With our sprawling coastlines, rainforests laden with lush greenery, fauna not seen anywhere else in the world and ochre hued planes as far as the eye can see, Australia truly is a land of great marvels, all deserving of our dedicated care and protection. So let’s delve into what we can do to nurture our stunning natural surrounds with 20 facts about sustainability to help us support the land that gave us life.
Did you know …
1. Solar energy isn’t a new thing
The use of direct sunlight for energy is not a new concept. In fact, it is around 200 years old after being discovered in 1839 by Alexandre Edmond Becquerel. Today, almost 3 million Australian households favour the energy source to power their electricity.
2. Electric vehicles are more efficient
Better, faster, stronger! Sure, a Tesla is the height of luxury, but did you know it actually out-performs models run on fuel? Not only does it cost less to travel the same distance as a car run on fuel in an EV, but it has faster acceleration, and is powered by up to 80% of battery energy compared to fuel-powered vehicles — which only use between 14-16%.
3. Wind power is the fastest growing form of electricity
It’s a tale as old as time, or since 2000 B.C. at least, that wind power is versatile in powering sail boats, water pumps, and farm activities. The electricity production source is projected to cater for one third of the planet’s energy needs by 2050.
4. Australia is leading the way with green hydrogen
The model student of the hydrogen family is green hydrogen. And, right here in Australia our hydrogen technology is among the best. Development of the ‘Lavo’ green energy storage system, has seen the average home powered for two days — leading the world with a green hydrogen battery within a secure vessel.
5. Community gardens and farmers markets are the way to grow
Small but mighty, urban agriculture has a slew of benefits to all. Combatting obesity with the harvest of fresh produce, improving air and soil quality, contributing to waste reduction, and increasing biodiversity are some examples of the goodness that community gardening reaps.
6. Green rooves and walls keep things cool (literally)
Boosting oxygen levels, reducing temperatures, and enhancing water balance are among the array of environmental benefits that green rooves and walls have. While keeping the temperature down, the walls often see an increase in biodiversity with birds, bees, and butterflies calling the greenery home.
7. Old-growth forests are really old
These landscapes are primeval and are largely untouched. One in three forests across the globe are considered old-growth forests which are rich with wildlife and biodiversity. When these ecosystems are subject to deforestation, it can take up to 200 years to restore the old-growth characteristics which help to conserve animals and plant species — conservation of these environments is paramount for sustainability.
8. Tree planting rids the air of pollutants
Not only does tree planting help restore a healthy ecosystem promoting biodiversity, but the trees act as an air filter keeping the air we breathe clean and fresh.
9. Wildlife corridors can go on for more than 50,000 km
The corridors made up of vegetation allows for movement of animals, providing a safe ecosystem for fauna to travel through.
10. Wetlands are the most biodiverse of all ecosystems
With around 150 species of birds relying on wetlands to survive, nutrient-dense particles from plants and fungi supporting the food chain, various fish species, and mammals such as deer living by wetlands, it is a biodiverse cornucopia.
11. Seaweed farming is worth $7.7 billion globally
Seaweed farming is growing exponentially on a global stage with 12 million tonnes of the plant harvested each year.
12. Bamboo can grow up to three feet within 24 hours
The sustainable building material not only grows quickly but grows in most climates making it a durable and versatile product universally.
13. LED lights use 75% less energy
Compared to their halogen counterparts (which are being phased out), LED replacements not only use less energy but will save the household approximately $650 on their electricity bill over a decade.
14. Water tanks can help save around 55,000 litres of water
With a water tank, your household could save a substantial amount of water (approximately 55,000 litres) from a 100m2 roof.
15. Native plants are low maintenance
The best part about growing native plants is that they can survive on rainfall alone, without need for fertiliser often full of harmful pesticides and chemicals that are destructive to surrounding ecosystems.
16. Vegetable gardens reduce greenhouse gases
By growing produce from the backyard, we can minimise carbon emissions from the atmosphere and mass agricultural production — which causes 25% of greenhouse gases.
17. Bees help produce almost three quarters of the plants that form 90% of the world’s food source
Small but mighty, bees are key to achieving sustainability and should be offered refuge with hives where possible.
18. Worms are combatting global warming
By consuming microbes, worms help reduce the amount of carbon dioxide the organisms would otherwise emit into the atmosphere.
19. Mangroves help stop rising sea levels
The thick roots of mangroves enable the soil to stay in place which protects shorelines from erosion and absorbs the energy from waves and wind.
20. Recycled glass products are helping reduce pollution
Rather than contributing to landfill, recycled glass can be repurposed into products which is reducing related air pollution by 20% and water pollution by 50%.
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