available, please visit - www.environment.nsw.gov.au/rebates/

Blue Skies Ahead for Solar

It's happy days for solar supporters and our environment following the commencement of the NSW Solar Bonus Scheme on January 1 2010.

Under the new scheme introduced by the State Government, eligible customers will be paid a feed-in tariff of 60 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) for energy generated by small scale solar systems or wind turbines.


Based on the total solar energy produced rather than what you don’t use, the scheme will see an average household paid around $1496 a year. That’s a 62 percent increase on the previous arrangements.

Considering the cost of electricity is normally around 17 to 20 cents kWh, systems installed under the scheme will pay for themselves in a far shorter time, after which they will generate an income for households.

For further details of the Solar Bonus Scheme, please visit
www.industry.nsw.gov.au/energy/sustainable/renewable/solar/solar-scheme

December Edition Sustainability Street Newsletter

The December Edition of the Sustainability Street Newsletter is here!!!

Click here to download your copy and find great stories on:

The SITA Waste Tour
Sustainability Street Projects
12 Ways to a Climate Friendly Christmas
How to Give the Environment a Happy New Year!

If you would like to recieve this newsletter automatically please call the Sustainability Unit on 47323 8121 or send us an email.

Enjoy!

Copenhagen Accord Leaves Many Unhappy

The Copenhagen Climate Change Conference has now closed, wrapping up the marathon talks that were attended by representatives from 193 nations.

The conference has seen the development of what will now be known as the Copenhagen Accord, which is a statement of intent surrounding climate change and not a legally binding treaty. The Accord was led by the United States, Brazil, China, India and South Africa, and rather than setting specified greenhouse gas cuts it instead outlines a committment to limit global temperature changes to within 2 degrees Celcius. This 2 degree C range is significant as it is seen as the threshold or tipping point for dangerous changes to our global climate.

Under the Accord all countries are to submit written plans to the United Nations outlining how they plan to curb carbon dioxide emissions by January 2010. These will then form part of the Accord.

The Accord also outlines a commitment to developing countries to provide $100billion per year in aid from 2020, although the details of this commitment are not yet clear.

It is important to note that generally United Nations led talks are meant to be agreed by unanimity, however a compromise was reached in this instance to avoid the talks collapsing entirely. Instead those countries that were in favour of the Accord can be listed alongiside those that were against.

The nations of Sudan, Nicaragua, Cuba, Venezula and Bolivia were very vocal in their denouncement of the Accord.

The details of the Accord will be followed up on during hte upcoming conference in Bonn, Germany due to take place in May 2010, with the final outcome expected in teim for the Conference in Mexico at the end of 2010.

12 Ways to a Climate Friendly Christmas

Christmas is a time to celebrate, to give and to spend time with your family and friends. Our 12 Ways to a Climate Friendly Christmas is designed to encourage us all to still enjoy the fun and festive side of Christmas while also thinking about the part we can play in managing climate change. Check out our top 12 tips!

1. Shop locally - Supporting our local businesses not only helps to maintain a healthy local economy and encourage local jobs. It also helps to reduce the need to travel long distances in our cars and cuts back on greenhouse gas emissions.

2. Get a real Christmas Tree - The best alternative for a sustainable Christmas tree is a live one – consider a -native species or use a Christmas Bush or Christmas Bells. You can visit a tree farm for a cut tree or plant your own in a large pot to use year after year. If you use a synthetic tree take good care of it so it lasts a long time.

3. Buy sustainable gifts - Think sustainability in gift giving and you’ll discover some interesting new ideas. There are many unusual and useful products available that have been designed with the benefit of modern technology and a desire to reduce our impacts on the planet.

4. Give gifts which keep on giving - Many charities and environmental organisations offer gift services that not only solve the problem of buying for the person who has everything, but also help others, or the environment, for years to come and avoids unnecessary purchasing.

5. Wrap with recycled paper - Use wrapping paper that is made from recycled paper, or else use paper that can easily be recycled. Avoid foil papers, plastic ribbons and other materials that can’t be reused or put in your recycling bins.

6. Turn those Christmas lights off overnight - One of the delights of Christmas are the lights cheering our streets and homes. Turning lights off whenever they are not required reduces greenhouse gas emissions because of the reduced energy use – it’s also a great habit to get the family into. Why not try out the new LED or solar powered lights that are available.

7. Buy Green Power - Green Power is electricity guaranteed to be sourced from renewable sources, like solar, wind and hydro. This electricity produces no greenhouse gas emissions. Everyone can choose to source some or all of their electricity from Green Power all year round. Contact your electricity supplier for more information and support our Australian renewable energy industry.

7. Don’t Over cater during the Holidays - We all love our Christmas feast but try to keep the amount of food in line with the number of guests! Food wastage is a big issue in Australia where throw out $5.2billion worth of food every year.

8. Compost or Worm Farm your Leftovers - Why not use some of your spare time to set up a worm farm or compost system. Your Christmas and New Year leftovers will give your system a great kick start and reduce the amount of greenhouse gases generated when food is disposed of to landfill.

9. Give charity or e-cards- Giving charity cards is giving twice because it supports a good cause while sending a festive message. E-cards are also a great idea as there is no paper, ink and transport involved – not to mention they are cheap to boot!

10. Plan Your Trips- Avoid flying unless it’s necessary, and when you do offset your emissions. If you are driving plan your trips to make best use of your petrol and always drive to minimise your fuel consumption by accelerating slowly and keeping your tyres inflated.

11. Shutting Down- Save energy in your home or office by shutting down all of these appliances and items that you won’t be using over the Christmas break. If you are going away for an extended period of time think about what items won’t be required and turn them off at the wall to make big energy and greenhouse savings.

12. Use less shopping bags- Remember to take your reusable bags with you this Christmas and avoid plastic bags altogether. If you forget then try to consolidate your shopping into fewer bags and say no to extra bags at the checkout. In doing so, you will reduce the impacts on the environment from the manufacture and disposal of plastic bags.

Great Climate Related Links

Check out the following links for some interesting information on climate change.

1. ABC Climate Change Timeline - showing how the Earth's climate has changed over time with interactive information and a range of future scenarios.

2. Please Help the World - short film from the opening ceremony of the United Nations COP15 in Copenhagen.

3. Raise Your Voice - youtube portal with a range of videos all relating to the Copenhagen climate change talks.

4. The Story of Cap and Trade - a short film presenting the arguments against the introduction of cap and trade legislation (like the proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme) which is proving very controversial but generating a lot of discussion.

5. Australia at Copenhagen - updates from the Conference as well as information about Australia's position.

Climate Talks Continuing

The second week of climate talks is continuing in Copenhagen, with a dramatic walk out by 135 developing countries around noon on Monday.

The main session talks were suspended following protests that were led by African countries, accusing developed countries of trying to 'wreck' the Kyoto Protocol. The Kyoto Protocol places emissions reduction targets on developed countries but imposes no such limits on developing countries.

Talks have now resolved the impasse and the countries have returned to negotiations, however time has been lost. The next few days are sure to be frantic ones for negotiators as they try to resolve a long list of technical issues before more than 110 world leaders arrive in Copenhagen later this week to close the Conference.

To find out more and keep up to date visit the official website of the COP15 or Council's webpage which has links to further information.

Melting for a Cause

A life size ice sculpture of a polar bear by animal sculptor Mark Coreth is slowly melting away outside the Bella Conference Centre in Copenhagen where the COP15 Climate Change talks are taking place.

The project is the brain child of Mark and not-for-profit group, Ice Bear Project, and came about after Mark travelled to Baffin Island in the Artctic in November 2007. During this trip Mark realised that while most people wouldn't get to visit the area, he could do his part to bring it to the attention of as many people as possible.

In the Arctic melting sea ice is threatening the future survival of polar bears. In Copenhagen the life size ice sculpture will slowly melt away over the next two weeks, leaving behind a puddle of water, a bronze skeleton and, hopefully, a powerful message about the far reaching implications of climate change.

To find out more or become a supporter visit http://www.icebearproject.org/. Image sourced from www.icebearproject.org.

Countdown to Copenhagen

The lead up to the the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen is a great opportunity for all individuals, families, organisations and businesses to take concrete action to learn more about climate change and the difference that they can make.

Climate change is undoubtedly the biggest threat facing communities across the globe and it is an issue that will touch every citizen in some way. What is important to remember is that it is also an issue that we all have the power to act on.

The Copenhagen climate talks will see leaders from across the globe gather in an effort to agree on a new climate treaty to follow on from the Kyoto Protocol which ends in 2012.

The Copenhagen Climate Change Conference being held from 7 to 18 December 2009 marks the end date for negotiations on the new treaty and is expected to see governments from across the globe reach agreement on issues of mitigation (reducing greenhouse gas emissions), adaptation (coping with the inevitable consequences of climate change), and finance and technology (to help developing countries to step up actions to limit the growth of their emissions and adapt to climate change impacts).

There is significant scientific evidence to confirm that unfortuantely our climate has already changed, and is continuing to change at an accelerating rate.

Did you know?

• Every year this century (2001-2008) has been amongst the top ten warmest years since instrumental records began.


• The observed summer time melting of Arctic sea ice has far exceeded the worst case projection from climate models.
  
• Global ocean temperatures reached the warmest ever recorded for each of June, July and August 2009.


• Many of our climate indicators are tracking near or above the worst case projections from the most recent set of model simluations developed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

(Source: The Copenhagen Diagnosis 2009: Updating the World on the Latest Climate Science . I Allison et. al UNSW CCRC)

Based on research by the CSIRO for the Hawkesbury-Nepean catchment, probable climate change related impacts for Penrith will include more extreme heat days, high winds, increased threat of fires, prolonged droughts, increased storm activity and flooding and increased costs for essentials like food, energy and water.

Because of this communities world wide must adapt and respond, and indeed have already begun to do so. The challenge facing governments and societies alike is to adjust our behaviours so as to minimise the effects of climate change while also preparing for its now unavoidable impacts with minimal social, environmental and economic costs.

With more than half of the world’s people living in cities, and with cities responsible for up to 75% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, it is vital that any workable climate change agreement acknowledge local governments and local communities.

We really can make a significant difference. Everyday choices can make a difference: from how you travel, your shopping choices, and how you use energy at home or in the workplace.

You can also show your support for the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference to produce real and fair outcomes by visiting the following sites:

• Seal the Deal - United Nations led campaign
• Hopenhagen
• i speak earth - a coalition of global NGO's
• Planetcall - targeting youth on climate change
• Tcktcktck - a coalition of NGO's including Oxfam, World Vision and Greenpeace
• Vote Earth - WWF Australia
• Walk Against Warming - a coalition of NGO's including the Nature Conservation Council of NSW

For more information on climate change, the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference, or what you can do, visit our web page, or if you know of any more great links send them through so we can add them to our list.