Resources:
To help you in your sustainability journey we have compiled a list of actions and resources you can do from home in your own time.
Energy and carbon footprint:
- Calculate your own carbon footprint
- Participate in the Brisbane Carbon Challenge
- Switch to low energy lighting and device options
- Learn how much energy your devices use and the cost associated
- Consider a solar hot water system, setting the temperature to 62 degrees
- Consider a solar electric system. Check out Rewire Australia.
- Compost your food waste at home. There are options for all living conditions and Brisbane City Council offers a rebate of $70 to help you set-up your composting system.
- Reduce food waste, do the Save Money, Save Food Challenge and get free support
- Switch to fossil-free banking (e.g. Bank Australia, Bendigo)
- Switch to fossil-free Super (e.g. Future Super, Australian Ethical)
- Switch to a renewables-friendly electricity provider
- Invest in high-quality carbon removal projects.
Water:
- Reduce water run-off on your property by replacing areas with concreate or compacted soils with garden beds
- Build a rain garden
- Build a verge garden. Check Brisbane City Council and The Shady Lanes Project to get your started
- Plant native plants and drought resistant dry rainforest species. Check out Brisbane City Council Free Native Plant Program and visit Paten Park Native Nursery to get you started
- Mulch your garden regularly so that it can retain moisture when it rains
- Plant grasses, trees and bushes as that retain moisture and contribute to cooling of the local micro-climate
- Install a rainwater tank
- Re-use greywater: collect water from your washing machine, shower or bath and use it to water your garden
- Consider water-efficient appliances
Waste:
- Use our handy list to dispose of recyclable items safely
- Follow the waste hierarchy: Avoid, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
- Grow your own food to avoid packaging, waste and transport issues. You can even grow food from scrap!
- Reduce food waste at home
- Fix your broken items and keep them out of landfill by visiting Repair Cafe The Gap
- Borrow tools and equipment through the Brisbane Tool Library
- Avoiding single use items, for example by bringing your own bags for fruit and vegetable purchasing
- Volunteer with Boomerang Bag The Gap or donate some fabric to help divert waste from landfill
- Recycle your drink containers through the Containers for Change Program and save money. You can also donate your containers refund to us by using our Member Number: C10826699
- Recycle more efficiently by using the Brisbane Bin and Recycling app
- For schools, check this handy tips and websites to improve your sustainability.
Environment:
- Plant new trees and request more trees to be planted in your street
- Plant a verge garden. Check Brisbane City Council and The Shady Lanes Project to get your started
- Provide food and shelter for native wildlife by planting native trees and plants. Check out Brisbane City Council Free Native Plant Program and visit Paten Park Native Nursery to get you started
- Reuse and recycle your garden waste
- Volunteer with SOWN or Habitat Brisbane to regenerate local habitat, replenish local seed banks and native seedlings, and educate yourself and others about what grows well in The Gap
- Keeping existing forest and bushland healthy and increasing it is the most efficient way to conservation
- Keeping mature trees in place is the most efficient way for carbon storage.