How to reduce your ecological footprint

Published on 23 February 2021

Per capita, Australia has one of the largest ecological footprints in the world.

Over half of that comes from residential use - the average household emits 14 tonnes of greenhouse gases each year, making up more than 50% of the nation's carbon footprint. Here in the Clarence Valley we want to reduce our resource and energy footprint. To help you get started we've put together a list of simple changes you can make to your daily routine. Plus, they can save you money too.

First it might help to discover your own ecological footprint.

Save energy, lower power bills

Have your air conditioner set between 18-21C in winter and 23-26C in summer
Switch off appliances at the power point when not in use
Install a solar hot water system
Put solar panels on your roof
Purchase green power from your electricity provider
Switch off lights when not in use
Save on heating by closing off rooms you're not using
Wash clothes in cold water
Switch to time-of-use (TOU) metering

Conserve water

Take shorter showers
Fit water efficient taps and showerheads
Install a rainwater tank
Mulch the garden
Select water-efficient appliances

Reduce waste

Use your yellow and green bins
Set up a composting system and/or worm farm at home
Before you buy something, ask yourself if you really need it
Buy products with the least amount of packaging

Eat green

Grow your own food
Buy local produce sold locally - our farmer's markets are a great way to do this
Buy organic where possible

Travel clean

Carpool if possible
Walk or ride a bike when you can
Take advantage of public transport
When buying a new car, consider the fuel efficiency