The term net zero isn’t new, but many of us don’t fully understand what it means.
In simple terms, it means balancing greenhouse gases produced by human activity with offsetting those gases, or emissions altogether. An atmosphere high in greenhouse gas concentrations is known to change our climate, even locally, as rising summer temperatures and year-round extreme weather events show.
United Nations research confirms that globally, if high-emitting communities and individuals change their energy-intensive lifestyles, we could help cut global emissions by up to 70 percent by 2050. And locally, Northern Beaches Council is committed to supporting our community to help do their bit towards achieving global net zero.
Adapting how we live, move and work can also reduce our household costs. No matter your bank balance or income, age or whether you’re a homeowner or renter, here are 5 ways that you can start making more planet friendly choices.
1. Greener transport
Reduce your reliance on high-emitting vehicles by walking, riding or scooting for leisure and work. For longer distances, opt for sustainable options like ride sharing, electric cars, mopeds and bikes. Or follow the masses on public transport.
2. Electrification
Ditch fossil fuels and heat, cool and power your home or business with electricity. Swap to a green energy provider and choose energy-saving appliances and LED light bulbs; a portable induction cooktop heats and cools faster than a gas and comes with you when you move!
3. Powered by the sun
Renewable electricity systems such as heat pumps or solar arrays help you easily manage some of your consumption independently from the grid, reducing your power bills and raising the value of your home. Batteries enable you to store power to use when the sun doesn’t shine.
Slash the 33 kgs of waste we each contribute - on average - to landfill each month, by limiting our consumption and adopting a reuse, repair and recycle lifestyle. Borrow, repair and repurpose as much as possible, swap out single used plastics for reusables, pass on pre-loved items to others or make money through second-hand markets.
5. Save the trees!
Our precious ocean, land and freshwater ecosystems and their biological diversity – or biodiversity – play vital roles in absorbing emissions. Preserve these spaces by reducing waste, or volunteering with one of our Bushcare or community garden groups planting native species. Encourage local wildlife with bird or possum boxes, bee hotels and seed balls in your garden, use a worm farm or composting system or keep backyard chickens to reuse your food waste.
Being more sustainable is easier than you think and doesn’t need to break the bank. And you also get to help the planet!
To get more information, ideas or inspiration on how you can move closer to net zero, register for the upcoming Net Zero Expo on Sunday 2 June, at Narrabeen’s Tramshed Arts and Community Centre and Berry Reserve between 10am and 4pm.
Speak with experts, road-test EVs and E-bikes, hear about energy cost and saving solutions for your home, business and lifestyle, and get free goodies! The Expo is free to attend but spaces are limited, so book your spot.