Sustainable Living

Switching to renewable energy to power your home or business is one positive step to creating a more sustainable future for ourselves and the generations to follow. There are many adjustments you can make to your lifestyle and small everyday choices that can have a significant cumulative flow on effect to the well being of our environment.

Make sustainable choices when you shop

Farmers Market

  • buy local and reduce the distance your products have traveled to get to you
  • buy recycled, it reduces waste but also saves energy and resources in the production process
  • bring your own bag
  • choose your wood based products – from dining chairs to toilet roll – based on its Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) accreditation
  • If you enjoy seafood look for products that have the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) label – it ensures the seafood has come from well-managed sources

Reduce your energy consumption at home

Compact fluoro globe

  • turn off lights, heating, cooling, appliances etc when you are not using them
  • reduce heating usage by closing doors, curtains and blinds in winter
  • insulate walls and ceilings, seal gaps around doors and cracks, and place blinds on westerly facing windows
  • turn off the hot water system before going on long holidays
  • be conscious of energy ratings and buy lights and appliances with high energy ratings
  • before you decide to live in a house be conscious of how its design and orientation affect energy usage and check past power bills

Reduce your waste

Composting

  • buy fresh loose produce and avoid pre-packaged products
  • keep a close reign on your cupboard and refrigerator to avoid food spoiling and store food in sealed containers
  • compost waste food scraps – great for your veggies garden
  • reuse glass and plastic containers
  • make the most of the recycling services of your local area
  • print only if you have to and then reuse paper or print both sides
  • say no to junk mail
  • try reading the news online instead of buying newspapers and magazines especially since most newspapers are just read once

Reduce your carbon emissions through transport

Cyclist

  • reduce the amount you drive your car
  • ride a bicycle whenever possible or use public transport
  • walk more, like to the local shops
  • shop locally and if you drive do fewer, bigger shops or if you walk or ride do more, smaller shops
  • choose holiday destinations closer to home and support local business in the process

New Homes

Sustainable architecture

Building a new home? Consider designing a ‘green home’ that uses a planning and design process that is environmentally responsible and resource efficient. The Australian Government’s guide to environmentally sustainable homes has a wealth of information on new home design, materials, energy and water efficiency http://www.yourhome.gov.au/

Renting your home?

Victorian Smart Renters Guide

You can still make changes to help you save money on your energy consumption and reduce your environmental impact. Environment Victoria has produced a great guide for Sustainable Living Tips For Renters, you can download it here.