What are our perceptions of climate change? Did you know that Victorians take climate change very seriously? In fact, over 91% of Victorians accept some level of causality for climate change, 30% rate climate change in the top three issues facing our state, 78% think climate change is an issue that requires urgent action right now and 73% of people prefer to buy from businesses that show they care about climate change.

On Thursday the 17th of May 2018, the 2018 LGSC group had their eyes opened to the reality of what we are facing in a challenging world moving forward. We also got to witness what it takes, or what we can do to help make a difference in this space and leave our positive footprint on the world.
Start small and think big. That is probably the theme a lot of us took out of the day and you can too! What does that mean? What can we do? Plenty. Little things that we all take for granted every single day.

Below are just a few examples of what you can do better. Although they may seem small, if everybody did this it would go a long way to lowering our greenhouse emissions substantially.

Food:
– Avoid buying food wrapped in excess packaging
– Buy locally grown, seasonal produce
– Grow your own
– Turn leftovers into meals
– Plan your meals, make a shopping list and buy only what you need

Travel:
– Try and have car free days. Walk, cycle or use public transport where available.
– Carpool
– Use efficient driving techniques
– Before buying a new vehicle consider the fuel efficiency

Waste Reduction:
– Reduce packaging waste
– Recycle garden waste
– Compost garden and food waste
– Donate household items and clothing to not for profit groups (op shops)
– Reuse items and products as many times as possible
– Reduce food waste by planning meals and turning leftovers into new meals

As you can see in the above examples, these are just a few of the little things that we as leaders can both push and do. Most of us have children, and will possibly have grandchildren and it’s very important that we leave this world in the best possible condition as we’ve had the opportunity to live in.

For your chance to make an impact or contribute, I suggest you take the Take2 pledge to do your bit. Be accountable. Go to www.take2.vic.gov.au and let’s start small and think big.