THE SMART ENERGY EXPRESS/ JULY-AUG 2023
Electrifying Your Newsfeed
Written by Kerry Mullany
Plastic Free July Making Smart Energy Proud
As Plastic-Free July draws to a close, we reflect on the earth-loving challenge to say no to single-use plastic whenever possible for an entire month. Whether it’s refusing a takeaway coffee cup or buying loose apples instead of a pre-packaged bag; it's an eye-opening opportunity for people to see how much plastic they are consuming, whilst hopefully cultivating some greener habits.
It's certainly been an eye-opening exercise for Smart Energy. Caring about the environment is a given when working in the renewable energy sector. After-all, we offer sustainable energy solutions all year round.
However plastic-free July highlighted just how much our team cares for our planet; and that made us pretty darn proud.
Just like embarrassingly proud "parents", we wanted to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to our awesome team for doing what they do for our planet!
Our Smart HQ team are being eco-warriors and adopting eco-friendly practices on the daily. Here they are in action!
Catch Huie arriving to the office by bike everyday the sun shines!
“It’s a no brainer, I’m saving money on fuel, getting a workout in before work and reducing my carbon footprint”
“Our oceans are an integral part of sustaining life on earth. I refuse to contribute to ocean plastic waste by refusing to use single-use plastic water bottles”
Emily staying hydrating and keeping our oceans crystal clean!
“This isn’t the first time I've seen a cafe offer a discount for using a reusable coffee cup. When your local makes it this easy to be sustainable, it would be rude not to.”
Kerry getting her daily caffeine fix, guilt free!
And Lucia taking plastic-free July to the extreme by not even using a plastic umbrella in the rain…
OK this is a silly one, but we had a laugh watching her sprint across the car park when there was an umbrella by the back door.
We love you Lucia!
In other news...
Over 60 per cent of Australians are concerned about rising power bills.
According to the Household Budget Barometer, 94% of Aussies are feeling the impact of cost of living increases over the last 12 months. It comes as no surprise as the rising cost-of-living becomes a common topic of conversation for everyday Aussies across the country.
The survey, by Compare The Market, dives into how everyday Aussies are managing the cost-of-living crisis, and uncovering their main concerns. Everyday expenses including the cost of groceries, energy bills, and fuel prices are the most significant causes of financial stress across all age groups, regardless of the income bracket.
The combination of the Australian Consumer Price Index (CPI) growing at its fastest rate in more than 30 years, and global factors, including supply and labour shortages and the war in Ukraine have seen inflation soar, with almost consistent growth through to 2023.
As you can see from the graph extracted from the report, 61% of Australians are concerned about rising energy bills. This increased pressure to cover everyday essentials is not only making budgeting difficult but reducing the ‘fun-money’ funds of Aussie families who want to enjoy their well deserved weekends.
Smart Energy provides Solar and Battery systems at Zero up-front cost
A solution to nullify bill costs is needed more than ever right now, to offer some financial relief to Australians.
At Zero up-front cost, Smart Energy are creating a viable solution for Aussies to save money on power.
NSW Zoos Make Switch To 100 Percent Renewable Energy
Located on the shores of Sydney Harbour, Taronga Zoo has become the first zoo in New South Wales to be powered by 100% renewable electricity.
Operated by the Taronga Conservation Society Australia, the open range Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Central West NSW, has also made the clean energy switch perfectly demonstrating the viability of large scale businesses going green.
Taronga has installed over 500kW of solar panels across both its zoos, a combined saving of approximately 7,000 tonnes of CO2 each year. Furthermore, the Taronga Western Plains is located near a solar farm in Dubbo, and will be sourcing excess required electricity from there.
This shift in energy source puts Taronga’s goal of being powered by 100% renewable electricity by 2030 seven years ahead of time.
Huge Congratulations for this HUGE sustainability milestone for Taronga zoo!
Let’s hope it inspires more businesses out there to make the easy and cost-savings switch to clean power!
