We all know we should be trying to live more sustainably but what can we do about it ? Here are some ideas to help.

In your laundry:

• Only use your washing machine when you have a full load.
• Consider making your next washing machine a minimum 4A-rated front loader to be more energy and water efficient.
• Use the suds-saver cycle option if available on your machine.
• If you have an old top-loader, it's easy to re-use the rinse water from your last wash as the wash water for the next. True, buckets can get heavy, but how much is that gym membership costing you?
• Grey water is great for the lawn, and many cleaning jobs. Soapy water can provide effective protection against aphids and other garden pests, but take care with the choice and quantity of laundry detergent (or make your own!) Use of grey water on edible produce is not generally advised.
• Except for really dirty workwear, wash your clothes in cold or warm water. You will be amazed how little the colours will fade.
• Dry your clothes on the clothes line rather than in the dryer.

In your kitchen:

• Don't leave a tap running while rinsing dishes (see bathroom above).
• Using cold water to rinse dirty dishes saves energy, but since hot water does a better job...
• Re-use hot water from your cooking to rinse pans and plates.
• Save washing up until it's worthwhile filling the sink, only use dishwashers if you have a full load.
• Only put as much water in the kettle as you need.
• Install a hot water unit that is the correct size for your needs.
• If possible install an energy efficient hot water system (e.g. solar). Hot water can account for up to half an average household’s energy use!

In your garden:

• You can still water the garden if using rainwater or grey-water
• Always use a broom to clean paths, driveways and paved areas.
• Purchase drought tolerant native plants from the local native nursery to plant in your garden. Rebates are available.
• Use mulch and add organic material such as compost to the soil to help the soil retain moisture.
• Wash the car on the grass (with your grey-laundry water) to water your lawn at the same time.

Lighting
Did you know that 90% of the energy used by incandescent (normal) light globes is given off as heat. Not what you want on a hot summer night!

• Install energy efficient light globes. Compact fluorescent lights fit a conventional light socket, use 1/5 of the electricity of ordinary globes and last up to 8 times longer. 
• Maximise the use of natural light.
• Switch off lights when not in use or when you leave a room.
• Use timers or sensors on outdoor lights.

Insulation and Draught Control
An insulated home is an energy smart home, keeping your home warm in winter and cool in summer.

• Insulate the ceiling and walls of your home.
• Seal gaps around windows and doors to reduce heat loss or gain.
• Keep curtains or blinds closed in summer or shade your windows from the sun. In winter leave windows facing the sun uncovered to minimise the need for heating systems.

Appliances

• Standby mode can account for up to 12% of a households energy use.
• Switch off appliances such as the TV, VCR, DVD and computer when not in use.
• If you are using a computer but leaving it temporarily, turn the monitor off while you are away.

Green Power

• Switch to Green Power and have your electricity supplied from renewable energy sources.

Transport

• Try using your motor vehicle as little as possible. Plan ahead to combine your errands into one trip.
• Try to avoid using your vehicle during times of high road congestion.
• Use public transport whenever you can.
• Car pool with family and friends.
• Choose a more energy efficient model as your next car.
• Walk or cycle for short trips near home.
• Using your own energy for transport will improve your fitness and wellbeing, and reduce pollution. You will save money, your car will last longer and retain its value.

You can also reduce the amount of waste you produce, and reduce the environmental impact of your purchases.
 
Improve your purchases

• Reducing your dietary intake of animal products, highly processed food, and food sourced from outside of the local area.
• Buy goods with recycled packaging, and which are made of materials which can be recycled by you.
• Consider purchasing services rather than goods.

Reduce
Did you know that the average Australian produces more than 10 times their body weight in garbage each year?
And that every year Australians throw away 6.9 billion plastic bags. If these bags were all tied together they would stretch around the world 37 times!
To reduce your waste:

• Say no to plastic bags. Take re-usable bags with you when going shopping.
• Grow your own fruit and vegetables.
• More than 50% of waste thrown away by the average Australian is made up of food scraps or garden waste that can be composted, so purchase a compost bin or worm farm and start composting today! Council rebates are available.
• Buy green. Purchase products that have less packaging or packaging that can be recycled or made from recycled materials.
• Hire, share or borrow items rather than buying.

Reuse
Did you know that of the 10 million tonnes of waste thrown away each year, more than half could potentially be reused?

• Reuse containers to store objects around the house or in the garage.
• Give unwanted items to charity or your local secondhand shop.
• Reuse old timber.
• Use composted food and garden waste to fertilise your garden.

Recycle
Did you know that only 1/3 of the waste produced by Australians is being recycled at present?
Every week you can save approximately 3 kg of greenhouse gas by recycling your waste.
Reduce waste to landfill:

• Recycle all paper products. Every tonne of paper recycled saves almost 13 trees!
• Recycle all plastic and glass bottles, containers, cartons, aluminum cans and other recyclable material.
• Recycle the corks from your wine and champagne bottles. Contact Guides Australia for more information.

• Recycle your mobile phone and phone batteries. Old mobiles and batteries can be returned to major phone retailers.
• Recycle your printer, fax or photocopier cartridges at Australia Post.  More information at www.planetark.com/cartridges and www.recyclingnearyou.com.au
• Recycle your whitegoods, scrap metal, timber, tyres, containers and packaging. These items can be dropped off at your local Recycling and Waste Disposal Centre.
• Recycle or resell all old or outdated computer equipment.