Local residents form clean energy branch

Milton Ulladulla Times
Wednesday 18/7/2007 Page: 17

A GROUP of local residents concerned about the impact of climate change have formed the Shoalhaven branch of Clean Energy for Eternity (CEFE). The group believes that to help our children have a bright future, we need to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. Members of the group are exploring ways they can reduce their energy consumption and looking at ways they can support alternative energy sources such as solar and wind powered energy.

The first step the group has taken is to audit their personal energy use, including a waste audit organised by Shoalhaven City Council. They will use the results as a benchmark and look at ways to reduce their energy use over the coming year. The group believes there are lots of simple things that individuals can do, such as change over to 100 per cent accredited Greenpower, change their light globes to compact fluoros, wherever possible buy locally produced food and walk instead of drive the car for short distances.

CEFE was formed in Bega in May 2006 after local orthopaedic surgeon, Dr Matthew Nott, invited the community of Bega Shire Valley to make a human sign on Tathra Beach spelling out 'Clean Energy for Eternity'. CEFE then set a target of 50/50 by 2020, meaning a 50 per cent reduction in energy produced and 50 per cent use of renewable energy by the year 2020. CEFE now operates in Bega Valley Shire, Eurobodalla Shire and Snowy Mountains. Both Bega and Eurobodalla Councils have taken on the 50/50 by 2020 target with much support from the business communities in those areas.

Evidence shows that to mitigate the effects of global warming people need to act quickly and act collectively as a community. There can be benefits to acting quickly on climate change. We can be supporting emerging renewable energy industries, creating a healthier local environment and strengthening our community. Many local businesses will be able to benefit, for example, in providing services to help people retrofit their houses to make them more energy efficient. If you would like to know more about Shoalhaven CEFE email group convenor Kim Thompson at littleearth@ shoal.net.au

You Can Make A Difference:

1. Switch off the lights you don't need, replace old globes with compact fluorescent.
2. Take shorter showers, install a water efficient showerhead, buy a rainwater tank.
3. Buy Greenpower, support/invest in renewable energy projects, install renewable energy on your house, understand your electricity bill.
4. Buy energy efficient appliances, install a solar hot water system when your old one retires, turn-off standby appliances.
5. Walk and cycle more, drive less, car pool, take public transport if you can, look into bio-'diesel and hybrid vehicles.
6. Renovate and build energy efficient houses, insulate your home, make use of passive solar design and save money every year on your domestic running costs.
7. Consume less, don't buy over-packaged items, support your local food producers, buy Australian and reduce the 'food miles'.
8. Support business that is rising to the challenge of climate change, take responsibility for your carbon footprint.
9. Talk about it with friends, write a letter to your local representatives, join a climate action group, support a climate action group.
10. Vote for the politicians who are willing to tackle the most serious issue of our time and who demonstrate their commitment to acting on climate change.

We can help our children have a clean energy future tomorrow.