10 Easy Steps Towards Sustainable Living

More people than ever before are concerned about the environmental and social implications of our modern lifestyles. With the majority of world scientists in agreement about climate change and governments scrambling to find a way to combat the problem, it is little wonder that an increasing number of Australians are taking matters into their own hands and going green.

Sustainability: People + PlanetSo we thought we’d put together our 10 tips to help you live a more sustainable lifestyle:

1. Reduce

According to the Living Planet Report 2014, Australia’s ecological footprint is 6.25 global hectares (gha – the area of land required to sustain consumption and waste) per person. To put this into perspective, the average global footprint sits at just 2.6 gha. Reducing your footprint starts by being mindful of consumption and waste. You can also:

2. Reuse

Australia is the second most wasteful society after the United States, with 650 kgs of waste per person sent to landfill each year. Reusing items such as glass jars and bottles helps to reduce waste. Purchase products that can be refilled such as printer cartridges and soap dispensers. Before throwing away an item, ask yourself: Can it be reused? Can it be fixed? Can it be refilled?

Ian Riley

3. Recycle

Avoid dumping recyclable items into the trash. Paper, cardboard, some plastics and aluminium cans can all be recycled. However mobile phones can also be recycled as well as printer cartridges. Always check the label for the recycled symbol as this will give you a good indication of what can be recycled.

4. Less is more

Achieving a sustainable lifestyle means buying a bit less of everything. Before any purchase, ask yourself if you really need it. If you do need to purchase an item, search for eco-friendly and socially responsible options. If there are none available, purchase a reputable item that is well-made and built to last.

5. Choose organic

Buying organic produce (food grown without the use of fossil fuel based fertilisers) is a more sustainable way of eating. Unlike conventional farming, organic farming also focuses on the underlying health of the soil which means that biodiversity and the environment is respected.

Organic Farm Produce

Photo credit: Andy Roberts

 

6. Go meatless

Livestock (cattle, sheep and chicken) account for more than half of agricultural use and is the second largest source of greenhouse gases behind the energy sector. Grazing livestock also ruin the natural environment by compacting soil with their hoofs and trampling native vegetation. Eating less meat reduces our dependence on this resource-intensive industry. If you need more inspiration on going meatless, check out the Meat Free Mondays campaign.

Meatless Mondays

Photo credit: Cameron Hindmarsh

7. Cook smart

An average Australian household uses enough energy to generate about a tonne of emissions a year; a large household generates two tonnes – just from cooking alone. Minimise energy (and greenhouse gas emissions) by using efficient cooking methods such as:

  • Reusing hot water
  • Putting lids on pots
  • Using a fan forced oven as it is 35% more efficient than conventional ovens
  • Thawing before cooking
  • Reduce amount of household waste by buying smarter, composting and recycling

An even more sustainable option is not to cook, but to eat raw foods.

Preparing an organic raw salad

8. Detox your home

The average Australian home contains many fossil fuel based synthetic chemicals that is hazardous to the environment when disposed and can pose a health risk. From paints, polish, nail polish, deodorant sprays, hairsprays, cleaning products, glues, and oils, there could be at least 300 synthetic chemicals just in your home. Whenever possible, switch to natural products. Not only is it more sustainable, it is less toxic to your health.

9. Switch to renewables & re-chargeable

Get solar panels on the roof of your house. Invest in solar water heating. Go the extra cost and purchase rechargeable batters. Don’t forget to get yourself a solar powered mobile phone charger!

10. Be car independent

Transport contributes 16% of Australia’s greenhouse gases with light vehicles accounting for the largest share as Australian private car ownership is high and more people are using their cars for short trips. More sustainable options include:

  • Cycling to work
  • Walking to work
  • Using public transport
  • Carpooling with colleagues
  • purchasing sustainable and efficient car such as the Prius
Cycling

Photo Credit: Dodo.org

These may seem like small lifestyle changes but they can have a significant impact. We’d love you to share this list with your friends and family and help them jump on board Team Green. If you have any other tips we’d love to hear (read) them so make sure to leave a comment.

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