Round Two Closing in BIEDO's Funky Footprints Challenge
12th October 2010
"Wow" was Jo and Neil Roses' reaction when they opened their electricity bill last week. Their invoice for the quarter was just $21!! "We knew we'd be saving electricity, we just didn't think it would be that much. And in a week when we also got our rates and phone bill, it was a huge relief," Jo said.
Jo and Neil took part in BIEDO's first "Funky Footprints Challenge" and were awarded the prize for making the most innovative changes - such as using solar powered garden lights in their home each night after powering them up during the day. They also installed a Go Green Generation solar power system on their roof which means they now generate their own power.
BIEDO is hoping even more people will be able to make savings like Jo and Neil and are encouraging everyone to get on board for their second round of the "Funky Footprints Challenge".
Grace Gibson, BIEDO Sustainability Officer, says the final round will close at the end of October so people need to register now before time runs out.
"The competition is open to families, schools and businesses with the challenge being to lower their carbon footprint over a 30 day period. First prize is the installation of a "Whirly Bird" which has been donated by The Positive Group in Nanango," Grace said.
Here's what you need to do...
- Register - give BIEDO a call on 4169 7851 and register
- 30 days - You'll have 30 days to start saving energy and reduce your carbon footprint in a number of ways for example:
- Reducing energy around the home - through simple things, such as turning off computers and TV's at the wall; turning off un-used lights; using solar night lights, etc.
- Using less fuel-Families can log how much they currently drive; and how much they save by walking, car pooling, etc.
- Recycling- Family members will be asked to log the waste they recycle, e.g. glass bottles, lawn clippings, food, grey water, paper, etc They get extra points if they come up with seriously clever ways to reduce waste, or make useful, new things from waste.
The Funky Footprints Challenge has been made possible through a community grant awarded through the Low Carbon Diet Community Funding Program, a ClimateSmart initiative of the Department of Environment and Resource Management.
