Greenfleet - Time and money impede greening at home

28 May 2009

Time and money impede greening at home

Time, money and ignorance are the major barriers to Australians doing more at home to reduce their environmental impact, new research shows.

The findings are detailed in the inaugural Green Home and Motoring Index, an environmental impact study commissioned by AAMI in conjunction with Greenfleet, a not-for-profit organisation that provides practical ways for people, businesses and other organisations to reduce their greenhouse gases.

Among the findings:

37 per cent of householders will only reduce their environmental impact if it doesn't cost anything;
12 per cent will only do so if it doesn't take too much time;
18 per cent would like to reduce their environmental impact, but don't know how;
28 per cent will go to 'any length' to reduce their environmental impact; and
5 per cent are not at all concerned about their impact on the environment.

Greenfleet CEO Sara Gipton said most of the barriers identified in the AAMI Green Home and Motoring Index could be easily overcome.

"Australians clearly want to do the right thing, but many don't know where to start, or think it will cost too much to reduce their environmental impact," Ms Gipton said.

"There are many quick, easy, cost-effective things that can immediately reduce greenhouse emissions and energy bills such as keeping heating and cooling on a moderate setting and turning appliances off at the wall.

"Blocking draughts with inexpensive tape and using curtains and external blinds will help maintain a more constant indoor temperature and reduce a household's artificial heating and cooling needs. Insulation has a massive impact - not only does it make a home more comfortable year-round, for many it will attract a
government rebate.

"These simple actions will quickly become the norm and you'll wonder why you didn't always do things this way."

Results are summarised in the media release (80KB).

The full report is available at the AAMI website.