Media Release

We Can All Help Save the Great Barrier Reef

17th December 2007

Despite dire warnings for the Great Barrier Reef by scientists in a recently published article in “Science” journal, it is not too late for us to actively try and reduce our own emissions and the damaging effect they have on our environment.

Although Governments are trying to set targets and reduce emissions we can all, on a daily basis, actively aim towards making our lives carbon neutral. We can also encourage our friends and family, small business and large organizations to act to reduce the human impact on climate change.

Everyone is talking about emissions and going ‘carbon neutral’ but here are some easy tips on how you can begin to make a difference:

• Use less water, power, recycle and reduce your waste
• Buy locally grown produce and increase your intake of green, unprocessed organic food
• Green the garden and use less water by growing plants suited to your area and climate
• Turn equipment in your home and office off at the power-point when not in use
• Clean your home without harsh chemicals, avoid pesticides and insect spray, choose eco-products when renovating
• Purchase 100% green power from your electricity supplier
• Install energy efficient light bulbs
• Install solar panels on your roof
• Plant trees (this offsets your emissions)
• Purchase an efficient car, drive less and save money on petrol and operating costs
• Share a car with fellow workers or take public transport
• Consume less – for every $ we spend, 1.6kg of CO2 is produced somewhere along the line. Ask yourself, “do I need this?”
• Organise a local climate change event or start a local community eco-group.

And courtesy of the Climate Change Group at GBRMPA here are some climate friendly CHRISTMAS TIPS so you can start making a positive impact today:

1) Re-use materials, such as wrapping paper and ribbon that you may have kept from throughout the year

2) Turn your Christmas lights and other appliances on only when you need them. This not only saves energy, it protects your house against a possible fire hazard

3) Instead of driving close distances, walk instead. This gives you a chance to exercise and enjoy the outdoors between meals

4) When out shopping for food and presents, don't forget to bring your re-usable bags to reduce the use of plastic shopping bags

5) Buy Australian Wine/Beer to reduce food miles

6) Christmas party - E-invites or text messages to guests - Last year Australian's sent around 92 million Christmas cards. If all these were recycled instead of thrown away, it would help to save the equivalent of around 31,300 trees

7) Treat people to a special experience instead of an item - such as theatre tickets, annual membership to something they enjoy or a weekend at a spa

8) Spread the green word – if you send out paper cards, add a list of eco-friendly hints and tips for the recipient

9) Around half of the waste produced by households at Christmas could easily be recycled, but last year almost 90% ended up in the rubbish

10) Holiday domestically to avoid excess greenhouse emissions – if you are travelling long-haul, offset your emissions with a carbon offset company

Have a safe, happy and environmentally friendly holiday season and let’s all start protecting our Great Barrier Reef by reducing our emissions in 2008!