Projects
The Australian Greenhouse Office states that globalwarming is caused by an increase in greenhouse gases
in the Earth’s atmosphere. The main greenhouse gases
are water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous
oxide, as well as some manufactured gases such as
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and some of their replacements.
Reducing the amount of greenhouse gases produced
by human activity – particularly by burning of fossil
fuels and land clearing – is increasingly being recognised
as an important issue by governments, industry and the
community.
By purchasing greenhouse friendly products you can reduce
greenhouse emissions and global warming.
The Anglesea NEIP is helping to lead the way in environmental sustainability and lifestyle change by becoming the first town in Victoria to ban plastic bags in shops.
LIFE CYCLE IMPACTS
1. SOURCE —WHAT IS IT MADE FROM?
Many raw materials used in the manufacture of products
are mined from natural resources. Greenhouse
emissions can be created through the removal of natural
vegetation, the extraction process and the transportation
of the materials. Using recycled materials in the
manufacture of products can significantly reduce greenhouse
emissions.
2. MANUFACTURE —HOW IS IT MADE?
The manufacturing process requires the use of materials
and energy and creates emissions, all of which have
an impact on greenhouse emissions. Look for a manufacturer
that has tried to improve production process
to use less energy; that has minimised the number of
raw materials used; that has reduced the number of
components and simplified the production process and
has in place processes to reduce emissions.
3. PACKAGING —HOW IS IT PACKAGED?
The manufacture of packaging can create greenhouse
emissions and the disposal of packaging, especially to
landfill can effect greenhouse emissions. Look for minimal
packaging; packaging made from recycled materials;
recyclable or compostable packaging; returnable
systems, buying in bulk or reusing the packaging elsewhere.
4. DISTRIBUTION —HOW IS IT TRANSPORTED?
Transporting a product has greenhouse impacts. The
further a product is transported, the more fuel is used.
This contributes to pollution and greenhouse emissions.
To reduce greenhouse emissions, buy local, buy in bulk,
and use rail where feasible.
5. USE —HOW MUCH ENERGY DOES IT USE?
It is now possible to check how efficiently products use
electricity, gas, water and fuel. More efficient products
use less energy to run and therefore produce less
greenhouse emissions. Refer to the ratings systems
described in this newsletter to assist you in purchasing
the most energy efficient products.
6. DISPOSAL —HOW WIL IT BE DISPOSED OF?
Before buying products, you need to consider how these
will be disposed of at the end of their life. The disposal
of products, especially those that end in landfill can create
greenhouse emissions, especially methane. Before
disposing of a product consider... Does the manufacturer
take back products at the end of their life? Can it
be reused by someone else? Can it be remanufactured?
Can it be reused? Can it be recycled? All these options
should be explored before making the purchasing decision.
