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