All It Takes Is A Pair That Care

Sydney Morning Herald

Wednesday February 27, 2008

Peter Hawkins

One couple find saving the environment is simply a matter of many small steps, writes Peter Hawkins.

For Lucy Buxton and her fiance, Craig Pinnet, living in a rented unit was no impediment to cutting energy use. They began by making simple choices including turning off lights in rooms that were not being used, switching off appliances rather than leaving them on stand-by and forgoing an airconditioner.

"There is so much more advertising and media about how to reduce energy consumption around the household. Once you've read 'unplug your appliances' a couple of times it can really stick in your brain," says Buxton.

The couple installed low-wattage fluorescent light bulbs and water-saving shower heads in the two-bedroom flat, and cut back on long showers. They were also conscious of buying whitegoods with a good energy rating, opting for a fridge with a five-star rating and a 3 1/2-star washing machine.

Buxton, 28, and Pinnet, 33, even managed to cut back on their winter electricity bill, reducing their consumption last year by about 20 per cent.

They did it by implementing more basic measures: closing all doors and blinds to keep heat in, installing draft excluders and opting for extra socks, jumpers and hot water bottles ahead of their inefficient electric heater. (They used the heater for a total of only two weeks last winter.)

As a result of their efforts, they now use 30 per cent less energy than that used in a standard two-person unit, according to an EnergyAustralia audit.

Buxton and Pinnet agree that they could save even more if their unit had gas and a hot water timer.

The next challenge for Buxton, who works in marine biology, and Pinnet, a designer at a print management company, is the two-bedroom unit they recently bought in Bondi.

Ownership means they can plan more long-term and technical changes, such as replacing their flooring with bamboo boards, or a product that is more sustainable than common hardwoods.

The new apartment does not have gas so they will install the smallest hot water system they can get away with and an induction cooktop.

They will also put in low-energy lighting, window seals and furnishings made from environmentally friendly timber. And they will switch to 100 per cent green energy.

"I don't think it's really going to be that much effort, it's so easy to do," says Buxton.

"In the long term we are particularly trying to save more money and now have an opportunity to do things that we couldn't do in a rental place. The apartment as a whole will be an ongoing project.

"We will continue to research and try to make the best possible decisions about the products we are using. It will all cost a little bit more but we would rather do that than buy a PlayStation."

The couple recently began making environmental changes outside their home as well, by offsetting their annual excess carbon emissions for air travel and household emissions through the organisation Carbon Friendly.

They try to reduce their reliance on their small car by driving only on weekends, catching public transport, walking or riding bicycles.

They buy Australian produce and, whenever possible, fruit and vegetables that are in season. They do not use plastic bags and they have cut back on using chemical- and petroleum-based cleaning products.

"It makes us sound like such freaking green freaks or something," Buxton says with a laugh. "But we have an understanding and a desire to improve our lifestyles with regards to the environment."

Their careers have played a part in these lifestyle decisions. Buxton is doing a PhD at the University of Technology, Sydney on the effects of climate change, and Pinnet employs strong environmental practices at his workplace.

"This was all slowly decided over the last few years. But we both work in environmental fields, so intrinsically our careers make us more aware of this than the average person," Buxton says.

The couple will also be taking part in Earth Hour again this year, on March 29.

"We love doing it. We participate 100 per cent. Last year we flicked our switches and sat in the dark with candles. We were actually babysitting that night, so it was really fun. We will be doing the same thing this year," Buxton says.

"We are individuals who want to try and change our bad habits. I wouldn't want to force it upon anyone else but that's just the way we want to do it."

© 2008 Sydney Morning Herald

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