St Paul’s Net Zero Support Group
On Wednesday 29 March 2023, the Lenten reading groups held a combined meeting to consider how St Paul’s will become Net Zero by 2030, which in broad terms means cutting greenhouse gas emissions to as close to zero as possible within 7 years. Becoming Net Zero by 2030 is also a goal of the Perth Anglican Diocese, with implications for all its parishes and agencies. The meeting was well attended and featured an inspiring presentation by Peter Newman and a thoughtful and wide-ranging discussion. At the end of the meeting, six parishioners formed the St Paul’s Net Zero Support Group to guide our parish towards its goal.
The Beacon is the group that arose out of our Advent study to guide St Paul’s to a sustainable future: to reach Net Zero by 2030 and “strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth” (Anglican 5th Mark of Mission)
We are beginning projects that involve us individually, as a church, a community and globally. As part of our work, we’ll use this space to celebrate wins, share information, suggestions and business recommendations.
We have adopted the Bioregional One Planet Living Framework. Talk to Annolies Truman or any other Beacon members if you want to join us on our exciting journey. Anyone with a commitment to Net Zero and interested in attending bi-monthly 1-hour meetings is very welcome to join us.
EVENTS
THE BEACON
16 November 2024 – Just One Thing – Recycling Pill Blister Packs
A new recycling service has provided Australians with more recycling drop-off points for their empty medicinal blister packs. Blister packs (the packaging that pills and tablets come in) cannot be recycled at home through your council’s kerbside recycling service. Made from aluminium and plastic, the packaging requires specialised machinery to separate the materials before they can be recycled.
Now you can drop them off to be recycled at:
- Chemist Warehouse Ground Floor 54 Adelaide Street, Fremantle, WA, 6160 or
- Bloom’s Chemist Shop T2, Port Coogee Village Shopping Centre, 6 Calypso Parade, North Coogee, WA 6163, Australia
Meeting Beacon Net Zero Group Sunday Dec 1 at 11 am in meeting room. All welcome
THE BEACON
16 November 2024 – Just One Thing – Our Relationship With Nature
This generation may either be the last to exist in any semblance of a civilised world or it will be the first to have the vision, the bearing and the greatness to say, “I will have nothing to do with this destruction of life, I will play no part in this devastation of the land, I am determined to live and work for peaceful construction for I am morally responsible for the world of today and the generations of tomorrow.
From The New Earth Charter by Richard St. Barbe Baker quoted in Paul Hanley’s biography Man of the Trees: Richard St. Barbe Baker The First Global Conservationist.
Take an interest in COP29 which is the 29th UN Climate Change conference, aiming to limit global warming to 1.5°C and boost climate action. It is taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan from 11 to 22 November 2024 – https://cop29.az/en/home
THE BEACON
27 October 2024 – Just One Thing – Electric Vehicle Charger Grant
We have won a grant to install an Electric Vehicle Recharge Unit in the car park in front of the rectory. It will be available to anyone at a reasonable cost. It is a symbol of the next stage in our journey to lead in the transition away from fossil fuels.
THE BEACON
27 October 2024 – Just One Thing – Plant a Tree! Plant a Tree!
If you don’t have the space yourself, join a tree planting project like a Trillion Trees. Use an Ecosia web browser as they plant trees for you too. The best time to plant a tree was 30 years ago. The second best time is now.
THE BEACON
22 September 2024 – Just One Thing – Put Your Money
If you have money in super, bank or other investments how are they investing it? Choose companies or organisations that invest in renewables and not fossil fuels, and not armaments; in businesses that support people with proper wages and responsible actions. Investment in ethical businesses will still give real dividends but not at the expense of the plane
THE BEACON
22 September 2024 – Just One Thing – Easy Cheap Weed Handling
Pull weeds out by the roots while the ground is still wet
- Pour on boiling water, vinegar and salt
- Plant more plants and ground covers (especially local indigenous plants) so there’s little room for weeds.
- Add mulch and soil enrichers
- Don’t use plastic mats…instead use cardboard or newspaper
- Use herbicides carefully and only if really necessary
THE BEACON
15 September 2024 – Just One Thing – Consider Getting Off Gas
Asthma Australia research shows that children living in a home with gas stoves have a 42 per cent increased risk of having current asthma and a 24 per cent greater chance of being diagnosed with asthma at some point in life. Burning gas for energy produces carbon dioxide, the most significant greenhouse gas. That means burning and producing gas drives climate change.
Consider induction cooking, reverse cycle heating and fuel pump hot water instead!
THE BEACON
28 July 2024 – Local and Sustainable Food
Promoting sustainable, humane farming and healthy diets
How do we manage local food supplies?
- Grow your own vegetables, herbs and fruit
- Start a compost or worm farm to process food scraps into nutritious fertiliser for your veggies, herbs and fruit trees.Grow native plants and fruits to eat.
- Freeze or dehydrate excess.
- Share produce with neighbours and community.
- Join a community garden.
- Join the Grow It Local community.
- Buy locally – From farmer’s markets or from farms nearby
- Buy in bulk and share with neighbours and community
- Insist that supermarkets and groceries buy from WA suppliers first then Australian suppliers
- Buy unprocessed foods (the outside aisles of fresh food!)
- If buying processed foods make sure you choose foods with low sugar, fats, and preservatives or other additives.
THE BEACON
7 July 2024 – Electrify Fremantle Report
We had a very successful meeting for our Electrify Fremantle meeting, with speakers Roy Lewisson from Electrify the (White Gum) Valley and Prof Peter Newman. Audience included Fremantle members and those from Hilton, Melville and Curtin who are establishing their own groups. We heard of the practical steps members of communities have taken together to reduce emissions and reduce global warming, from draught proofing houses, to getting off gas, to installing solar panels, heat pump water systems, EVs…and the hopeful message that communities and individuals are already making a difference…and can change the future together. We also heard about Plico’s Virtual Power Plant and how our solar can work for us.
Here is a link to a video of proceedings. Video of Electrify Fremantle if you missed it.
Plico Energy – a special rate for church members if you’re interested in solar panels and/or batteries. (Rosemary and Ruari Jack have ordered batteries!)
Further discussion of topics considered.
Are Electric Vehicles better for the environment? – ABC News
My Efficient Electric Home (MEEH) – Facebook group
THE BEACON
20 June 2024 – Coffee
When you grab your coffee make sure it’s grown in sustainable ways, and the growers are treated fairly.
Choose coffee that is Shade grown, Rainforest Alliance, Organic, Fair Trade and/or Bird Friendly certified. These labels mean the growers are not clear-felling rain forests but growing coffee in ways that allow the forests to keep growing naturally, supporting the birds, insects and soils sustainably, and ensuring that local growers are paid adequately.
Choose coffee with these labels (some are available at all grocery stores) and check with your favourite coffee shop that they are buying sustainable coffee too.
Further Reading
The Good Coffee Guide to Australia
Fair Trade Coffee Oz and NZ
Rain Forest Alliance
Bird Friendly Coffee
THE BEACON
5 May 2024 – Our Native Vegetation is Dying
Native vegetation from Kalbarri to Albany is dying from a summer without end.
Large areas of drying and dying vegetation are being seen all around south-west WA, their root systems are running out. This damage is driven by global warming from the burning of fossil fuels.
For full article, see the WA Today news item HERE.
Want to do something about it?
People all over Australia are got active in nature last May – whether it was morning walks with friends, hiking in nature, or a few laps around your local neighbourhood – it all counts!
THE BEACON
17 March 2024 -The Responsible Traveller
What is a responsible traveller?
Someone who minimises damage to our environment, the economy and society.
- Uses sustainable transport when possible
- Go by train instead of plane. See the advice of the Man in Seat 61
- Walk or bike instead of using a car to see the sights.
- Use accommodation and travel operators that use sustainable practices. Use the resources of the GSTC The Global Sustainable Tourism Council https://www.gstcouncil.org/ to avoid “greenwashing” ( ie businesses who say they are sustainable but are not)
- Be sensitive to local customs.
- Only take photos of people when granted permission.
- Respect cultural sites.
- Give animals respect.
- Stay on pathways.
- Buy goods and services from local suppliers.
- Take only photos, leave only footprints.
- Turn off lights and air conditioners when not in the room.
- Use your towel for more than one day.
THE BEACON
10 March 2024 – Do We Care? If So, What Can WE Do?
Climate change is real and in our faces
• 2023 was the hottest year ever recorded globally
• the highest levels recorded of greenhouse gas concentrations.
• islands and icebergs are already disappearing
In Australia
• more ferocious fires
• more devastating floods
• beaches disappearing
• 100 mammal extinctions ( worst in world)
• In WA temperatures have already increased by over 1 degree
What can we do?
On an individual and community level we can take action on our use of energy, waste, water and air, and where we spend our money.
On a citizen level we can write, talk to politicians in all levels of government
If we want to reduce greenhouse gas emissions we need to
• stop subsidising fossil fuel (including gas) production, (saving 11 billion dollars a year)
• tax fossil fuel industry heavily
• invest far more in energy efficiency and renewables
• listen to indigenous voices
What we each do will make a difference.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead
THE BEACON
4 February 2024 – Weeds
- They can be regular garden plants that grow so enthusiastically that they become a problem.
- They can be plants that are from interstate or overseas that grow profusely because there are no longer any natural plants, animals or insects to restrict their growth. For example interstate wattles growing in WA become weeds because they are out of place.
- There are more that 1,300 weeds listed in WA Weeds Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attraction
- Buy plants that are native to the local area. Apace WA in North Fremantle is a great place to get these
- Don’t include problem plants in your garden. Be aware of plants that become weeds eg some bamboos or interstate wattles. Identify Weeds Australia
- Pull out weeds ( including roots). Put in a black plastic bag and roast in the sun.
- Use boiling water, salt, citric acids, acetic acid (vinegar) or herbal soaps to kill weeds. Apply just to the weeds, not the soil and only in dry weather so as not to be washed away.
- Do NOT use brands of weed killer which contain glyphosate or known carcinogenic chemicals including Round-up and Malathion. 12 pesticides banned elsewhere The Guardian
- Make sure you don’t carry seeds on clothing or boots.
- Stick to designated tracks or paths in the bush so you don’t disturb the ground or carry seeds to the wrong place.
- Cover trailers so seeds don’t blow around.
THE BEACON
28 January 2024 – Invasive Species
Invasive species are driving more than 80 per cent of Australia’s most vulnerable native plants and animals towards extinction. See Invasive Species Council
There are 4 main kinds of invasive species.
Pest animals.
Some of these are:
- Feral Cats
- Red Fox
These two have contributed to almost all marsupial and rodent extinctions.
- Rats
Most attempts to kill the invasive rat species are actually killing owls. The only acceptable rodenticide is an owl-friendly one. Margaret River and South West councils mandate this. Bunnings can provide Racumin or Warfarin. Only Mundaring in Perth has done that, so we need to get our all local governments to act. Any householder wanting to remove or reduce rat activity can insist on it with their pest controller.
This website shows beautiful photos and films of local owls.
- Rabbits
- Wild Dogs
- Cane Toads
- Invasive insects
- Polyphagous shot-hole borer (PSHB)
It was recently found in Kings Park trees that have to be destroyed.
- Red Dwarf Honey Bee
- Fruit Fly
- Fire Ants
A second fire ant infestation was found in Northern NSW on Saturday. It is already devastating the environment, agriculture and communities in Queensland.
Learn how you can help.
- Stickfast Fleas
- European Wasp
- Weeds
Almost half of threatened species and the majority of endangered ecological communities are threatened by weed invasion. Some examples that you should not grow…
- Skeleton weed (Chondrilla juncea)
- Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana)
- Blue periwinkle (Vinca major)
- Arum lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica)
- Agapanthus (Agapanthus praecox)
- Paterson’s curse, Salvation Jane
- Bridal Creeper
- Blackberry
- Ground asparagus (Asparagus aethiopicus)
- Fishbone fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia)
- Cape lilac (Melia azadarach)
- Lantana (Lantana camara)
- Morning Glory (Ipomoea cairica)
- Prickly pear
See more about Plants that invade bushland
Declared Plant Control – WA Agriculture
Pathogens
- Phytopthera cinnamoni – aka the “botanical bulldozer”, is a fungus introduced by Europeans is currently bulldozing entire species of Australian plants to the brink of extinction.
- Myrtle rust (Puccinia psidii)- fungus causes disease in plants in family Myrtaceae. More than 2000 plants are in family Myrtaceae, Australia’s dominant plant family, including eucalypts, bottlebrushes and tea trees – most are susceptible to the disease.
THE BEACON
21 January 2024 – Taking Care of Our Wildlife
All living creatures are part of God’s wonderful creation. Any death or extinction of our wildlife also diminishes the humans of the planet. We need to take care as much as we can to protect them. Humans are creating a catastrophic climate change that endangers us all.
- Keep pets away from native animals and birds. Make sure dogs are on a leash in bush land and cats are indoors or in an enclosed area.
- Plant natives to attract and provide habitat for birds, animals and insects.
- Drive slowly near bush or wetlands, especially at dusk and dawn to avoid killing or injuring wildlife.
- Provide temporary landing and drinking places by adding ramps or rocks in pools or ponds in the backyard.
- Make sure lights outside are not too bright to avoid confusing or disorienting wildlife.
- Avoid walking on nests or breeding areas near the sea or lakes.
- Call local wildlife rescue 08 9417 7105 or 08 9474 9055 if we find an injured animal( or bird.
- Pick up any rubbish to avoid wildlife entanglement.
- Use as little plastic as possible. Recycle all plastics so it doesn’t clutter bushland or enter waterways.
- Reduce food waste and reduce use of fossil fuels to reduce climate change.
Useful Links:
THE BEACON
14 January 2024 – Social Cohesion and Climate Disconnection
What can we say to politicians about climate change in 2024?
- Your message is not getting through about Australia leading on decarbonization as shown by the latest Social Cohesion Report on Australia.
- ‘Social cohesion’ or trust that our community is being led properly, is at an all-time low in Australia
- In particular we have lost trust with our politicians on climate change.
- This is mostly due to governments saying they are doing great things on renewable energy but at the same time we need to expand fossil fuel use in this transition, especially gas.
- Nobody is buying this dichotomy.
- We have to help politicians see that the way ahead is to accelerate the end of fossil fuels not extend them because some companies have not begun to seriously take up the challenges and opportunities of the transition.
See more in Peter Newman’s short paper in the Fremantle Shipping News – .Social cohesion and Climate Disconnection
THE BEACON
7 January 2024 – Thinking Solar
Solar energy
- Solar energy is a renewable resource. We are very fortunate in most of Australia to have plenty of sunlight hours.
- Does not create pollution or emit greenhouse gases. Unlike fossil fuels it does not deplete or damage the natural environment.
- Cuts down on energy bills so saving us money on an ongoing basis.
- It can reduce and if you have a battery even eliminate energy bills.
- We can manage our electricity use so we use most of our electricity during sunlight hours.
- Run dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, water heater pump, pool or spa pumps during the day. We can add a timer to the switches to do this automatically.
- Run reverse cycle air conditioner for heating or cooling only when needed.
- Buy efficient electrical appliances.
- We can receive a reduction on bills with Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS) so some money is credited to our electricity account for excess solar sent to the grid. Energy Buyback Schemes
- Is low maintenance only requiring occasional cleaning or servicing.
- Is long lasting. Once installed a solar system can provide electricity for decades.
- Is versatile, for panels can be mounted on roofs, carports, sheds or stand alone structures.
- Can provide emergency power if the grid goes off (but only if you have a battery with appropriate equipment and settings on your battery setup)
THE BEACON
28 July 2024 – Local and Sustainable Food
Promoting sustainable, humane farming and healthy diets
How do we manage local food supplies?
- Grow your own vegetables, herbs and fruit
- Start a compost or worm farm to process food scraps into nutritious fertiliser for your veggies, herbs and fruit trees.Grow native plants and fruits to eat.
- Freeze or dehydrate excess.
- Share produce with neighbours and community.
- Join a community garden.
- Join the Grow It Local community.
- Buy locally – From farmer’s markets or from farms nearby
- Buy in bulk and share with neighbours and community
- Insist that supermarkets and groceries buy from WA suppliers first then Australian suppliers
- Buy unprocessed foods (the outside aisles of fresh food!)
- If buying processed foods make sure you choose foods with low sugar, fats, and preservatives or other additives.
THE BEACON
7 July 2024 – Electrify Fremantle Report
We had a very successful meeting for our Electrify Fremantle meeting, with speakers Roy Lewisson from Electrify the (White Gum) Valley and Prof Peter Newman. Audience included Fremantle members and those from Hilton, Melville and Curtin who are establishing their own groups. We heard of the practical steps members of communities have taken together to reduce emissions and reduce global warming, from draught proofing houses, to getting off gas, to installing solar panels, heat pump water systems, EVs…and the hopeful message that communities and individuals are already making a difference…and can change the future together. We also heard about Plico’s Virtual Power Plant and how our solar can work for us.
Here is a link to a video of proceedings. Video of Electrify Fremantle if you missed it.
Plico Energy – a special rate for church members if you’re interested in solar panels and/or batteries. (Rosemary and Ruari Jack have ordered batteries!)
Further discussion of topics considered.
Are Electric Vehicles better for the environment? – ABC News
My Efficient Electric Home (MEEH) – Facebook group
THE BEACON
20 June 2024 – Coffee
When you grab your coffee make sure it’s grown in sustainable ways, and the growers are treated fairly.
Choose coffee that is Shade grown, Rainforest Alliance, Organic, Fair Trade and/or Bird Friendly certified. These labels mean the growers are not clear-felling rain forests but growing coffee in ways that allow the forests to keep growing naturally, supporting the birds, insects and soils sustainably, and ensuring that local growers are paid adequately.
Choose coffee with these labels (some are available at all grocery stores) and check with your favourite coffee shop that they are buying sustainable coffee too.
Further Reading
The Good Coffee Guide to Australia
Fair Trade Coffee Oz and NZ
Rain Forest Alliance
Bird Friendly Coffee
THE BEACON
5 May 2024 – Our Native Vegetation is Dying
Native vegetation from Kalbarri to Albany is dying from a summer without end.
Large areas of drying and dying vegetation are being seen all around south-west WA, their root systems are running out. This damage is driven by global warming from the burning of fossil fuels.
For full article, see the WA Today news item HERE.
Want to do something about it?
People all over Australia are got active in nature last May – whether it was morning walks with friends, hiking in nature, or a few laps around your local neighbourhood – it all counts!
THE BEACON
17 March 2024 -The Responsible Traveller
What is a responsible traveller?
Someone who minimises damage to our environment, the economy and society.
- Uses sustainable transport when possible
- Go by train instead of plane. See the advice of the Man in Seat 61
- Walk or bike instead of using a car to see the sights.
- Use accommodation and travel operators that use sustainable practices. Use the resources of the GSTC The Global Sustainable Tourism Council https://www.gstcouncil.org/ to avoid “greenwashing” ( ie businesses who say they are sustainable but are not)
- Be sensitive to local customs.
- Only take photos of people when granted permission.
- Respect cultural sites.
- Give animals respect.
- Stay on pathways.
- Buy goods and services from local suppliers.
- Take only photos, leave only footprints.
- Turn off lights and air conditioners when not in the room.
- Use your towel for more than one day.
THE BEACON
10 March 2024 – Do We Care? If So, What Can WE Do?
Climate change is real and in our faces
• 2023 was the hottest year ever recorded globally
• the highest levels recorded of greenhouse gas concentrations.
• islands and icebergs are already disappearing
In Australia
• more ferocious fires
• more devastating floods
• beaches disappearing
• 100 mammal extinctions ( worst in world)
• In WA temperatures have already increased by over 1 degree
What can we do?
On an individual and community level we can take action on our use of energy, waste, water and air, and where we spend our money.
On a citizen level we can write, talk to politicians in all levels of government
If we want to reduce greenhouse gas emissions we need to
• stop subsidising fossil fuel (including gas) production, (saving 11 billion dollars a year)
• tax fossil fuel industry heavily
• invest far more in energy efficiency and renewables
• listen to indigenous voices
What we each do will make a difference.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead
THE BEACON
4 February 2024 – Weeds
- They can be regular garden plants that grow so enthusiastically that they become a problem.
- They can be plants that are from interstate or overseas that grow profusely because there are no longer any natural plants, animals or insects to restrict their growth. For example interstate wattles growing in WA become weeds because they are out of place.
- There are more that 1,300 weeds listed in WA Weeds Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attraction
- Buy plants that are native to the local area. Apace WA in North Fremantle is a great place to get these
- Don’t include problem plants in your garden. Be aware of plants that become weeds eg some bamboos or interstate wattles. Identify Weeds Australia
- Pull out weeds ( including roots). Put in a black plastic bag and roast in the sun.
- Use boiling water, salt, citric acids, acetic acid (vinegar) or herbal soaps to kill weeds. Apply just to the weeds, not the soil and only in dry weather so as not to be washed away.
- Do NOT use brands of weed killer which contain glyphosate or known carcinogenic chemicals including Round-up and Malathion. 12 pesticides banned elsewhere The Guardian
- Make sure you don’t carry seeds on clothing or boots.
- Stick to designated tracks or paths in the bush so you don’t disturb the ground or carry seeds to the wrong place.
- Cover trailers so seeds don’t blow around.
THE BEACON
28 January 2024 – Invasive Species
Invasive species are driving more than 80 per cent of Australia’s most vulnerable native plants and animals towards extinction. See Invasive Species Council
There are 4 main kinds of invasive species.
Pest animals.
Some of these are:
- Feral Cats
- Red Fox
These two have contributed to almost all marsupial and rodent extinctions.
- Rats
Most attempts to kill the invasive rat species are actually killing owls. The only acceptable rodenticide is an owl-friendly one. Margaret River and South West councils mandate this. Bunnings can provide Racumin or Warfarin. Only Mundaring in Perth has done that, so we need to get our all local governments to act. Any householder wanting to remove or reduce rat activity can insist on it with their pest controller.
This website shows beautiful photos and films of local owls.
- Rabbits
- Wild Dogs
- Cane Toads
- Invasive insects
- Polyphagous shot-hole borer (PSHB)
It was recently found in Kings Park trees that have to be destroyed.
- Red Dwarf Honey Bee
- Fruit Fly
- Fire Ants
A second fire ant infestation was found in Northern NSW on Saturday. It is already devastating the environment, agriculture and communities in Queensland.
Learn how you can help.
- Stickfast Fleas
- European Wasp
- Weeds
Almost half of threatened species and the majority of endangered ecological communities are threatened by weed invasion. Some examples that you should not grow…
- Skeleton weed (Chondrilla juncea)
- Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana)
- Blue periwinkle (Vinca major)
- Arum lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica)
- Agapanthus (Agapanthus praecox)
- Paterson’s curse, Salvation Jane
- Bridal Creeper
- Blackberry
- Ground asparagus (Asparagus aethiopicus)
- Fishbone fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia)
- Cape lilac (Melia azadarach)
- Lantana (Lantana camara)
- Morning Glory (Ipomoea cairica)
- Prickly pear
See more about Plants that invade bushland
Declared Plant Control – WA Agriculture
Pathogens
- Phytopthera cinnamoni – aka the “botanical bulldozer”, is a fungus introduced by Europeans is currently bulldozing entire species of Australian plants to the brink of extinction.
- Myrtle rust (Puccinia psidii)- fungus causes disease in plants in family Myrtaceae. More than 2000 plants are in family Myrtaceae, Australia’s dominant plant family, including eucalypts, bottlebrushes and tea trees – most are susceptible to the disease.
THE BEACON
21 January 2024 – Taking Care of Our Wildlife
All living creatures are part of God’s wonderful creation. Any death or extinction of our wildlife also diminishes the humans of the planet. We need to take care as much as we can to protect them. Humans are creating a catastrophic climate change that endangers us all.
- Keep pets away from native animals and birds. Make sure dogs are on a leash in bush land and cats are indoors or in an enclosed area.
- Plant natives to attract and provide habitat for birds, animals and insects.
- Drive slowly near bush or wetlands, especially at dusk and dawn to avoid killing or injuring wildlife.
- Provide temporary landing and drinking places by adding ramps or rocks in pools or ponds in the backyard.
- Make sure lights outside are not too bright to avoid confusing or disorienting wildlife.
- Avoid walking on nests or breeding areas near the sea or lakes.
- Call local wildlife rescue 08 9417 7105 or 08 9474 9055 if we find an injured animal( or bird.
- Pick up any rubbish to avoid wildlife entanglement.
- Use as little plastic as possible. Recycle all plastics so it doesn’t clutter bushland or enter waterways.
- Reduce food waste and reduce use of fossil fuels to reduce climate change.
Useful Links:
THE BEACON
14 January 2024 – Social Cohesion and Climate Disconnection
What can we say to politicians about climate change in 2024?
- Your message is not getting through about Australia leading on decarbonization as shown by the latest Social Cohesion Report on Australia.
- ‘Social cohesion’ or trust that our community is being led properly, is at an all-time low in Australia
- In particular we have lost trust with our politicians on climate change.
- This is mostly due to governments saying they are doing great things on renewable energy but at the same time we need to expand fossil fuel use in this transition, especially gas.
- Nobody is buying this dichotomy.
- We have to help politicians see that the way ahead is to accelerate the end of fossil fuels not extend them because some companies have not begun to seriously take up the challenges and opportunities of the transition.
See more in Peter Newman’s short paper in the Fremantle Shipping News – .Social cohesion and Climate Disconnection
THE BEACON
7 January 2024 – Thinking Solar
Solar energy
- Solar energy is a renewable resource. We are very fortunate in most of Australia to have plenty of sunlight hours.
- Does not create pollution or emit greenhouse gases. Unlike fossil fuels it does not deplete or damage the natural environment.
- Cuts down on energy bills so saving us money on an ongoing basis.
- It can reduce and if you have a battery even eliminate energy bills.
- We can manage our electricity use so we use most of our electricity during sunlight hours.
- Run dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, water heater pump, pool or spa pumps during the day. We can add a timer to the switches to do this automatically.
- Run reverse cycle air conditioner for heating or cooling only when needed.
- Buy efficient electrical appliances.
- We can receive a reduction on bills with Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS) so some money is credited to our electricity account for excess solar sent to the grid. Energy Buyback Schemes
- Is low maintenance only requiring occasional cleaning or servicing.
- Is long lasting. Once installed a solar system can provide electricity for decades.
- Is versatile, for panels can be mounted on roofs, carports, sheds or stand alone structures.
- Can provide emergency power if the grid goes off (but only if you have a battery with appropriate equipment and settings on your battery setup)
Key Documents
St Paul’s Anglican Church Parish-Wide Solar Energy Project
Net Zero Action Plan
Beacon Corner: 13 August 2023 – Net Zero and Sustainability Websites
Have you been looking for more information about Net Zero and Sustainability?
We have a Beacon Corner page linked to the St Paul’s website that has a lot to explore. Here are some other inspiring resources:
- War on Waste is a brilliant program screening Tuesdays 8.30pm on ABC and accessible on ABC iView War on Waste
- Electrify Boroondara a broad alliance of community groups and individuals committed to accelerating our clean energy transition
- Electrify 2515 mission to create one of Australia’s first all electric communities in postcode 2515
- Totally Renewable Yackandanah goal of powering this small Victorian town with 100% renewable energy, giving resilience, savings, lower emissions and showing that it can be done
- My Efficient Electric Home Facebook group that helps householders make their home more sustainable.
- Getting off gas: why, how, and who should pay? Grattan Institute.
Net Zero Parish
Presentation by Peter Newman
