Climate change affects all of us. There's loads of things we can do such as switching to Green Power, riding a bike instead of taking the car and reducing the energy we use around the home. Yet one of the easiest ways to reduce your contribution to greenhouse pollution is also the most effective way to opt out of animal cruelty - by going vegan.

Animal agriculture is one of the greatest contributors to greenhouse gasses. Here are some links to reports produced about the effect of these industries on the environment:

Livestock's Long Shadow
FAO Report

The Global Benefits fo Eating Less Meat
Compassion in World Farming Report

Why it's Green to go Vegetarian
Vegetarian Society UK

Footprint Calculators

Calculate your ecological footprint at one of the following sites:

EPA Victoria Ecological Footprint Calculators

ACF Green Home Ecological Footprint Calculator

1. Switch to Green Power

The best way to cut your greenhouse pollution is to buy accredited Green Power form your energy retailer to ensure renewable energy at home. Apply for Green Power accredited Natural Power from Synergy in WA. For other states and more information on Green Power accreditation check out: www.greenpower.gov.au

2. Go vegan

Meat and other animal products, especially beef and dairy, have a high environment impact. One serve of red meat a week produces 300kg of greenhouse pollution a year and wastes 10,000 litres of water.

3. Leave the car at home

Walk, cycle and catch public transport to reduce your greenhouse pollution and stay healthy. Take one less 10km car trip each week and you'll cut your greenhouse pollution by 600kg a year.

4. Adjust your thermostat

A difference of just one degree on the thermostat of your heater or air conditioner can reduce your energy consumotion by 10%.

5. Take fewer air flights

Planes create significant greenhouse pollution. If you can avoid one Sydney to Melbourne return air trip, you'll reduce your greenhouse pollution by 450kg.

6. If it blinks, switch it off

10% of Australian household electricity use goes on standby power: turn off your appliances at the wall or switch when not in use and cut your greenhouse pollution.

7. Short efficient showers

Get a water-efficient showerhead and you'll save up to 100,000 litres of water a year and use less energy for hot water.

8. Look for the stars

Energy-smart appliances will save you money and reduce your greenhouse poollution. Most new appliances display a star energy rating - the more stars, the more efficient the product: www.energyrating.gov.au

For more information check out the Australian Conservation Foundation GreenHome campaign.

Download or contact ARA for copies
of our pocket-campaign card
on the contribution of meat to
climate change. (Thank you to the
UK Vegetarian Society and
Fathom Creative for the design.)

Download or contact ARA for copies
of our new pocket-campaign card
on the environmental impact
of animal agriculture.