| Try
these ideas to get you
started… |
| |
| Choose
energy saving solutions
Use energy saving bulbs,
insulate your ceiling
and under floor, and install
thermal blinds or curtains
with pelmets. Buy appliances
with a good 'energy star'
rating and if you are
building or renovating,
consider installing solar
hot water heating. Find
out more about our subsidised
insulation service. |
| |
| Conserve
water Have shorter
showers and get a low
flow showerhead. Set up
a rain tank or rain barrels
to collect water for your
garden or toilet/laundry.
These can easily be hidden
under decks or along the
side of the house. Choose
dishwashers and washing
machines with a good 'water
star' rating. Our Water
Wise Up programme
could help you too. |
| |
| Reduce
waste Remember
the 3 'R's' - reduce,
reuse and recycle. Avoid
plastic bags by shopping
with reusable cloth bags.
Separate out your rubbish
- you'll be surprised
how little needs to go
to landfill. Put glass,
metal, plastic containers
and paper out for recycling.
Kitchen scraps should
never go into your household
rubbish bin. See our display
of working compost, worm
and bokashi
bins here at the
Centre. |
| |
| Green
your backyard by
growing your own veges,
planting fruit trees instead
of ornamentals or creating
a 'food forest'. For ideas
and inspiration come and
take a walk around the
garden at the
Centre, visit our
eco library, attend a
permaculture gardening
workshop
or join our biodynamic
organic gardening group
by calling us today. |
| |
| Building
or renovating?
Think green and consider
using materials that are
kinder to the environment
and safe for your family.
Consider a natural kitchen
made of sustainably harvested
timber, natural paints
that don't release chemical
vapours or timber flooring
alternatives that smell
faintly of citrus! Attend
one of our regular Eco
Building or Green Architecture
workshops. |
| |
| Smart
Shopping No more
excuses, there are countless
products available today
that can help you start
the journey towards sustainability.
Some simple rules of thumb… |
- Source locally produced
goods wherever possible.
A good place to start
is your local farmers
market.
|
- If this isn't always
possible choose Fairtrade
goods so the producers
get a good deal too.
|
- Choose non-toxic
cleaning products.
|
- Buy less by starting
a vege/herb garden
- if you're pressed
for space, plant in
large pots or troughs.
Swap produce with
your neighbours.
|
| Transport
Try and reduce short trips
in the car. Dust off your
bike and get some exercise
at the same time. Consider
catching public transport
to work or at least car
pooling or ride sharing.
|
| |
