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Have you tried to reduce your carbon footprint? If so, what was your experience?
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Comment 1 22 Jan 2009, 3:37 PM
Very positive experiences.
We are long-time users of solar hot water and last year installed solar photovoltaic panels on our roof. This saves us roughly 50% of power costs on sunny days.
I consistently use public transport whenever possible - and can't wait for the Epping to Chatswood line to open.
Comment 2 25 Jan 2009, 10:59 AM
Absolutely! some successes, some hurdles, details below
Some of the footprint calculators (eg ACF online) are very out of date, making it difficult to identify where the best "bang for buck" is in my life. That said, my inexpert conclusions are as follows:
-flying - largely for work, carbon emissions offset by work.
-food (a vegetarian household for other reasons, so limited potential here for further reductions)
-running a second car (the first for my husband's travel to various work sites). It mainly sits idle, used only for transporting children and shopping for trips greater than 5km (any shorter and we bike). The former more…
Comment 2.1 11 Feb 2009, 8:43 AM
Council supports car share options in the area. Flexi car and GoGet services are available. Please contact either service provider directly to discuss your transport needs. Council recently extended it's Council Cab operating hours to now include Saturdays, 9am to 4pm. For more information on this service please contact Council on 9777 1000.
Comment 3 25 Jan 2009, 12:56 PM
I try to cycle to work but do find it a bit scary in the traffic. Some attention to dedicated cycleways would really help.
Comment 4 27 Jan 2009, 7:48 PM
Yes we installed a gas solar hot water system and it was 2months before the rebates arrived. however it was worth the wait as we had an initial reduction of 50% in our electricity bill. We are now waiting for our solar panels to be installed and hope to save more.
I recently had an energy audit provided by the council. The company was very professional and George is an engineer so his comments were great. We found some extra areas to save co2 eg front loader washing machine uses 30% less energy.