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Page Last Updated:
Monday, 19 January 2009 |
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Home>Top 12 Actions
| There are many simple, free and often inexpensive actions that you can take at home to reduce your energy and water usage, waste generation, create a more sustainable garden and increase biodiversity.
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 | Travel green by minimising car trips. Walk, cycle and catch public transport, especially for short trips. Service your car regularly and check tyre pressure. | | Switch your electricity to Green Power and reduce greenhouse gas emissions with electricity made from accredited and new renewable sources (wind, solar, mini hydro and biomass). Visit the Green Power website for more details. | | Heat efficiently - only heat the rooms you are using to 18-21°C. Use insulation, block drafts and cover windows. | | Save Water - Use AAA showerheads. Install a rain water tank connected to your toilet for flushing. | | Protect our creeks and waterways by ensuring that no chemicals, detergents, soil or organic matter enters storm water drains. Pick up litter and report litterers. | | Garden Sustainably - mulch your garden and water wisely. Select plants that prosper with low water, especially natives. Get a FREE copy of the Sustainable Gardening booklet for your local council. Darebin Banyule Whittlesea | | Compost food and garden waste or use a worm farm - Reduces waste and is great for your garden. For more information visit Darebin's information site Compost, Mulch and Worm Farms
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| Buy green and reduce waste - buy only what you need, choose products that are environmentally sound and made to last. Grow your own food. Avoid disposables and excess packaging. | | Provide a home for native birds and animals by planting indigenous (locally native) plants in your garden. Avoid ‘garden escapees’. | | Be a responsible pet owner - keep your cat indoors and protect native animals. Only let dogs off the lead in ‘off-lead’ areas and always pick up dog faeces. Visit Responsible Pet Ownership or your council website for more details. Banyule Whittlesea Darebin | | Keep our air clean - Minimise car use. Avoid the use of open fires. If using wood heaters only burn dry, untreated plantation wood and avoid smouldering. | | Get involved with a local environmental community group and subscribe to: | | Sustainability News - Darebin Council’s free environmental newsletter for residents. Ph: (03) 8470 8405. | | The Green Wrap - Banyule Council’s free environmental newsletter for residents. Ph: (03) 9457 9828. | | Enviro News - Whittlesea Council’s free environmental newsletter for residents. Ph: (03) 9217 2195.
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| More Sustainable Tips | | If you would like more tips on what you can do to make your home sustainable, register and attend our Sustainable Homes Program.
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| Further Information | | For more information about what you can do to make your home sustainable contact:
Emily Physick
Sustainable Homes Coordinator
Ph: (03) 8470 8373
Email: Emily@sustainablehomes.vic.gov.au
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