Sustainability Tips

Residents share their tips for saving and re-using resources at home and in the garden.

Rose Food

Chop up banana skins and dig into soil around roses. This promotes both growth and flowers.

Make soap last longer

Purchase hand soap well in advance. The older the soap gets, the harder it becomes and the longer it lasts. This reduces the amount of chemicals going into drains and is good for your budget.

Baking paper

Baking paper (e.g. glad bake not grease proof) can be re-used. Simply wash it in mild soapy water, rinse and hang it out to dry.

Garden

Bury used tea bags in your hanging baskets and pot plants to retain water - eventually they break down and form compost.

Washing your clothes

Wash your clothes in cold water.

Wait until you have a full load of clothes to wash before using the washing machine.

Saving power

When you are not using them, switch off appliances at the wall that use up stand-by power such the TV, VCR, computer, radio - but not appliances that have a clock on which you rely turn off lights when you leave a room.

Packaging

One third of domestic waste in Australia is made up of packaging material ... so when buying small items like a pair of shoes, take your own bag and say 'no' to the box.

Environment-friendly cleaning products

Detergents with no or little phosphorous are better for the environment because phosphorous increases nutrient loads in rivers causing harm to animals and plants.