A sustainable future with Actsmart

Posted on 5 June, 2015

We need to act smart to save the world we live in. But we all know that. The question is what we’re doing, and now. Not tomorrow when a bit more damage has been done. Now.

If you’re not sure where to start, head to Actsmart – an online sustainability hub that gives you quick and easy access to practical information and online tools to help you do your bit for our precious environment at home, at work and at school. Everything is free and easy-to-use and understand.

While the hub includes sections exploring the science behind climate change, and facts and figures on how the capital’s weather is changing, for the average homeowner the heart of the site — What can I do to take action? — is the most valuable. Here you’ll find free webtools, services, guides, programs and tips on how to reduce energy and water consumption. You’ll save money in the process, improve the comfort of your home and help save the environment.

Some content on Actsmart may be familiar if you’re already green in your thinking, but it’s still worth checking out the site to discover new ways you can act smart and be proactive about climate change.

Here are six free and easy-to-apply actions you can take, all of which are described on the ACT Government’s Actsmart sustainability hub:

1. Call an experienced and independent energy expert for free home energy advice service.
2. Pop by your local library and borrow a do-it-yourself home energy action kit, which has everything you need to assess your current energy and water usage. The kit has equipment, such as a power meter, infrared thermometer, compass and stopwatch, as well as instructions and worksheets so you can conduct an audit of your home and develop a personalised home energy action plan.
3. Use the Canberra Plant Selector webtool to figure out what plants prosper in the
   ACT and, therefore, in your garden. The webtool helps you learn more about the best type of plants to choose and how to save water without compromising on the beauty and design of your garden and outdoor environment.
4. Hop on to the WaterRight Gardens webtool to develop the best watering schedule for your garden. This handy piece of software generates recommendations on how much water your garden really needs, and the best time to water—based on soil, vegetation and climate considerations.
5. Learn more from, or volunteer for, a community environment group. Despite our size, Canberra has a large number of groups doing fantastic work for our region. These groups are all prepared to share a wealth of information and advice on ecological management and sustainability. They’re worth their weight in gold.
6. Share your story. Each section of the Actsmart hub ends with a section inviting you to share what you’ve done to help Canberra become more sustainable. It’s important to take five minutes to share, since your story will no doubt inspire another household to act smart.

The ACT Government has an ambitious target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 per cent by 2020 and to be carbon neutral by 2060. Knowing what to do and how to do it is what you’ll find on Actsmart. By doing your bit you’ll help the capital get there – sooner rather than later.

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Feature image courtesy of Shutterstock.