You can make small changes around the home that will help you be more environmentally conscious and may also help you save money.
Every little bit counts, so here are five ways to start making an impact in your home.
Five ideas to make every day more sustainable
Making your life more sustainable doesn’t need to be a big change. Little changes can help save more than you think.
1. Swap light bulbs
Light bulbs have gotten smarter and more efficient. Switching to LED light bulbs is a simple solution that could help reduce your energy bill. LEDs use about 75% less energy than halogen light bulbs and last 5 to 10 times longer. And if you’re less likely to replace them, this reduces the number of bulbs ending up in the landfill.
LED bulbs tend to be a little more expensive, but considering they last longer and use less energy, this is a small hurdle to jump and will save you money in the long run. Plus, in some states, upgrading to LED lighting is supported by government rebates. Check your state government's energy website for the most up-to-date rebate information.
2. Replace old appliances
Replacing appliances can help reduce your power bills and your environmental impact. Newer appliances are more efficient than older appliances, particularly models ten years or older.
Of course, we’re all prone to holding onto things like fridges and washing machines if they still work. But after a few unexpected bills, they could be more trouble than they’re worth – make sure you check the energy star rating when you buy, too – more stars mean more efficiency over the long run.
3. Grow produce from your garden
Growing your fruit and vegetables sounds like a big job, especially if you don’t have a green thumb, but you don’t need to landscape your whole yard to fit a supermarket-sized veggie pile: you can start as small as a pot on the window sill with a few choice herbs.
We’ve all bought herbs from the supermarket that have wilted in the fridge before they’ve had the opportunity to add flavour to your next super-dish. Having a few plants that grow quietly and will be there when you need them means you can get all the flavour you need with less hassle and waste.
4. Compost
Composting is a great way to keep your garden healthy and reduces the rubbish taken to landfill.
And it’s simple. Get a plastic compost bin, set it up in a sunny spot near your garden, collect any plants and vegetables you would usually throw in the bin and put them into the compost. Once it’s done, you can get it into the garden and start saving on water – among its many benefits, compost improves soil structure, helping with water retention.
5. Ride a bike to work
The commute can be a drag for many – nobody likes to be stuck in traffic or wedged between two people on a crowded train – but getting on your bike can have both sustainability and fitness benefits.
Bike riding is a pollution-free mode of transport, and Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads suggests cycling 10km each way to work every day could save up you about $1,700 per year in transport costs (including all running costs and depreciation). Getting fit and saving cash with minimal impact on the planet? It’s a no-brainer.
Want more tips to be environmentally conscious at home?
Here are some easy ways to make a difference at home.
