How will council candidates act on climate?

Local Council Elections this Saturday!

Local governments have a huge role to play in reducing emissions. Actions a good council should take include: bushland protection; purchase of green power; installation of energy efficiency measures; production of green energy plans; planning development for public transport and walking /cycling; green procurement of resources and services.

How do Ryde Council candidates measure up? Read their responses to our survey.

For more see the 2012 Local Government Action Plan produced by the Nature Conservation Council with other groups. http://nccnsw.org.au/content/putting-environmental-issues-agenda-your-local-council-elections

Walk to Worship – October 2012

Are you part of a faith community? The Australian Religious Response to Climate Change (ARRC) is an inter faith group dedicated to working towards climate justice within faith communities. They are calling for faith groups to organize a local “Walk (or Ride) to Worship” on the weekend of 7th October. To find out more http://www.arrcc.org.au/ride-to-worship-week-2012

How to stay warm without fossil fuels

Ethanol is a good alternative to electric and gas heating as it produces very little CO2. A number of ethanol (which in Australia = methylated spirits) heaters are now available. We have had great customer service from Designer Fires, a Melbourne based company that deliver to Syd. http://www.designerfire.com.au/

Which hand dryer uses least energy?

Ever wondered as you dry your hands in public bathrooms which use least energy in manufacture and use? Life Cycle Assessments calculate the embedded and life use energy of a range of technologies. Among hand drying systems, Dyson Airblades use least energy, followed by cotton hand towels, then paper towel. Traditional hot air hand dryers use most. For more http://msl.mit.edu/publications/HandDryingLCA-ExecutiveSummary.pdf

Ryde Empower Event

Thanks to those who came to Climate Works Australia, Low carbon growth plan for Macquarie Park event last month. For those who missed it (and our home slide show) check out the report

http://www.climateworksaustralia.org/low_carbon_growth_plan_macquarie_park_precinct.html

What’s On

Sustainable House Day – Sunday 9 September 10am – 4pm – No cost – check out the Coal Loader at Waverton, the Benchmark , the Greencycle and the Net Zero Emissions Homes in Kellyville and houses in Chatswood and Hornsby. For more http://www.sustainablehouseday.com/new-south-wales.php

Next meeting:

Monday 1 October 2012 at 7.00 pm. Call Pamela on 0422 532 586 or Jo on 0414 375 149 for details. Thanks to our friends & supporters for your continued support.