St.Margaret's News June 2021 | Page 11

ject Resources

rated appliances ( showerheads , washing machines , dishwashers ) and tapware
Tips for solar PV ✓ Consider installing solar photo-voltaic ( PV ) panels if roof not completely shaded . ( Check e . g . https :// www . originenergy . com . au / solar / savings-calculator to see how big a system you would need to meet your demand ) ✓ Run appliances mostly through the day ( consider timers ) to maximize use of “ free ” electricity ( unless on an early gross export tariff , when off peak consumption is cheaper ) ✓ Consider installing a battery to allow use of generated electricity outside of daylight hours rather than purchasing from the utility at peak rates ✓ Charge your electric vehicle during daylight if possible ; use as a battery on days when not driving ✓ If you have a non-solar electric hot water system , consult with a plumber about using excess solar energy to heat your hot water during the day ( thermal bank ).
Other resources : https :// www . energy . gov . au / publications / australian-energy-update-2019 https :// apps . epa . vic . gov . au / AGC / r _ emissions . html #/! https :// renew . org . au / renew-magazine / efficient-homes / gas-versuselectricity / https :// renew . org . au / renew-magazine / efficient-homes / applianceconsiderations /
Food
Over the last 200 years , Australia has lost 75 % of its rainforests and nearly 50 % of all forests due to land clearing , much of it for animal agriculture . Currently , Australians consume on average 92kg of meat per person per year , three times the recommended dietary amount . Reducing the amount of meat we eat and replacing it with healthy plant -based alternatives can have health benefits for many people and will promote a healthy climate through a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions . It ’ s a win-win ! The following check-list includes tips not just for reducing meat in the diet , but also food shopping in general , food waste , and how to get a “ climate conscious ” coffee . Put a check ( ✓ ) in the box if you are already doing the action ; put a * in the box for the actions you intend to start doing . There are blanks at the end for you to add your own ideas or actions .
St Margaret ’ s News 11 June 2021