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Tips for Sustainable Living

There are so many ways in which we can make a difference to our ecological footprint and its not always difficult to do. Below and through the links you will find some ways in which to do things differently.

Composting

Composting is a great way to recycle some of our wastes and return nutrients back to our environment.  Compost bins can be purchased from the Resource Recovery Centre for a cost of $44. The bins are manufactured by Reln, and are neat, compact and great for composting household garden waste. 

See the attached guide on the best way to grow great compost.  

Doing the Shopping 

Do you use plastic bags to pick up your groceries? Did you know that Australians use 6.9 billion plastic bags per year and it is estimated that 50-80 million of these end up in our environment as rubbish. It is also estimated that plastic kills up to one million seabirds, 100,000 sea mammals and countless fish each year world wide. If you can minimise the number of plastic bags you need to use and reuse or recycle them to keep the plastic out of the environment. 

When you shop you can make a difference through the selection of the products that you buy. You can make a difference through the packaging, once use items and where and how they are made. 

• Try to buy only what you need. Marketers are paid well to encourage you to buy and this encourages use of resources.
• Buy in bulk as it reduces the amount of packaging to dispose of.
• Buy local so there has been less transport and you support the local economy
• Buy in recycled / recyclable containers as it limits the amount of waste to be disposed to landfill
• Chose re-usable items over disposable ones (mug, handkerchief, razer, pen)
• Have items repaired or give things away - don't throw them away. There usually is someone else who can use the item.

 Energy smart housing  

New Buildings 

Energy efficient buildings are buildings that through their design, construction and choice of appliances,maximise use of renewable energy sources (such as sunshine), and use less energy more efficiently. They are ‘smart’ because they simultaneously help preserve scarce resources, reduce the level ofgreenhouse gas emissions, and provide significant cost savings to building owners and occupiers.Council has developed a Development Control Plan (DCP)  as part of the growing communitydesire to achieve greater efficiency in energy use. It stems from a general concern about the effects ofgreenhouse gases generated by energy use on the environment and, in particular, global warming. 

The purpose of the DCP is to provide detailed provisions to ensure the energy efficiency of new buildings within the Wingecarribee Shire. The Energy Smart Buildings Development Control Plan 39, can be downloaded from the Development and Planning link on the website.  

Existing Homes

Australian Households spend around $1500 a year on energy and water bills. There is a lot we can do to conserve energy and water in our households. NABERs (National Australian Built Environment Rating System) allows you to find out how energy and water efficient your home is compared to others and to explore simple ways to reduce your energy and water bills. 

Follow the link to www.nabers.com.au and with your water and energy bills calculate your rating out of 5 stars and explore how to make some changes to be more water and energy efficient.This website also has a range of fact sheets covering all sorts of topics regarding being more efficient. 

Simple Ways to Save 

• Switch off items when not in use
• Avoid keeping non-essential electrical appliance switched on
• Only use a clothes dryer when necessary
• Use compact fluorescent lights
• Purchase the highest energy efficiency star rating appliances
• Reduce hot water consumption – wash clothes in cold water, have shorter showers and use a water efficient shower head
• Insulate your home
• When replacing your electric hot water service think about using solar or gas
• Decide what you want from the fridge before opening it
• Save energy by placing the fridge in a cool place and ensure the coils at the back have good air circulation. Keep the door seal in good condition and replace when necessary
• Open a window in the bathroom rather than using the exhaust fan
• Wait until you have a full load in your washing machine (or dishwasher) before using it. This saves water and energy, and reduces the amount of detergent entering the sewerage system
• Most washing machines have a load adjustment button or dial. Set this to match the amount of washing you're doing
• Rinse your dishes in a plugged sink rather than under a running tap

 More simple saving ideas are in the attached guide.

 Green Cleaning 

Natural cleaning or “green cleaning” is a way to clean your home with fewer cleaning products and safe alternatives, producing less waste and reducing the need for harmful chemicals.  Check out the Natural Cleaning guide for your natural cleaning kit and how to green clean or follow the link to for more detailed information on safer solutions. www.tec.org.au/dev/safersolutions   

Worm farming 

Worm farming is a great way to compost food scraps. Worms will eat most of your kitchen waste and turn it into a high-quality fertiliser, which can be added to your garden soil and your potted or indoor plants.You can buy worm farms from a hardware, nursery or your local council or you can make your own. T

he Resource Recovery Centre have worm farms available for $66. The “farms” are sturdy and made by Reln. They are ideal for consuming your unwanted fruit and vegetable scraps and can reduce household waste by up to 20%. 

Live worms are also available at just $33 per 2000 worms. Just the right amount of worms to get you started. The worms are supplied in a manure / paper mulch combination and ready to add to your worm farm.  

See the attached guide for the best way to set up and look after your worms  

Sustainable Gardening 

Not only can we be sustainable in our homes but also in the garden particularly in regards to conserving water. 

• Regularly check your outdoor taps and fixtures for leaks
• A good soaking every now and then with a hand-held hose will help make your lawn more drought resistant by encouraging deeper roots
• Water roots and soil around plants rather than spraying the leaves and flowers
• A drip irrigation system applying water to plant roots, is more effective than spray irrigation and cuts wastage by making sure the water goes only where you need it
• Don’t cut your lawn too short. When mowing, cut only the top third of the leaf area, leaving it three centimetres or higher. You may have to mow more often but it reduces the evaporation of the water in the soil.
• Use deep mulch and add compost to your soil. These add nutrients and help to retain moisture and reduce evaporation
• Watering your garden in the cool of the early morning or in the evening reduces water loss through evaporation
• Use a broom, rake or outdoor blower or vacuum to clean Paths, patios and driveways
• Limit the amount of lawn you have around your house. Natural ground cover is easier to maintain and uses less water
• Choosing local native varieties and other water wise plants attracts wildlife and means less maintenance and watering

Contact details
Wingecarribee Shire Council
02 48 680 888 (ph)
wscmail@wsc.nsw.gov.au

© 2008 Wingecarribee Shire Council
This page: http://www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/environment/1176/3952.html