Climate Action Initiatives at Nuccaleena Cottage

Climate Change - What is it?
What we already do
What we plan to do
What can you do?
Resources

Climate Change - What is it?

The following is taken from the Department of Climate Change Website, please see link to their site below:

"Climate change in a nutshell

Climate change is the result of changes in our weather patterns because of an increase in the Earth’s average temperature. This is caused by increases in greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere. These gases soak up heat from the sun but instead of the heat leaving the Earth’s atmosphere, some of it is trapped, making the Earth warmer.

Global warming and climate change

The terms 'global warming' and 'climate change' are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference.

Global warming is the gradual increase of the Earth’s average surface temperature, due to greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Climate change is a broader term. It refers to long-term changes in climate, including average temperature and rainfall.

The greenhouse effect

Greenhouse gases have always been a natural part of the atmosphere. They absorb and re-radiate the sun's warmth and maintain the Earth's temperature at a level necessary to support life.

The problem we now face is that human actions are increasing the amount of the gases that trap heat. This is the enhanced greenhouse effect, which is contributing to a warming of the Earth's surface.

Greenhouse gases and human activity

The main greenhouse gases generated by human activity are carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane and nitrous oxide. There are also manufactured gases such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halocarbons and some of their replacements.

Greenhouse gases are produced by human activity, including:

burning fossil fuels, such as coal, oil or gas
using energy generated by burning fossil fuels
some aspects of farming, such as raising cattle and sheep, using fertilisers and growing some crops
clearing land, including logging
breakdown of food and plant wastes and sewerage
some industrial processes, such as making cement and aluminium.

Climate change and Australia

In Australia, greenhouse gas emissions come primarily (70 per cent) from the energy sector. Within this category, electricity generation is the biggest offender, because we rely heavily on burning coal for power. After electricity generation, the largest proportion of emissions comes from road transport.

Australia generates only 1.5 per cent of total global greenhouse gas emissions, so its actions alone cannot avert the worst consequences of climate change. However, Australia is one of the world's biggest polluters on a per capita basis, so it is essential we play our part in the global effort."

What we already do

Water wise garden with 90% native plantings, mulched and dripper fed.
Implementing a recycling program in conjunction with the District Council of Orroroo & Carrieton.
We recycle refundable bottles and cans.
We have large rainwater tanks that supply the house with rain water.
We use energy and water efficient appliances. We use energy efficient lighting.
Supplies are bought in bulk containers where possible to minimize freight cartage.
We choose environmentally friendly cleaning products where possible.
Our advertising is done predominantly on the internet.
Correspondence to clients is via email unless otherwise requested.
Our email policy requests you only print our document if necessary.
We use recycled printing paper and envelopes.
Our homemade jams are made mainly from home grown produce and we encourage guests to leave glass jars/bottles behind to be recycled.

What we plan to do

Finish implementing the recycling program
Gain Climate Action Certification
Apply for funding to have a solar hot water service and solar panels installed at Nuccaleena Cottage.
Remodel the bathroom to make it more water efficient.
Help us out by filling out our 5 minute survey: Click here to take survey

What can you do?

Traveling Tips

Discover your own back yard. Who knows what you might find on your own doorstep? It will probably be a cheaper alternative anyway!
Don’t forget to pack your green shopping bags, you never know when you’ll need them.
Please follow our recycling program. Easy to follow instructions can be found in our information folder and on clearly labeled recycling bins.
Don’t throw away recyclable materials into the waste.
Minimise water usage. Nuccaleena Cottage is almost wholly supplied with rain water, a precious resource. Please use it wisely.
If you need to pump up water to the overhead tank, please make sure you do not leave it unguarded.
Please be careful what you pour down our drains i.e. no fats and oils, or sanitary waste.
Cigarette butts are to be put in outdoor smoke pots provided or rubbish bins only.
Support businesses that have made a genuine commitment to the environment.
Oz Net travel asks that you take fewer but longer travel breaks to minimize carbon dioxide emissions from flying.
CAA magazine recommends:
- packing your own toiletries in reusable containers, to save using hotel mini bottles. Remember, the more packaging, the more carbon emissions. If you do need to use the complimentary toiletries provided by your hotel, only ask for new bottles once the old ones are completely empty.
- Research your holiday destination for local recycling programs and environmental sustainability.
- Choose to stay in holiday homes as opposed to hotel rooms. CAA suggests that you will have more control over water, waste and electricity consumption. You will also have access to a full kitchen where you can prepare your own meals from local produce as opposed to take aways.
- Shop locally. Support the regions local farmers and economy whilst cutting down CO2 emissions from transport.
Essential Travel believes:
- where possible you should ‘ditch the plane tickets’ as traveling by plane is not at all eco-friendly!
- If you are flying, choose to offset your carbon emissions.
- Choose not to have your room serviced daily and only have your sheets/towels laundered when necessary.
- Where possible walk around your holiday destination as opposed to driving.
CALCULATE your Co2 Travel emissions here with the Carbon Offset Calculator