From Guest Blogger Mary Ann: Steps Towards an Environmentally Responsible Australia

Like many other developed countries around the world, Australia have been committed to pulling out all the stops when it comes to the preservation of the environment. On a recent trip to the land down under, I was particularly impressed with this nation’s response and commitment to creating a more sustainable way of living for its citizens, and those who visit from abroad. I believe Australia could become a model country on sustainable living, and other nations would be wise to follow in their path.

Just recently, the Australian government has introduced a whole slew of new regulations and policies with the aim of creating a stronger, and cleaner Australia. The government’s plan for a cleaner environment includes green bulding, meeting their carbon emissions target, a commitment to plant 20 million trees on national land, and a plan to ensure that Australia has enough clean water to see it through even the most harshest of droughts. The Australian government has also taken bold steps towards protecting whales around the world, and ensuring that Antarctica remains the pristine land it is for many years to come, through its Australian Antarctic Division.

But a commitment to a sustainable future doesn’t just end with the governing authorities here in Australia. Even the commercial sector have taken admirable steps towards developing sustainable business practices and minimising their impact on the environment. Indeed, a recent worldwide poll found Australian companies to be among the top 100 most sustainable corporations. From carbon offset schemes offered by certain airlines (Virgin Australia being one prime example here – and the airline I used to travel here), to better water and waste management, the private sector in Australia is awash with committed individuals working towards creating a sustainable commercial environment.

The push for a more sustainable environment in Australia has also been adopted by the citizens of this nation. No longer content to turn a blind eye to businesses and practices that contribute to the destruction of the environment, the Australian public are just as committed to doing their part to create a more sustainable future. For example, car pooling and the use of public transport has seen a strong resurgence in recent years, and recycling is now the norm – not the exception.

Also, in a country known for its scorching summer days, and limited water supplies, the turn towards creating more eco-friendly backyard pools has gained in popularity in recent years. A regrettable fact of the past was that a lot of drinking water was wasted on swimming pools in this country through improper pool maintenance. In fact, in Sydney alone, 27 per cent of that state’s water was used in backyard pools and gardens. Similar statistics were found in other cities around the country.

However, luckily, these days high-quality pool coverings (to prevent evaporation), more efficient filters and pumps, and using rain water to top up pools has meant that owning and looking after your pool need not waste nearly as much water as in the past. By remaining committed to preserving as much drinkable water as possible, the Australian public are doing their part to protect their precious resources and create a better environment.

Creating a more sustainable future is not nearly as hard as it may seem. Australia is a great example of a nation doing their part to limit their impact on the environment, and to make full use of available resources. Creating a sustainable future is all about being responsible, and taking responsibility. But everyone – from the government, to the private sector, to individual citizens – needs to be onboard for any significant progress to be made. But as in the case of Australia, this isn’t just merely possible: in an age of global warming and dwindling natural resources, this is mandatory. Each of the world’s nations needs to drop outdated government and business practices, and move towards creating a cleaner and more sustainable future – for everyone’s sake.

Image credit: http://www.gbca.org.au