A resource for teaching and learning about consuming planet earth
A resource for teaching and learning about consuming planet earth
A resource for teaching and learning about consuming planet earth
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BCONTINUED<br />
SECTION B<br />
Buy ‘green’, save money<br />
The key to making an in<strong>for</strong>med choice is underst<strong>and</strong>ing how our household water <strong>and</strong> energy is being<br />
consumed. For example, solar water heaters can reduce hot water bills by more than 60 percent each<br />
year saving $200 – 300. There are many ways of saving water, <strong>for</strong> example, by installing a AAA rating<br />
low flow shower rose, or using a shower timer. A dripping tap can waste 1 600 litres of water a month.<br />
The charts below show how household water <strong>and</strong> energy is consumed.<br />
Water use by Victorian households<br />
Can ‘environmentally friendly’ claims be trusted?<br />
Some consumers are deterred from buying ‘environmentally friendly’ products as they believe<br />
they are more expensive; with electrical appliances the benefit comes later as the reduced energy<br />
use translates into cheaper energy bills. Another factor is misleading ‘green’ claims – what exactly<br />
do ‘environmentally friendly’, ‘<strong>earth</strong> friendly’ <strong>and</strong> other similar labels really mean?<br />
An important job <strong>for</strong> consumer protection agencies is to ensure that manufacturers are not<br />
making misleading claims <strong>and</strong> exploiting consumers’ desire to help the environment.<br />
In 2003, the Australian Competition <strong>and</strong> Consumer Commission (ACCC) took proceedings against<br />
Sanyo Airconditioning Australia <strong>for</strong> misleading claims in a brochure which contravened the Trade<br />
Practices Act 1974 stating that “environmentally-friendly HFC ‘R-407C’ added” <strong>and</strong> “<strong>for</strong> a new ozone<br />
era – keeping the world green”. R-4070C is a powerful greenhouse gas. The Federal Court, Sydney<br />
found the company had engaged in false, misleading <strong>and</strong> deceptive conduct.<br />
Environmental claims <strong>about</strong> a range of plastic kitchen, garbage <strong>and</strong> freezer bags were found to be<br />
misleading by the Federal Court, Melbourne in 2004. Lloyd Brooks Pty Ltd made Earthstrength bags<br />
<strong>and</strong> claimed they could be added to compost <strong>and</strong> would biodegrade in 28 days. The claims contravened<br />
the Trade Practices Act 1974. The ACCC chairman said ‘firms which make environmental or ‘green’ claims<br />
should ensure these claims are scientifically sound <strong>and</strong> appropriately substantiated as consumers<br />
are entitled to rely on <strong>and</strong> expect these claims to be truthful’. In 2003, Retravision Pty Ltd <strong>and</strong> Haier<br />
Australia Pty Ltd were found to have made misleading claims <strong>about</strong> the energy ratings of some<br />
washing machines. Following testing of the machines by the Australian Greenhouse Office, the<br />
matter was referred to the ACCC <strong>for</strong> investigation. Refunds were offered to customers.<br />
Resources<br />
Melbourne Water www.melbournewater.com.au > Education > Secondary<br />
Visy Recycling www.visy.com.au<br />
The Gould League www.gould.edu.au > School Programs<br />
Ecorecycle Victoria www.ecorecycle.vic.gov.au > Towards Zero Waste<br />
Victorian Department of Primary Industry www.dpi.vic.gov.au > Victorian <strong>resource</strong>s online ><br />
Origin Energy www.originenergy.com.au > About Origin > Education Resources > Ollie Saves the Planet<br />
consumer affairs victoria<br />
32<br />
Energy use by Victorian households<br />
Need consumer help? 1300 55 81 81 www.consumer.vic.gov.au
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