Living in your home
But wait, there's more
Now that you have a stylish, cost effective and environmentally friendly renovation, what more can you do to save money - and the planet? The little things we do as part of our everyday lives can have as big an impact on the environment as our homes, and sometimes much bigger! This is particularly true for transport, especially flying, and what we eat.
In the past few years, the environment has become a much higher priority for the average Australian.
Now that you've taken the steps to renovate your home, this last page includes some tips for living in it which will help you to further reduce your impact on the environment.
Around the house
- Take shorter showers - use a shower timer.
- Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible.
- Turn off appliances at the power switch.
- Set thermostats lower in winter and higher in summer - each degree saves about 10% in energy.
- Fully load washing machines and dish washers.
- Dry your clothes on a line, not in a dryer.
- Turn off your hot water system when you go away.
- Switch off lights when you leave the room, even for for a few minutes.
- Recycle cardboard, paper, glass, plastic and cans.
- Compost food and garden waste at home or through your local council.
- Buy accredited GreenPower.
In the garden
- Use local native plants that don't need much water.
- Minimise use of pesticides.
- Use water wisely - use drip irrigation systems and mulching. Water when it's cool.
- Cover your swimming pool.
Food
- Grow your own vegetables.
- Avoid products that have been transported long distances, especially by air.
- Consider organic food.
Shopping
- Refuse unnecessary packaging.
- Take your own shopping bags.
- Avoid buying things you don't really need.
- Share things you don't use often, like a lawnmower, with your friends or neighbours.
- Buy recycled and recyclable products.
- Buy good quality products with a long life.
Transport
- Walk, cycle or use public transport instead of your car.
- Buy a fuel efficient car that's no bigger than you need.
- Join a car sharing or car pooling scheme.
- Take more holidays close to home - avoid flying long distances.