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                    Sustainability for Melbourne

                    Melbourne is a great place to live. We’re proud of our city and our international reputation as one of the most liveable cities in the world.

                    Part of the charm of our city is that it’s constantly changing – boldly innovating and adapting to meet new needs over many decades. And climate change is no different - we’ve responded in a uniquely Melbourne way to this global challenge.

                    We need to continue to take action to ensure our city is sustainable – that Melbourne keeps its essential character and that it’s resilient to the changing climate. If we don’t, we risk losing what we love in our city.

                    Acting on climate change will take commitment from everyone – government, business, residents and visitors - but together we can achieve great things with a combination of big moves and small steps.

                    City of Melbourne is taking strides towards this goal with initiatives to make sure our city stays green, safe and accessible for everyone.

                    But we can’t do it alone. We’re here to help you make the all-important personal changes and make sustainable choices about transport, waste, energy, water and green spaces.

                    Climate change might be a global issue but the solutions are right here in our city.

                    Energy

                    City of Melbourne is proud to be part of a local and international movement of cities that will act to reduce emissions and to address climate change impacts. Last year, City of Melbourne consulted with climate change experts and the community to develop a Climate Change Mitigation Strategy to 2050. The strategy aligns to the Paris Climate Agreement and the international effort to stay below a 1.5°C rise in global average temperatures. Climate change might be a global problem but the solutions are right here in our city.

                    Find out more about sustainable energy.

                    Take action to reduce energy

                    Waste

                    Remembering a reusable bag when doing the grocery shopping is second nature to most of us now, but there are lots of other ways to reduce single use plastics in the trolley. Consider bringing reusable produce bags, or simply buy your fruit and vegetables loose. Think twice about your favourite snacks if they come individually packaged – often skipping plastic wrapped items is better for your diet too! Many bakeries, delis and butchers have joined the #WarOnWaste so plan ahead with a shopping list and bring enough containers and a bread bag as well.

                    Find out more about how you can avoid waste.

                    Take action to reduce waste

                    Heat

                    Australia is already experiencing the harsh consequences of global temperatures rising. From coral bleaching, devastating droughts and unprecedented bushfires - the scientists got the facts right. Everyone enjoys sunny days but it’s about to get unbearably hot. We need to work together to cool the city and prevent the future we don’t want

                    Find out more about cooling the city

                    Take action to cool your city

                    Water

                    Climate change isn’t just about temperature rise. Water is our life source and we have a responsibility to manage this resource to avoid the negative impacts of drought. In Melbourne we are lucky enough to have some of the world’s best drinking water available straight from the tap. Yet many of us still choose to purchase plastic water bottles. It takes three litres of water to produce just one litre of bottled water. What a waste of our precious resource. As it heats up, remember your reusable bottle and choose tap water to keep you hydrated.

                    Find out more about sustainable water.

                    Take action to save water

                    Nature

                    Step outside and enjoy the physical and mental health benefits that come from being in nature. Whether you’re growing your garden, reading in the park, or going for a hike, there are plenty of ways to reconnect with our beautiful environment. Revitalise yourself in the great outdoors and bring back that spring in your step.

                    Discover Melbourne's urban nature

                    Take steps to reconnect with nature