Small Changes for a More Sustainable Home

We all know it’s important to live more sustainably. While the challenge can sometimes seem overwhelming, small changes to our daily routines can make a big difference.

Here are 5 small changes you can make at home to help the climate - 

COMPOST Compost sequesters carbon from the atmosphere and returns it to the soil. So ensuring your household waste is composted is a serious tool in the battle to save the planet.

If you’re not sure where to start, install a compost bin in the backyard or invest in a worm farm or Bokashi Composting Bin.

RECYCLE Almost everything you have at home can be recycled – paper, newspaper, glass, cans and even plastic. Save and return soft plastics to a collection point at the supermarket, and recycle hard plastics, glass and paper in the council recycling bin. Also look for recycling programs such as Terracycle, where you can drop off items such as batteries, makeup and office waste.

BUY LESS AND BUY SECOND HAND. Every product has an environmental impact at the start and end of its life. So think twice about what you’re bringing into your home and how you can dispose of it thoughtfully. Obviously consuming less helps to reduce your environmental footprint. But also rethink your purchases – could you borrow an item instead of buying? Or look for second-hand items through antique shops, garage sales and websites like Gumtree or eBay.

SHOP LOCALLY. Reduce emissions and packaging by buying local. Buying local food that’s in season requires less energy and materials to grow. Buying local also means you reduce your packaging by bringing your own bags and avoiding the plastic that comes with items that are shipped or couriered.

LOOK AT YOUR ENERGY SUPPLY. Swap your light bulbs to LED ones – they’re 85% more energy-efficient – and switch off devices, appliances and lights when you’re not using them. Installing solar panels can quickly reduce your emissions and often saves money on electricity.