25 effortless ways to reduce your carbon footprint

From your house and garden to your shopping cart, these sustainable living tips make it easy to reduce your impact on the planet.

The climate crisis can feel overwhelming at times, but making a difference doesn’t have to be difficult.

Sustainability coach and environmental engineer Laura Trotta says we all have a role to play when it comes to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions to limit global warming.

“Fortunately, many actions you can take to reduce your carbon footprint are really easy.”

Here are 25 of the best hassle-free hacks that have a huge impact,” Laura says.

Around the home

1. Dial down climate control

Every extra degree of heating or cooling increases energy consumption by a whopping 5-10 per cent, so set your thermostat to 18-20C in winter and 25-27C in summer.

2. Be water-wise

Save water by fixing leaky taps, using low-flow faucets and adopting water-saving habits. Laura says taking shorter showers is a powerful way to reduce water consumption.

3. Recycle right

Australians create about 540kg of household waste per person every year. And while we are champion recyclers, the contamination of kerbside recycling bins is still a big issue, so make sure you’re doing it right.

4. Switch to LEDs

Swap traditional incandescent bulbs for LED lights, which use 75 per cent less energy and last up to 10 times longer.

5. Mind the gap

Weatherproofing your home can drastically reduce your energy consumption in winter.

“Seal draughts, insulate, and only heat and cool rooms you’re using,” Laura says.

6. Power down

“Get into the habit of turning off appliances and electronics at the wall when you’re not using them,” Laura says.

At the shops

7. Sustainable fashion

Every Australian sends an average of 23kg of clothing to landfill every year.

You can opt out of the fast-fashion cycle by supporting sustainable labels, buying second-hand and following the “four Rs” – reduce, reuse, recycle and repair.

8. Back mindful brands

Look for eco-friendly packaging and certifications like Fairtrade and support brands committed to reducing carbon emissions.

9. Ditch the plastic

Every year, about 14 million tonnes of plastics end up in the ocean. Do your bit by banning plastic from your shopping cart.

10. Eco-friendly cleaning

Choose eco-friendly cleaning products – or make your own – to reduce waste and the release of harmful chemicals into the environment.

11. Plan ahead

“Use shopping lists and meal planning apps to better plan your meals so you waste less food,” Laura says.

On your plate

12. Plant-powered

Research shows that healthy plant-based diets are much kinder to the planet, so scale back your meat and dairy consumption.

“Switch out a meat-based meal each week for a plant-based meal,” Laura says.

13. Local and seasonal

Transportation accounts for 19 per cent of food emissions, so buy locally grown, seasonal produce.

14. Make meals go further

Food waste creates about 10 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, so use your leftovers or freeze any excess.

15. Eco-conscious storage

Invest in reusable containers and stop using single-use plastic wraps and bags.

Natural beauty

16. Pick your packaging

Choose beauty products with minimal or eco-friendly packaging.

17. DIY beauty

Get creative and make your own natural beauty products using simple ingredients such as coconut oil, honey and aloe vera.

18. Make ethical choices

Animal agriculture is responsible for 13 per cent of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions, so opt for cruelty-free and vegan beauty products.

19. Zero-waste beauty

Use reusable applicators and zero-waste products to reduce packaging and carbon emissions.

20. Eco-friendly ingredients

Choose beauty products with eco-friendly and natural ingredients to lessen your environmental impact.

In the garden

21. Endemic flora

Native plants require less water and are better for the local wildlife.

22. Green canopy

Plant trees around your property to absorb carbon dioxide, provide shade and support local wildlife.

23. Compost magic

Compost your kitchen scraps to reduce the amount of organic waste you send to landfill.

24. Rainwater harvesting

Install a rainwater tank to reduce your reliance on mains water and make the most of this freely available resource.

25. Grow your own

Food production is responsible for one-quarter of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. Growing your own produce will help cut back on food waste, transportation and packaging.

For more tips on green living:

• Going green: A guide to environmentally friendly period products
• Are bioplastics really better for the environment?
• Best ways to store food without wrecking the environment
• Why eco-friendly beauty is the future and how to spot genuine ‘green’ cosmetics

Written by Dimity Barber.