Sustainability Tips
Sustainability is the "Development and natural resource use in a way that meets the needs of the present generation, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs".
The Town of Gawler is embracing sustainability, both at an organisational level and within the wider community. The Council’s Environmental Management Plan outlines five core themes for environmental initiatives, including:
- Built Environment
- Resource Management
- Climate Change
- Riverine and Natural Environment
- Community Culture
With a number of critical environmental issues becoming increasingly evident globally, taking action on a local level is key in sustaining current and future generations. This is recognised through Councils commitment to leading by example through environmentally responsible corporate practice and fostering environmental stewardship across the community.
Living Sustainably
Energy efficiency is about doing things smarter, with no compromise to comfort. By making suitable changes within the household, you are able to save on costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions without compromising your lifestyle.
There are numerous resources available to help identify where you can make these changes, visit one of the links below for more information and tips. Alternatively, you can drop into the Gawler Administration Centre to collect a copy of the Energy Smart SA "10 Step Guide to Reducing Your Energy Bills".
With only 1% of the Earths water supply being suitable for drinking, our supply is limited. It is therefore crucial that we use this precious resource wisely, and care for it properly. There are many changes that you can make to save water and costs, including:
- The installation of water efficient shower heads in your home can use up to 40% less water with each use
- A standard showerhead uses 15L to 25L or water per minute, using a timer can help you to keep track of your showers so that you are able to set goals and reduce water use
- There are many ways to collect rainwater, from buckets to rainwater tanks, consider collecting rainwater for use in the garden
- Purchase water efficient appliances, including washing machines and dishwashers. Generally, front loader washing machines are more water efficient. Look for the Smart Approved Water Mark when considering appliances and be aware the products Water Rating.
Plant indigenous plants that are resilient to dry conditions in order to use less water in the garden
For further information and tips on reducing water use in your home and garden, please visit the SA Water website.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle...
By disposing of your waste thoughtfully, you are contributing to a more sustainable planet. Recycling correctly is easy and has a number of positive effects, including:
- Reducing the amount of waste that goes to landfill. In turn, this reduces the potential for toxic material to leach into the ground, greenhouse gas emissions as well as helping to manage the demand on land with a growing population
- Saving Energy, as the manufacturing process of recycled materials uses less than the production of new materials
- The conservation of resources by reducing the need to extract raw materials from the Earth through mining and forestry
For more information on how to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, please follow the below links.
What do the numbers & symbols on plastic mean?
Recycling Near You, Planet Ark
For more information regarding Councils range of household waste services, including recycling, garbage, green waste and hard waste, please visit the NAWMA Website.
The ‘Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fourth Assessment Report (AR4)(IPCC 2007)’ states that the continual increase of atmospheric carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases due essentially to fossil fuel use, leads inexorably to global climate changes.
As a result, South Australia is likely to experience continued increases in average temperatures, changes in rainfall (likely reductions in winter and spring), an increase in daily rainfall intensity but longer dry spells between rainfall events, and an increase in evapotranspiration (the combined effects of evaporation and plant transpiration). An increase in very hot days and nights, a reduction in the frequency of frosts and a likely increase in the number of extreme fire danger days are also forecasted.
Impacts that are likely to result from the above listed changes in climate patterns within the Gawler region include:
- Heat waves, having health impacts on the community
- Reduction in water availability, impacting local agricultural production, the maintenance of local amenities and the health of our waterways
- Increased intensity of rainfall events and subsequent flooding
- Increased stress on local ecosystems, with loss of biodiversity, loss of habitat and increases in invasions by pest species.
For more information on how Council is responding climate change, visit https://www.gawler.sa.gov.au/services/climate-emergency