Tips for eco-living
The smallest steps can make a big difference to Australia. The following tips outline practical ways that you can reduce resource usage and help our living planet.
In addition to the tips on this page, we've also created a website, The future is man made, where you can find ideas and tips, as well as share your own.
Switch to Green Power
Not only do coal-fired power stations in Australia produce more than 170 million tonnes of carbon dioxide - the most significant greenhouse gas - every year, they also use vast amounts of water in their generation of electricity.
Check out our list of accredited Green Power providers and make the switch to clean energy today. By switching to accredited Green Power you are not only helps the environment, you are supporting the growth the renewable energy market in Australia.
This checklist outlines other practical ways you can reduce your "carbon footprint"
Be water smart
Australian conditions mean water is especially precious, and we can't take it for granted. Front loading washing machines, dual flush toilets, aerated taps and power shower-heads all mean less water is used in the home.
You can also install a rainwater tank, even in urban areas, which will collect water for use in the garden or washing machine. That means a reduced water bill, and more importantly it means we only take our fair share from the natural environment.
Contact the Watershed in Sydney on 02 9519 6366 for more information about practical steps you can take to conserve water.
Plant natives
By planting local, native plants in your garden that require far less water than their exotic cousins, you will be creating the ideal conditions to attract native wildlife - maybe even endangered birds and frogs! Check out your local nursery for advice on what to plant in your neighbourhood.
And be sure to avoid garden plants that are invasive species.
Eco-friendly cleaning
Our waterways need their natural balance of nutrients to support fish, insects and other essential parts of the ecosystem. If they have too many or too few nutrients they may die. Biodegradable kitchen and car detergents, washing powders and organophosphate free fertilisers all help to keep our environment in check.
Contact the Watershed in Sydney on 02 9519 6366 for more information about chemical free cleaning.
Visit your local supermarket to see what's available, and if the range is limited, make a few suggestions to the manager.
Feed the earth
Why fertilise landfill with vegetable waste from the kitchen, when your sandy garden and backyard soils could benefit from their breakdown? Properly composted vegetable matter breaks down without emitting an unpleasant odour, and you can add worms to a compost heap to speed up the process.
Contact the Watershed in Sydney on 02 9519 6366 for more information about composting and worm farms.
Go calico
Did you know that Australians use 6.9 billion plastic bags every year? Each one can take hundreds of years to break down, and they usually end up in landfill or in our oceans, contributing to the deaths of turtles and other marine creatures. If you leave a calico bag in your car or backpack, the next time you have to pick up bread and milk you won't need a plastic bag. The turtles will love you for it!
Grow your own
By growing your own seasonal fruit and vegetables in your garden or on your balcony you'll receive the benefits of higher quality, more nutritious produce, and you'll be helping your environment. Transport, processing and other costs associated with bringing unseasonal, artificially ripened food to the supermarket represents less value to you and the environment.
Keep snug
By improving insulation around the home you can reduce the need for that heater in the winter months. A substantial amount of heat is lost via uncovered windows so when you're not at home, close the blinds and curtains. Another way to reduce heat loss is to seal draft-prone areas such as the spaces under external doors.
Hitch a ride
Every year our horizon becomes browner as our climate becomes warmer. Toxic emissions are one of the major factors contributing to global warming and photochemical smog. Do you really need to drive that car to work? Can you share a car with a mate or organise a car pool? How about keeping that promise to get fit and ride a bike to work! Looking for a car? How about choosing a hybrid or more fuel efficient vehical?
Small changes in our behaviour can lead to great changes in our natural environment - It's not too late.
Think before you print
The promise of the paperless office hasn't materialised. Work is more complicated and produces more paper waste than ever before. For final copy printing, why not print on both sides of the paper? For rough versions, why not use the blank side of paper that someone else has used? By making these small changes, you could cut your paper costs in half, and save some trees and the creatures that rely upon them.
Use recycled paper that is made with 100% post-consumer waste or sustainably sourced material.
BYO mug
Many of us need that caffeine kick in the morning. Why not find a friendly cafe willing to offer a discount to those who bring their own coffee mugs? Tell your workmates about it - they'll get cheaper coffee and a warm fuzzy feeling (and a buzz from the coffee of course!). While the cafe gets the benefit of a loyal customer base, the environment benefits from less wastage. Everybody wins!
Surf safe
When going coastal, remember we share our coastline with many species of birds that use our estuarine and beach systems for sleeping, eating and breeding - it's their home. These areas are especially sensitive to human interference, so take care to avoid impacting these sand dunes and other coastal zones. Keep your dog on the leash and only drive 4WD vehicles in areas where they are permitted. Learn about your local shorebird species, they are your neighbours.
