Sustainability at home
Sustainability starts at home. Whether it's creating a composting system, installing a rain tank, or simply turning appliances off at the wall, there are many easy ways that you can reduce your carbon footprint.
Not sure where to start? Come visit the Sustainable Living Centre and be inspired into action.
Try these ideas to get you started…
Choose energy saving solutions
Use energy saving light bulbs, insulate your ceiling and under floor, and install thermal blinds or curtains with pelmets. Buy appliances with a good 'energy star' rating and if you are building or renovating, consider installing solar hot water heating. Find out more about our subsidised insulation service.
Conserve water
Have shorter showers and get a low flow showerhead. Set up a rain tank or rain barrels to collect water for your garden or toilet/ laundry. These can easily be hidden under decks or along the side of the house. Choose dishwashers and washing machines with a good 'water star' rating. Our Water Wise Up programme could help you too.
Reduce waste
Remember the 3 'R's' - reduce, reuse and recycle. Avoid plastic bags by shopping with reusable cloth bags. Separate out your rubbish - you'll be surprised how little needs to go to landfill. Put glass, metal, plastic containers, and paper out for recycling. Kitchen scraps should never go into your household rubbish bin. See our display of working compost, worm and bokashi bins here at the Centre.
Green your backyard
By growing your own veges, planting fruit trees instead of ornamentals or creating a 'food forest'. For ideas and inspiration come and take a walk around the garden at the Centre, visit our eco library, attend a permaculture gardening workshop or join our biodynamic organic gardening group by calling us today.
Building or renovating?
Think green and consider using materials that are kinder to the environment and safe for your family. Consider a natural kitchen made of sustainably harvested timber, natural paints that don't release chemical vapours, or timber flooring alternatives that smell faintly of citrus! Attend one of our regular Eco Building or Green Architecture workshops.
Smart Shopping
No more excuses, there are countless products available today that can help you start the journey towards sustainability. Some simple rules of thumb…
- Source locally produced goods wherever possible. A good place to start is your local farmers' market.
- If this isn't always possible choose Fairtrade goods so the producers get a good deal too.
- Choose non-toxic cleaning products.
- Buy less by starting a vege/ herb garden - if you're pressed for space, plant in large pots or troughs. Swap produce with your neighbours.
Transport
Try to reduce the number of short trips you take in the car. Dust off your bike and get some exercise at the same time. Consider catching public transport to work or at least car pooling or ride sharing.
