Not really. Methane, the gas that we use in our homes, is more than 80 times more damaging to the climate over a 20 year period than carbon dioxide. And the next 20 years are critical to tackle emissions to keep global warming beneath the threshold of an unlivable climate.
The industry uses the term “natural gas” to hide how toxic it truly is. When gas is produced it comes with a range of pollutants that need to be separated out to isolate the methane for end use. Gas processing requires flaring off (burning off) these pollutants in tall toxic flare stacks. Farmers near these facilities are instructed not to eat their own livestock. Old gas sites around Melbourne are a remediation nightmare. Residents at the old Gasworks in North Melbourne are not allowed to garden in the soil and can only have raised garden beds because of the carcinogenic legacy of gas in their local environment.
Why is burning gas in our homes a health problem?
Even when gas is burnt as cleanly and efficiently as possible, it still creates a cocktail of airborne pollutants in our homes. Carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde and fine particulate matter are released, linked to a 12% increase in asthma and a range of other respiratory illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Even when not in use our stoves can leak methane, a known carcinogen.
But I love my gas stove/BBQ
Compared to the old electric element stoves, gas stoves are a dream to cook on. But increasingly people are switching to induction cooktops which boil water in a fraction of the time, are easier to clean and don’t carry the same health concerns. Our friends at Asian Australians for Climate Action can even vouch for wok cooking on purpose build induction cooktops.
Electric BBQs have also come a long way. But the truth is that if we cut out all household gas use and simply saved household dedicated gas for use in BBQs we would have fractional climate impact, not have pollutants in our homes and save ourselves a fortune. So the good news is that even with shutting off gas to the home you can still have your steak and eat it too.
Compared to the old electric element stoves, gas stoves are a dream to cook on. But increasingly people are switching to induction cooktops which boil water in a fraction of the time, are easier to clean and don’t carry the same health concerns. Our friends at Asian Australians for Climate Action can even vouch for wok cooking on purpose build induction cooktops.
Electric BBQs have also come a long way. But the truth is that if we cut out all household gas use and just used bottled gas in BBQs we would have fractional climate impact, not have pollutants in our homes, and save ourselves a fortune. So the good news is that even with shutting off gas to the home you can still have your steak and eat it too.
You can stay warm in winter without using gas. You can use an electric heater or a reverse cycle air conditioner, which can heat and cool your home using electricity. Split system air conditioners are more efficient and cheaper than gas heaters, and have filters that improve the air quality in your home. You can also make your home more comfortable by insulating your walls and windows, sealing any gaps or cracks, and using curtains or blinds to keep the heat in. We have a link to a page of tips and tricks on keeping your home comfortable without gas below.
But I’m a renter, what can I do?
You can still switch from gas to clean energy even if you are a renter. You can ask your landlord to switch for you, or you can use portable electric appliances that you can take with you when you move. You can also speak up for your rights to access clean energy as a renter. We have some ideas for policy changes that would make it easier and fairer for renters to switch from gas to clean energy and are in discussions with the Victorian Government about how to improve the efficiency of rental properties, at no cost to tenants.
Find out more about gas production and use across Victoria – check out the Community Gas Retirement Roadmap created by Friends of the Earth.