Plea for SC to be more sustainable

An expert on sustainable living says Timaruvians need to change their habits.

Rhys Taylor, National Coordinator for Sustainable Living Education Trust, is in Timaru for the next fortnight to talk to people about easy ways to reduce their carbon footprint.

The trust works with more than 26 district councils and territorial authorities throughout the country.

"I think people are finally starting to wise up to the fact that we have only got one planet, yet we've been living as if we've got a spare one," he said.

Mr Taylor said too many people found sustainability issues "unnecessarily daunting".

"There are so many easy things to do, which aren't only good the environment, but good for you. It can be as simple as not taking the car to work one day a week if at all possible, as it's actually those small trips which tend to waste the most fuel."

Mr Taylor said New Zealand had to change its ways.

"Our habits mean that proportionately speaking, we're actually quite big emitters. We also waste a lot of energy in simply not having efficient heating systems."

However, he said he was optimistic ahead of the United Nations climate talks in Copenhagen next week.

"I've been involved in promoting these lifestyle changes for more than 25 years, but there's a real sense of urgency now." The seminars will be held tonight and December 9 at the Aoraki Polytechnic from 6pm.

- © Fairfax NZ News