How to reduce households emissions?

Each garbage bag contains 100 grams of carbon dioxide. A household of three people could easily produce enough greenhouse gas emissions in one year to fill 500,000 garbage bags. Photo: CSIROCSIRO scientists say householders can reduce their home and car energy use by as much as 50 per cent by making changes to daily activities.

They explain how in The CSIRO Home Energy Saving Handbook – How to Save Energy, Save Money and Reduce Your Carbon Footprint, launched by Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr.

“Climate change requires a global solution, but that solution will require action from every individual,” Senator Carr said.

“Australians have a pretty good idea why we need to cut back on our greenhouse emissions. This book tells them how.”

The CSIRO Home Energy Saving Handbook is a practical guide to saving energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions around the home.

It is written by CSIRO Energy Transformed Flagship’s Dr John Wright, Dr Peter Osman and Peta Ashworth.

“When it comes to tackling climate change, people often ask, ‘What can I do?’,” said co-author Dr John Wright.

“As the book explains, there are lots of things that we, as individuals, can do to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions at home.

“There has never been a more important time to save energy. Not only is it becoming more vital to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, but the pressure on energy prices will be putting an increasing strain on households across the country.

“Just how much energy and money a person can save depends on their current energy use and the number and types of changes they can make. It’s up to them. Even better, the book shows people how it’s possible to cut their energy use without too much impact on their lifestyles.”

The handbook offers information and advice on how to measure and reduce an *individual’s carbon footprint in all aspects of modern living, including:

*simple energy-saving tricks around the house

*maximising a home’s potential for easy heating and cooling

*ways to save on shopping and transport

*making the most of gardens

*tips for building and renovating homes.