Sustainable living is not just a personal choice or a lifestyle; it’s more of a commitment to the well-being of our planet and better future for ourselves and generations to come.
Each small step we take today, whether it’s just reducing waste or saving energy or consuming things ethically, they all resonate with bigger impacts later. So, let us choose wisely what we do today– for our children, for our planet, and for the shared legacy that we will leave behind. Here are some easy ways to start your sustainable journey today.
Make your home energy efficient by switching to LED lighting options
Consider energy ratings when purchasing new appliances
Get a home energy audit done.
Sign up for renewable energy or green power
Install solar panels and batteries if possible. If you need help figuring out what solar option is best for you, book in for a consultation with the SunSPOT Community Help Desk.
Check for insulation in your home, especially around doors and windows where heating or cooling can seep out. You can check your home yourself by borrowing a Home Energy Efficiency Kit from the Wagga Wagga City Library
Consider orientations when building new properties, usually north facing is the best
Get glass doors and windows tinted
Choose bright colours for your exterior roof and walls
Avoid natural gas and choose electric options
Replace old appliances that have come to their end-of-life with energy efficient ones
Choose weather appropriate clothing instead of turning on your heating or cooling system
Use cold water for laundry
Line dry your clothes instead of using a dryer
Avoid small loads of washing for clothes and dishes
Turn your lights, fans and aircon off when you leave a room or leave the house
Make use of natural light before switching the lights on
Avoid single use plastic bags, opt for reusable shopping bags
Use cloth napkins/towels instead of paper napkins/towels
Reduce use of (or Reuse) plastic takeaway containers
Take shorter showers, usually 4 mins or less is recommended
Use water saving outlets like showerheads, faucets, and hoses
Turn off the sink when you are brushing your teeth
Use an organic/bamboo toothbrush
Opt for reusable cups, plates, straws, avoid single use plastic
Reuse and repurpose glass jars
Avoid unnecessary purchases. Think before you buy things
Newspaper and vinegar are better at cleaning glasses
Sign up and go paperless for your bills and invoices
Reuse your grey water (water from the washing machine, dishwasher etc) where possible
Wash vehicles on lawns instead of cement
Sign up for rainwater harvesting and use rainwater for your gardening needs
Choose to invest in LED festive lights
For more information visit the following webpages:
Grow your own fruit and vegetables if possible
Buy local produce, i.e: farmers markets, local butchers, local bakeries etc.
Buy loose fruits and vegetables (avoid packaging)
Compost your food and garden waste or add it to FOGO bins
Use organic fertilizers
Go meat free (at least once a week)
Reduce dairy intake or look for alternatives
Eat food that’s seasonal, food that is imported uses transport to reach you, and therefore creates emissions
Consume sustainably sourced seafoods
Reduce food waste by being conscious of how much food you purchase
Avoid buying bottled drinks, instead carry a water bottle and refill it at water stations
Check if you are disposing of your waste correctly by visiting our Household Waste Guides
Opt for carpooling to work, school and sport
Avoid unnecessary travel, i.e: if you have to go out to get groceries, run other errands at the same time
Use public transport wherever possible
Use bicycles for commuting, or walk wherever possible
Invest in electric or low emission vehicles if you are planning on purchasing a new vehicle
Hire an e-bike if available in your town/city
Consider active travel over short distances
Take trains and buses rather than flights. Flights have double the emissions of land vehicles
Get involved in carbon offset programs if you have to fly.
Use portable solar power banks when you travel
Switch to eco-friendly search engines like Ecosia
Avoid unnecessary printing
Print double sided where possible
Work remotely whenever possible
Do virtual meetings instead of travelling
Invest your super funds in environmentally conscious companies
Turn off your dual monitor when not in use
Turn your computer off while you leave the office
Scan all your paper documents and use cloud-based storage systems for storing
Use your phone, tablet or computer for note taking
Collect scrap paper in a tray
Add small pot plants to your desk - oxygen creators
Check out our Commercial Waste Services webpage
Spend more time outdoors rather than indoors using electricity
Adopt a minimalist mindset that will reduce the resources you use
Borrow books from library rather than purchasing them. Visit the Wagga Wagga City Library and sign up for free.
Donate or sell your used clothing, devices and equipment rather than send them to landfill
Repair and reuse things rather than replacing them
Buy in bulk if you are going for groceries and need large quantities
Opt for reading e-books or listening to audiobooks and podcasts rather than choosing for paper copies. The Wagga Wagga City Library has a range of free online resources, visit the eLibrary.
Avoid changing your devices until they have reached their end-of-life
Purchase clothing from op-shops and charities if possible
Choose sustainable fashion. Avoid purchasing from fast-fashion brands that use low cost, low quality materials and production
E-waste recycling programs can help you manage your e-waste. Learn what you can recycle at our Community Recycling Centers.
Choose your cosmetics consciously. Chose those that use vegan and natural ingredients and that do not test on animals
Opt for reusable menstrual products. Rebates are available for eligible purchases via our Reusable nappy and menstrual product rebate webpage.
Switch to environmentally friendly or reusable nappies. There are rebates available for to cover part of the cost of reusable nappies. Visit our Reusable nappy and menstrual products rebate webpage to learn more.
Choose biodegradable baby wipes
Pass on your unwanted baby clothes family or friends
Teach children ecofriendly and sustainable habits
Buy used toys and choose toys made from natural materials
Use reusable nursing pads
Make your own baby food
Choose to breastfeed if possible. It will save the need for the manufacture, packaging and transporting of baby formula
Avoid over-purchasing toys and clothes for children
Make your own baby food using fresh produce, rather than purchasing packaged store-bought baby food
Adopt pets rather than buying from breeders. There are heaps of orphaned pets at the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter looking for their forever homes. See who is available via the Find a Pet webpage.
Use biodegradable bags to collect faeces or use paper if possible
Choose non-beef foods for your pets
Consider pet toys options and make sure that they are made from biodegradable materials
Keep your pet indoors so they are not a threat to the wildlife outside.
Use recyclable or eco-friendly wrapping paper
Use reusable gift wrapping (Furoshiki - a traditional Japanese art of using patterned fabric is a fun way to wrap gifts)
Gift a plant
Create your own DIY décor with eco-friendly materials than buying from stores
Be mindful of buying gifts. Gift items that are practical and can be used more than once
Gift an experience rather than an item, such as tickets to a show at the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre
Volunteer for your local organisations, clubs and groups that contribute to sustainable community e.g., community gardening
Make donations to causes that are working for environmental conservation and sustainability
Participate in community events like tree planting, clean up campaigns etc to show your solidarity for a common cause