The home survey can be used to identify ways in which our homes
could be contributing to stormwater pollution. This activity is
an ideal homework assignment.
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Issue
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Action
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Yes
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No
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Water use
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Water consumption / person / year =
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Water saving devices are fitted to shower and toilet
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Leaking taps are promptly repaired
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Showers are kept to 3 minutes
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Low water use appliances (dishwasher/washing machine) are
used
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Energy use
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Electricity consumption / person / year =
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Energy saving lights are installed in all
fittings
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All household appliances have AAA energy rating
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Use of heaters and dryers is minimised
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Ceiling and wall insulation is installed
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Cold water washing of clothes
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Solar hot water system is installed
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Low energy rating appliances are used
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“Green Power” is used for energy supply (renewable
energy)
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Transport
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Car use (km travelled/person/year =
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Car use is minimised
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Bike or walking is used for local transport
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Public transport is our preferred option for travel
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Kitchen
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Food waste is composted
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Reusable shopping bags are used (cloth, heavy duty plastic)
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Organic products are used whenever possible
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Australian grown products are used when possible
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When we buy take away food we take our own containers
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Cleaning
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Outdoor surfaces are kept clean by sweeping with a broom.
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When outdoor surfaces are cleaned with a hose, no run-off
escapes to the stormwater drains
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Least toxic alternatives are always used
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Paint brushes are cleaned away from stormwater drains and
contaminated water is poured onto the garden or lawn
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Roadside gutters are regularly swept clean. Leaves etc are
composted.
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Car maintenance
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Car servicing is conducted at a reputable centre that implements
best environmental practice or at home where drains are protected.
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Car is washed at a car wash that recycles water and protects
stormwater system or on the grass at home (no suds run to
stormwater drains)
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Used oil is recycled.
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Car is kept well tuned to minimise air pollution
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Garden
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Garden waste is composted or mulched
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Water use minimised by mulching gardens
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Fertiliser use is minimised by using compost
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Pesticide use is avoided
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Least toxic alternatives are always used.
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Rainwater tanks are installed and used for watering garden
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Mostly Australian native plants are used
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Area of paved and hard surfaces kept to a minimum
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Run off from paved surfaces is channelled into gardens or
rainwater tanks for re-use
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Clothing
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Clothing is purchased according to need rather than fashion.
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Organic cotton, hemp or recycled clothing is used whenever
possible.
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Australian made clothing is used whenever possible.
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Renovations
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Recycled materials are used where possible
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Least toxic paints, floor sealers are used
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Builder implements effective sediment control measures
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Contractors use effective pollution prevention practices
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Building waste is minimised or reused on-site
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Compile the results for your class.
Discuss ways in which individuals and households can reduce their
environmental impact.
