Each Australian uses an average of 100000 litres of water a year,and our electricity use is extreme. Our series Life Swaps looks at ways to reduce the load Despite living on soil’s driest populated continent, Australians throw around water as though the supply were endless. We are the planet’s greatest per capita consumers of water, and with each person using an average 100000 litres a year. Much of that is invisible to consumers,expended on the food and products we buy.
Our electricity use isn’t much better. A recent Environmental Justice Australia investigation found east coast coal-fired power stations – where emissions limits trail places such as China – are responsible for deadly pollution that causes a suspected 130 premature deaths a year in Sydney alone. Yet oil and coal remain our primary energy sources, powering 70% of the nation. Related: Embrace 'terrifying' fruit and compost: cutting back on food waste Related: Recyclable cups and homegrown brands: choosing a better coffee brew Related: Reusable bags and no elephants: travel the world without trashing it Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com