Use your power to go green: How you can help fight climate change TODAY
16 Nov 2006
As the world debates dangerous climate change and looks to our leaders for solutions, a new report by leading Australian environment groups shows each of us can help change climate change today by making the switch to accredited Green Power electricity.
Launched by the Total Environment Centre, Australian Conservation Foundation and WWF-Australia, Green Electricity Watch 2006 is an independent ranking of Green Power electricity products offered by Australian electricity retailers, providing consumers with a simple guide to all the Green Power products available and which ones make a real difference in reducing global warming. Origin Energy and TRUenergy emerge as the electricity retailers with the best Green Power products.
"Electricity consumption is the biggest cause of Australia's greenhouse gas emissions - by buying electricity with the highest amount of accredited Green Power, we help boost the demand for clean, renewable energy which immediately cuts our own greenhouse emissions" said Monica Richter, Sustainability Program Manager for the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF).
"There are significant differences between the various Green Power products on offer and how far they go in reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. We have many requests for advice from people who are confused by the wide array of claims made by retailers," said Jeff Angel, Executive Director of the Total Environment Centre. "Green Electricity Watch makes it easy for consumers to make the best choices and ensure they are buying products with the best environmental results".
"Australia is rich in clean, renewable energy sources like wind, solar, bioenergy and geothermal, but we still source 92% of our electricity from fossil fuels like coal," said Dr Ray Nias, WWF-Australia, Conservation Director. "It is through buying accredited Green Power that you will help drive the creation of new, renewable energy and reduce our dependence on dirty fossil fuels".
The Green Electricity Watch report ranks GreenEarth Solar and GreenEarth Wind (Origin Energy) and TRUenergy Wind Power (TRUenergy) as the best Green Power products on the market. A new website has also been launched to help consumers.
Green Power is government-accredited clean, renewable energy sourced from the sun, the wind, water and waste. However while many Green Power products include only a small percentage of accredited Green Power, it is the accredited portion that makes the difference to our environment.
Buying accredited Green Power electricity derived from renewable sources is the best way individuals can contribute to reducing Australia's greenhouse pollution. But importantly, we also need the Australian Government to significantly increase its Renewable Energy Target to encourage greater investment in renewable energy and cut our emissions," said Monica Richter.
Find out more
Visit the Green Electricity Watch website for more information on Green Power, or download the report.
Contacts
Angela Heck, Press Office, WWF-Australia
Phone: 02 8202 1268
Mobile: 0421 053 023
Email: aheck@wwf.org.au
Carly Hammond, Australian Conservation Foundation
Mobile: 0407 040 085
Jane Castle, Total Environment Centre
Mobile: 0432 287 554
