The following tips will help you to achieve this goal.
Small steps
Consider freezing your leftovers in re-usable containers to avoid waste
Reusing leftovers reduces your food waste and your food bill. Leftovers can also be a quick alternative to takeaways.
Reduce your rubbish and choose concentrates and refills, or buy in bulk
This reduces the amount of packaging that needs to be recycled and will save you money.
Drink tap water instead of buying bottled water
Bottled water costs you money and you're left with plastic bottles which need to be recycled. If you don't like you tap water consider purchasing a water filter. It will end up being cheaper in the long-run.
Think about things you can re-use — old envelopes, gift-wrap, glass jars etc
Reusing items cuts down on the number of new things you need to purchase and reduces the amount of waste you produce.
Think about the food you buy — reduce food waste and only buy what you need
Make a list, buy in bulk, buy only what you need and cook at home.
Ask yourself if you really need to buy new household items
Do you have something you could re-use or repair, or could you borrow things from friends or family?
Know what you need and what suits you when you go shopping for clothes
This helps you avoid impulse buying and can save you money.
Freeze leftovers and meals you don’t want to eat right away
This will help you to avoid wasting food, and means you can have a healthy meal available for those busy days when you don’t have time to cook.
Bake your own food and save on packaging
Baking your own bread, cakes and biscuits is a great way to reduce rubbish from packaging.
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.
Consider attending a Sustainable Living course
Sustainable Living courses are offered throughout the country and provide practical methods and tips to living sustainably in your home. Some of the topics include: transport, organic gardening, saving water and shopping choices. To find out more, and where your closest course is visit
Sustainable Living evening courses and introductory workshop sessions.
Try making your own cleaning products
Save money, reduce the harmful chemicals in your home, and reduce your rubbish by making your own cleaning products. Most are made from simple ingredients such as white vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice.
Buy good quality clothing that will last
This might cost more initially but will save you money in the long run.
Try refashioning your clothes by adding a trim or accessorising
It’s a fun activity and by giving your clothes a new lease on life you might find that you don’t need to spend money buying more.
If you need more clothes why not try shwopping, op-shopping or second hand shopping?
You can find some really nice clothes and save money. Re-using clothing also prevents it being sent to a landfill.
Make your clothes last longer
Check for moths, mend your clothes, avoid excessive washing and use your washing line instead of the dryer which can be harsh on clothes. These actions will help make your clothes last longer. Using the washing line also helps save money on your power bill.
