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| Environment | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Introduction The Selwyn District landscape has changed significantly over the last two centuries. Native forests have been cleared and wetlands have been drained to make way for farming and housing. Exotic weeds and pests have been introduced that kill our native species. As a result, a large proportion of the habitat for many bird, lizard and invertebrate species has been destroyed and has resulted in numerous species becoming locally or completely extinct. Although extinct species such as moa can not be brought back, other species such as tui and kereru for example can be encouraged back to urban areas with sufficient native planting. Areas around Canterbury including Christchurch and Lincoln have seen an increase in bellbird numbers primarily because of the ecological restoration initiatives by many groups. Every little native patch helps – the combined efforts of backyard, roadside and farm plantings of natives provide food and corridors for our wildlife. Our local streams and waterways have become polluted, particularly with nitrates, phosphates and coliform bacteria mostly because of run off from built up areas and local farms. What Lincoln Envirotown
does: Links: http://www.bush.org.nz/planterguide/ http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/wetland-birds/1 http://www.lincoln.ac.nz/story10334.html
(Water Watch) |
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| Energy | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Introduction Energy issues are an important aspect of sustainability, with the twin problems of the prospect of oil running out and the very pressing looming crisis of the effects of climate change . What Lincoln Envirotown does: • We have provided information in the
form of an “Energy blitz” expo and two energy homes
bus tours. If you are interested in renewable energy options, we have a bank of information, so give us a call. We'd love to hear about what you are doing. Links: http://www.energywise.govt.nz/
How to reduce your carbon footprint, how to save on your energy
bill, how to save on vehicle fuel, information on what grants are
available and many other things. Site of locals Robin and Steph and their wind turbine Solar voltaics and wind turbines www.skystreamenergy.com (USA site) www.jaycar.co.nz (Jaycar electronics – has a very cheap wind turbine)
Solar Action is the New Zealand Renewable
Energy Society. Solar Action promotes sustainable use of energy,
including reducing the need for energy. Solar Action was founded
as a volunteer society in Wellington in 1979. |
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| Information on the efficiency of various
lamp types: |
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Note: A candle typically produces about 12.6 lumens of visible light and 40 watts of heat, although this can vary depending primarily on the characteristics of the candle wick. For comparison, note that a 40 watt incandescent light bulb produces approximately 500 lumens for the same amount of power. The unit candela was originally defined to indicate the 'brightness' of a naked candle flame. |
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