Climate change is effecting our precious alpine environment but the good news is that skiers, snowboarders and snowplayers can all do something to help. Even a small change to our energy consumption now will help reduce the greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change, and thus help preserve our alpine environments in the future. The biggest cause of global warming is carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere when fossil fuels such as oil and coal are burned for energy. So when you reduce your energy consumption, you fight global warming. Go to www.keepwintercool.com.au to find out what you can do to help!

Ten simple ways to keep winter cool:

• Reduce energy used for transport
  Share a ride or take a bus to the snow and to work.
• Turn off lights and appliances when at home or on holiday
  It is best to turn them off at the powerpoint.
• Purchase energy efficient appliances
  Choose the highest energy-efficient star-rating and use compact fluorescent lights
• Insulate your house or lodge
  And turn down the thermostat and use draught stoppers.
• Cut hot water consumption Wash clothes in cold water, fit water-efficient shower heads, and install a solar water heater
• Eco-buy
  Purchase greenhouse friendly products from local sources
• Support renewable energy sources
  Switch to Green Power with your electricity supplier
• Plant a tree
  Trees take up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
• Reduce, reuse and recycle
  Reducing waste reduces landfill and thus reduces production of the greenhouse gas methane
• Lead change at your workplace or business
  Spread the word - cool global warming and keep winter cool