Sustainable Future

 

Small lifestyle changes can make a big difference to our planet. Sustainable living means thinking about where the products and services that you buy or use come from, where waste goes, and what impact your consumption of products and services has on other humans and other species. Below is a list of tips to help you start living sustainably at home.

Council encourages its residents to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle. We aim to lead by example by actively reducing our energy use and through the procurement of 100% renewable energy for all of Councils sites from the 1st July 2022. Council is also improving the efficiency of existing operations and has invested in the upgrade of equipment and buildings to reduce electricity costs and minimise Council's carbon footprint.

Small lifestyle changes can make a big difference to our planet. Here are a few tips to help you start living sustainably at home.

Reusable nappies

• Transition to reusable nappies. Read our guide on how to get started.
  

Energy Saving Tips

Things you can do now:

• Switch to GreenPower
  

• Switch off lights, appliances and equipment (at the powerpoint) when they’re not needed

• Install energy-efficient LED light globes

• Insulate, draught-seal and shade windows to reduce your homes heating and cooling needs

• Cut hot water usage by installing water-efficient showerheads, taking shorter showers and using cold water when washing clothes

• Switch off your second fridge except when you really need it, or get rid of it altogether
  

• Dry your clothes on the clothes line 
  

Things you can do in the future:

• Buy energy efficient appliances

• Install ceiling insulation

• Install a solar hot water system
  

• Buy a fuel-efficient car

 Water Saving Tips

Things you can do now:

• Turn the tap off when you are brushing your teeth or shaving rather than leaving the tap on.
• Wash vegetables and rinse dishes in a plugged sink, not under a running tap.
• Use a microwave, steam or pressure cooker to cook vegetables. This retains more flavour and uses less water than boiling.
• Wait for a full load before you wash your clothes or the dishes.
• Prevent taps from leaking by turning them off tightly and replacing washers as soon as they begin to leak. You can also install flow restrictors or tap aerators to reduce your tap’s water use.
• Install a water efficient showerhead. The shower can be one of the biggest uses of water in your home, and easy to reduce using a water efficient showerhead.
• With the correct planning, plant selection, soil improvement and mulching you can create a garden that requires minimal water and maintenance.

Things you can do in the future:

• Buy water efficient appliances

• Install a water efficient toilet

• Install a rainwater tank

• Install a greywater system

 Waste Reduction Tips

Things you can do now:

• Transition to reusable nappies. Read our guide on how to get started.
  

• Replace single-use plastic items for more sustainable alternatives.

• Buy recycled products when you shop

• Divert garden and food wastes from landfill by composting

• Minimise waste of packaging and materials – refuse, reduce, reuse and recycle

• Take your own bag when you shop. Refuse plastic bags or ask for a cardboard box.

Things you can do in the future:

• Dispose of hazardous waste properly

• Start a worm farm
  

 Travel Smart Tips

Things you can do now:

• Use your car less by planning trips so you combine several things on each trip
• Make a call, email or text and replace the drive
• Walk, ride a bike or use public transport to work, school and the shops
• Driving your car more effectively will save you money and reduce the amount of pollution your car generates
• Consider car pooling or car sharing
• Offset your car’s emissions

Things you can do in the future:

• Buy an electric or hybrid vehicle

Council has a range of videos to assist with sustainable living on topics ranging from insulation to efficient hot water tanks.