Greening Our Transport Thinking…

Though Malcolm Turnbull in an ABC interview for AM claims “Australia is leading the world on climate change…hitting our Kyoto target…leading the world to reduced deforestation, the second largest source of emissions,” WA’s Clean Life Directory tells us – via ABS stats (2003) – that Australia generates the world’s third largest volume of transport-related carbon dioxide emissions per capita, after the USA and Canada.

Clean Life goes on to say approximately 90% of Australia’s transport emissions come from road transport and of this 55% is from passenger cars with just 12% of Australians over 18 using public transport…enough to make me really start thinking about ME and MY transport…

Can An Individual Make A Difference? YES

The Australian Greenhouse Office notes that emissions of up to half a kilo of greenhouse gases can be prevented for each kilometre of car travel avoided. It may not be possible to walk or cycle everywhere, BUT…here are some Clean Life suggestions…

‘G Spot’
Catching public transport can be a great time to read, study or just relax.

Move Closer (!)
In an ideal world we would all, move closer to work or even better, work from home and our legs and public transport would take us everywhere else. Failing that……

Car Pool
Save the environment and reduce your travel costs by Car Pooling and Ride Sharing. The Car Pool puts people in touch with like-minded people. Membership is FREE and they also offer a ‘school pool’ and car pooling software for companies. Visit www.thecarpool.com.au

Car Share
For a green alternative to personal car ownership, Nexus Car Share gives you unlimited access to a fleet of vehicles offering you the convenience of a car when you need it without costing the earth. www.nexuscarshare.com.au

Clean Your Car The Green Way
Ecowash Mobile is a waterless mobile car washing and detailing franchise servicing all states across Australia. Ecowash mobile offers a complete range of services, from a basic ecowash right through to a full detail (an “extreme ecowash”), all which include a full wash, polish & protection which lasts for up to six weeks. For more information call 1 800 ECOWASH (1 800 326927) or visit www.ecowash.com.au

Choose A ‘Green Vehicle’
Even if you are not in the market for a hybrid, you can make a greener purchase with the help of the Government’s Green Vehicle Guide. www.greenvehicleguide.gov.au

Get On Your Bike
You don’t have to be Cadel Evans to get on your bike – so add one to your Christmas list today. Find out more about cycling at www.cyclingpromotion.com.au

Some good info and contacts here from Clean Life.