The following tips will help you to achieve this goal.
Small steps
Choose products that display the Environmental Choice tick
These products are designed to have lower environmental impact.
Medium steps
Buy pre-loved furniture, books, clothing and toys
This minimises rubbish and energy use, saves landfill space, generates income for charities and social groups and saves you money. Visit
reducing your rubbish for more information.
Give ‘experiences’ as presents
Massage vouchers, dinners out, and even your time make marvellous presents and don't require any wasteful packaging.
If you're replacing your toilet cistern, install one with a dual flush
Adjust your existing toilet and retrofit it with a 6 litre/3 litre dual flush cistern.
Choose energy efficient appliances — look for the Energy Star label or star rating
Use the
Energy Star website to choose products which use less energy.
Choose durable, non-toxic, efficient building materials
Look for the Environmental Choice tick. These products have been made with the environment in mind. See the
Environmental Choice New Zealand website for details.
Choose water efficient products and appliances
Choose water efficient appliances and products, such as washing machines, dishwashers, shower heads, toilets and taps for your new home. See the
water efficiency rating scheme page for more information.
Consider your travel options when looking for a new home — walking and cycling distance, or near public transport
When looking for a new house, check out places near your workplace, or near a public transport hub – you’ll be able to use the car less if you can walk or take the bus. Check for facilities close to your home, like a supermarket - this can save on grocery shopping trips in the car. Check out the
Smarter Homes website for more information.
Big steps
Choose a water efficient washing machine and/or dishwasher
Using a water efficient washing machine or dishwasher can save you many litres of water per year. Look out for the Water Efficiency Label to help you make smart choices when purchasing these items.
Look for a warm and dry house when buying or renting
Look for things that indicate dampness, like mould or lack of sunlight when
choosing the right house.
Choose a home that makes good use of the sun
North-facing windows get more sun and help heat your home.
Consider buying a more efficient vehicle
When looking for a new car, compare the environmental performance of vehicles - a more efficient car can save you money, and reduce your carbon emissions. Check out the
'choosing the right car' page for more information.
