Eco-friendly: A-Z guide to living more sustainably

Want to do your part in saving the planet? Our A-to-Z guide shows how to make a difference in small, achievable ways.

Always walk

Vehicles are a significant source of air pollution so walking whenever possible will directly reduce emissions.

Buy things only if you need them

If you can repurpose something that you already have, do that instead.

“Alternatively, find something secondhand online,” deputy chief executive office of Planet Ark Rebecca Gilling says.

“Those are the preferred options before buying new.”

• Ethical activewear: How your workout gear can help save the planet

Conserve water

Switching to more water efficient appliances and taking shorter showers will not only reduce the amount of water you use, but also the energy required to heat it.

Dismiss single-use products

Ditch napkins, plastic cutlery, balloons and straws, and find an organic bag alternative to use for fruit and vegetables at the shops.

Electronic goods

E-waste is the fastest-growing category of rubbish ending up in landfill.

So, don’t bin old electronics.

Take them to drop off points operated by your local council or find recyclers near you online.

Also, don’t upgrade your tech every time a new model comes out, Rebecca says.

Food waste

When food waste goes to landfill, it creates greenhouse gas emissions, and Australians throw away 3.1 million tonnes a year.

Try composting at home or through kerbside collection if it is available in your area.

• Sustainable eating: Can your food choices help the environment?

Garden

Growing your own herbs, fruit and vegetables is better for the planet.

Total Environment Centre community campaigner Lisa Wriley says it can also improve your mood.

“Gardening is great exercise, it’s good for mental health, and there are microbes in the soil that can help reduce depression and anxiety,” Lisa says.

Help

Volunteer with local rubbish collection groups or conservation programs.

Invest

Avoid buying shares from corporations who deal in fossil fuels; instead, opt for eco-conscious companies and exchange traded funds (ETF).

Arielle Gamble, director and co-founder of Groundswell Giving, says money is one of the most powerful things that you can use to send a message.

“Individuals can also take corrective action by switching their bank or changing their energy provider to one that’s more eco-friendly,” Arielle says.

Join the movement

Contact your local MP.

“Ask them what their climate change policies are and tell them if they’re not good enough,” Arielle says.

“There’s an election coming up, so let them know it might change your vote.”

Keep it natural

“This is about avoiding anything toxic,” Lisa says.

“Look at what goes into products and try to keep it all natural.”

This mainly applies to soaps, shampoos, and cleaning products.

Learn about superannuation

Some super funds offer the option to invest your retirement savings into green companies only.

This means you can watch your savings grow while making the world a better place.

Make your own

Jams, bread, pasta are just some of the things that can easily be made at home, minimising packaging.

• Smart play: Easy ways to green your child’s lunchbox

Nappies

One of the biggest contributors to landfill, with an estimated 3.75 million used every year in Australia.

Modern reusable cloth nappies are a great alternative.

Only buy energy-efficient white goods

This will help reduce the electricity and gas you use in your home, Rebecca says.

Power down

Computers, phones and lights don’t use a lot of power individually, but it adds up.

Turn off anything you can before heading to bed or work.

Quiet time in nature

Contact with wilderness and natural spaces has been proven to correlate to more environmentally friendly behaviours.

Recycle properly

Contamination of kerbside recycling bins is a big issue.

For example, pizza boxes with grease on them cannot be recycled but they can be composted at home.

Educate yourself about what can be recycled, familiarise yourself with packaging labels, and if in doubt, throw it out to avoid inundating the recycling system.

Set up solar power

Australians are among the biggest up-takers of solar energy, with one in four households going solar. It’s a simple and effective step to making any home carbon neutral.

There are also government subsidies to help the transition

Track your trash

Keep a record of every plastic wrapper, paper, bottle and anything else you toss for a week.

You’ll start to see patterns and identify areas for change.

Upcycle

Use discarded items and clothing to create something new.

Vegan nights

Meat and dairy account for 15 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Consider having a plant-based food day once or twice a week and some meat free days.

• Plant curious: How to find a plant-based diet to suit you

Water bottles

An estimated one million plastic bottles are sold every minute, with the majority ending up in landfill.

You can help by using a reusable water bottle.

Xeriscaping

Landscape your garden with a focus on plants and designs that require minimal water.

Youth education

“It’s good to expose kids to what’s good for the planet because when kids learn about nature and connect with it themselves, then they’re more likely to protect it,” Lisa says.

Zero waste

Challenge yourself to live waste-free for a day, or if you’re committed, try a year.

If you want to go for zero, research tips online and familiarise yourself with reduce and refuse principles.

For more practical health and eco-living advice, pick up your free March edition of Wellness+ at your local Chemist Warehouse.