Habitat
‘Australians spend more money to power home audio products when on standby than when actually in use.’ (E6)
Do you want to start instantly saving $?
Habitat is your natural environment – the home, the garden and the office. This is not rocket science, but with an increased awareness, habits can be modified to save money, save the environment, make yourselfhealthier and happier living in a more sustainable Habitat. There are general areas of sustainability including energy, water, waste and recycling, but then there is the effect on our health as well.
At home, there are a number of aspects to consider: food manufacturing and packaging, food production, white goods, chemicals in cleaning and personal products, the car, ventilation, the garden and plants. Make a start. Buy fresh local produce in season, eat less processed food, go organic, buy free-range or organic animal products, avoid gm foods, avoid high mercury fish, eat less meat – introduce meatless monday to help improve your personal Health in addition to the Health of the planet, and reusing grey water will gradually add up.
In the garden, be aware that pesticides and fertilisers leach into the soil and water ways. Plant trees and native plants to improve the local ecosystem, put a no junk mail sticker on the letterbox, get a veggie patch for fresh tasty produce, keep chickens for fresh eggs and use compost or a worm farm for scraps. When you’re in the car don’t speed and stop idling to save petrol, pump up tyres, have it serviced regularly, lighten the load, reduce aircon/heat use, use the boot instead of the roof, wash car on the lawn, don’t put motor oil down drain, keep a rubbish bag in the car, wash mud and debris off your vehicle and tyres.
In the office, there are the benefits of emails, double sided printing, using one sided printing for note paper, recycling paper, turning off monitors and laptops to save energy. Use mugs and glasses instead of plastic or polystyrene, dispose of cigarette butts in the bin, consciously select transport and then educate colleagues.
When you’re out WANDERING use refillable water containers, recycle rubbish, don’t litter, dispose of cigarette butts in the bin. Order a jug of tap water instead of bottled water, get beer on tap, go organic, remove litter you find, don’t remove natural environment, stick to paths. Pay attention to local warnings. Obey fire bans, find out which fish you can catch, avoid wearing excess skin products and sunscreen when swimming as it washes into the waterways and pass your knowledge on.
Becoming aware and making a single change is the greatest first step to take. Then get more informed and get active about it, create a better Habitat for everyone.
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INTERESTED IN MORE? Then check these out…
(for more Books or Websites just click the link)
Greeniology: How to Live Well, be Green and Make a Difference
www.whatcouldibuy.com.au
www.naturalform.com.au
www.ecoshop.com.au
www.ecofoot.org
www.farmersmarkets.org.au
www.meatlessmonday.org
The AeroGarden
Home & Garden Magazines
Back2Basics…start slowly find one change that resonates with you and commit to changing just that one. Once it’s mastered move onto a second, a third and so on. And consider alternative ways of doing things. Reduce, reuse and recycle.
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Looking for ARTICLES & BLOG POSTS? Then check these out…
What to Plant in Spring (September 2010)
The House Book (Book of the Month – September 2010)
10 Thing to Organise your Home this Spring! (September 2010)
