Seven simple ways you can be more sustainable at home

We’ve all got the memo about climate change, but living sustainably can be overwhelming. We asked experts for some easy but effective changes.

This article was created in partnership with felix Mobile.

In my mind, the word “should” needs to become a swear word. Who’s with me? I should get up earlier. I should start doing yoga. I should call my long-distance friends more often. I should save more money. I should de-clutter my wardrobe. I should get out more. I should be more sustainable at home.

It could go on (and on) forever. Honestly, my to-do list is never-ending even before I start thinking about all the extra things I “should” be doing with my life. And I know I’m not alone. This has been a year like no other. The good thing about making greener choices, at least, is that you can often kill two birds with one stone. Want to cut down on emissions? Want to get fitter? Great, it’s time to start walking or cycling to work. Want to reduce food waste? Want to eat better? Too easy, it’s time to start meal-prepping.

Here are seven simple ideas that will have a big impact on your planet (and your mindset).

1.Make greener consumer choices

Joanna Auburn is a co-founder of Trace, a company that helps individuals and small brands take climate action by measuring your footprint and then helping you offset your emissions. “Offsetting should only be used alongside reduction tactics,” she says. “I believe some of the most powerful ways an individual can make for a greener tomorrow is by reducing their own individual carbon footprint.” This can include things like switching to renewable energy plans, sustainable super funds, and much more. And who knows? If you haven’t looked at your plans for a while, you may even find a better deal along the way.

2.Try package-free beauty products

“Technically, beauty product waste, such as empty shampoo bottles, toothpaste tubes and lipstick dispensers, are recyclable in Australia,” says Tracey Bailey, an environmentalist and founder of a leading eco-retailer called Biome. “However, due to the costs and difficulty of recycling mixed-plastic items, these containers are often discarded in landfill.” She suggests trying alternative products, such as shampoo bars, which you can lather, rinse and repeat just like normal - but without the waste. Combine this with a water-saving shower head, and you can feel extra good every time you bathe.

Washing with a soap bar

3.Actually switch to LED lights

We’ve all been hearing about LED lights for years, but the time has definitely come to make the switch. Lighting consumes about 8-15 per cent of the average household electricity budget in Australian homes, which means switching to a more energy-efficient option is not only good for the environment, but good for your wallet. “LED lights are very long-lasting compared to other lighting, with an average 30,000 hours life expectancy,” says Jason Neophytou, a lifestyle expert at lighting and electrical supplies company HPM. “We use quality components to make our lights even more durable, meaning they are expected to last up to 20 years based on between three and four hours of usage per day.”

4.Look for companies with green initiatives

What do you get from your current mobile provider? Calls? Texts? Data? If you switch to a company like felix Mobile, you can also get a tree planted in your name every month you hold a subscription. This isn’t just a marketing gimmick, it’s actually a core part of the company’s business model. They’re planning to supply 15,000 native seedlings to local nurseries to help with bushfire relief, as part of a broader goal to plant one million trees around the world. It’s also easier to make the switch than you might think - felix Mobile can have your new plan up and running within minutes.

5.Learn about recycling alternatives

Recycling doesn’t start and finish at the yellow bin you wheel to the kerb every week. Lots of everyday items, like disposable razors and coffee capsules, aren’t welcome in normal recycling - but companies like TerraCycle are happy to step in and help. “Don’t contribute to ‘wishcycling’ - that’s when you put something in the recycling bin and hope for the best,” says spokesperson Jen Walker. “You risk contaminating the whole load. Instead, take notice of what the products and packaging you use are made from, and how it should be recycled… chances are there will be another solution.”

Mother teaching her daughter to recycle

6.Cut down on unnecessary waste

This is one for all the ladies out there. Did you know the average woman uses 11,000 disposable feminine hygiene products in her lifetime? They’re convenient, but they come with a huge cost. Kristy Chong, CEO of period underwear brand Modibodi, says the costs of materials, production, and shipping are unacceptable. “Since we launched in 2013, (we’ve) saved millions of garbage bags of waste from ending up in landfill,” she says. “But there is so much more we can do as a collective.”

7.Get your furry friends on board

A survey conducted by pet care brand Rufus & Coco, found that 49 per cent of Australian cat owners had no idea that most cat litters are made from mined clay and crystal. Advocate Anneke van den Broeke says there are lots of ways to make greener choices. “Most pet parents don’t have time to sit around researching products,” she says. “Start with one area of pet care at a time… look at the products you’re using for your pets and consider the alternatives.” Rufus & Coco for example, makes litter from corn, which can be flushed down the toilet. It’s incredibly convenient, plus it adds up over your pet’s life.

If you want to play your part to fight climate change, there are lots of steps you can take today for a greener tomorrow. These aren’t things you “should” add to your maxed-out to-do list. They’re everyday changes you can make to reduce your carbon footprint while potentially getting a better deal, finding a more convenient solution, or generally feeling good about life. It’s never too late to make a change.

This article was created in partnership with felix Mobile.