You‘re probably already nailing the basics. BYOing your coffee cup, refillable water bottle, and toting that reusable shopping bag every time you pop to the shops. But it’s really normal to wonder what else you could be doing.
Here are six other steps we can each take today to leave a lighter footprint. If we all do the little everyday things, they’ll add up to make a difference to our future.
Apart from Antarctica, Australia is the driest continent in the world. And we use a lot of water! In our homes, the biggest water-users are toilets, showers, taps and washing machines.*
Five changes that'll help save water:
To help reduce waste and pollution, it helps to think a little bit more like Marie Kondo and only buy things that 'spark joy'. Conscious consumption starts with shopping mindfully. For example:
Transport is a big part of the carbon footprint of the foods we eat. If you can, go for locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables over imported packaged foods. These seasonal items are probably easier on your wallet, and better for your health. Not to mention colourful and delicious.
Your food scraps can even become new soil for growing more food. Worm farms, Bokashi systems and home compost are just a few ways to give nutrients back to the earth, rather than sending them to landfill where they won’t decompose naturally. If space (or smell) is an issue, look for composting services in your area.
If you haven’t thought about your recycling habits lately, you might find there’s more you can do to recycle, reuse and reduce. These tips from RecyclingNearYou.com.au can help:
As we start to move around more, transport becomes a bigger contributor to our own footprint. Consider saying no to short car trips. Could you catch the bus, ride your bike or even get your steps up? Another thing to consider is when you go on holidays, don’t forget to select the carbon offset option for flights.
If sustainability and responsible investing is important to you, you might want to consider looking into a super fund that offers a sustainable investment option (like us).
Think of it as an investment option that doesn’t cost the planet or your pocket.
Rest’s sustainable investment option is called Sustainable Growth.
*Source: Sydney Water - water wise tips