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Contents

Our Human Challenge ................................................................................ 2

Our Ecological Footprint................................................................ 2

What is Sustainability? ............................................................................... 3

Why live Sustainably? .................................................................. 3

The Power of Choice..................................................................... 4

Healthy Living........................................................................................... 5

Personal Care ............................................................................. 6

Chemical free cleaning ............................................................................... 7

Your basic shopping list ................................................................ 7

Products to avoid......................................................................... 7

Assess cleaning jobs .................................................................... 8

Cleaning tips............................................................................... 9

Cleaning recipes .......................................................................... 10

15 –20 minute bathroom clean ..................................................... 11

Water ................................................................................................ 12

Checking for leaks ....................................................................... 12

Save in the kitchen ...................................................................... 12

Save in the bathroom................................................................... 13

Save in the laundry...................................................................... 13

Save in the garden ...................................................................... 13

Grey water ................................................................................. 14

Rainwater tanks .......................................................................... 15

Protecting your local creek ............................................................ 16

Energy ................................................................................................ 17

Simple ways to save .................................................................... 17

Preventing winter heat loss ........................................................... 17

Preventing summer heat gain ........................................................ 18

Lights ........................................................................................ 19

Common myths about energy use .................................................. 19

If you drive a car......................................................................... 20

Waste ................................................................................................ 21

Can you reduce your waste?.......................................................... 21

Worm Farming ............................................................................ 22

Composting ................................................................................ 23

2

“The average footprint for all Australians is

about 10 hectares. The average

footprint the world is about 2.5 hectares”

Our Human Challenge

Time is running out! Climate change is here. The burning of coal, oil and gas - fossil fuels - are the primary cause of climate change. You may have heard or read that:

Australia is per person the worst greenhouse polluter in the industrialised world

Human creation of greenhouse gases is largely responsible for a 0.6°C rise in the global average temperature since the 1880s

A child born today will live in a world suffering from the havoc caused by climate change by the time they turn 50

Scientists project that Earth's temperature will increase by between 1.4° and 5.8°C by 2100

Sea levels are expected to continue to rise and by 2100 be up to 88 cm higher

Temperature-related deaths are projected to increase substantially; up to 2,500 deaths in 2020and up to 6,500 deaths in 2050

Outbreaks of malaria and dengue fever are expected to increase

Beyond the human and environmental costs, the economic impact of climate change is estimated at over $300 billion annually by 2050

In 1998, 700 'large loss' events made it the worst year on record; 240 major wind storms and 170 floods cost $US89 billion in total economic losses

Australia stands to lose the Great Barrier Reef and our alpine ecosystems. We face more frequent and severe droughts, floods and bushfires

Our Ecological FootprintYour ecological footprint includes area for all the resources you use. Crops, pastures, forests, seas and estuaries, bushland, land covered by roads and buildings, dam water and waste.

Some choices that impact on your ecological footprint are:

food consumption

home type

energy source

use of resources and waste management

transport choices

The average footprint for Australians is 10 hectares. The average footprint for all people in the world is 2.5 hectares,but the world only has space for 1.9 hectares per person. By 2050, with an estimated 10 billion people in the world we would have available around 1.2 hectares per person.

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“A richer life with lasting benefits”

“development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own

needs”

What is Sustainability?

The United Nations Commission on Environment and Development defined Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) as

'development that meets the needs of the present without

compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs'

The core objectives of the National Strategy for ESD, signed by all Australia's governments in December 1992 include:

Intergenerational equity –leaving something for the kids

Intragenerational equity –fairness to others

Conserve and protect biological diversity

Precautionary principle –using common sense when science is un-clear about impacts

Improved valuation, pricing and incentive mechanisms

Decision-making should integrate economic, environmental, social and equity considerations

Why live sustainably?For those who chose to make their lives more sustainable the

benefits include:

Saving money

Living a healthier life

Build immunity and reduce the risk of illness in the longer term

A healthy environment in the home and outdoors for the whole family

Clear priorities, easier decisions, reduced stress

Reduce guilt and the feeling of being powerless

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The power of choiceAs a consumer you have the power to make your money and support work towards sustainability. The following questions do not apply in all cases but can help to assess purchases for sustainability:

Do you really need it –will it improve quality of life?

Is there something you already have that will satisfy the need?

Can you buy it second hand / used / recycled / borrow it or hire it?

Choose local products (especially if they are made in a non-polluting manner!)

Choose products produced ethically (e.g. no sweatshops / animal testing)

Choose durable products and repair or maintain in preference to replacing

Will it break down quickly in the environment? (biodegradable or can be composted)

Is it organic or produced with minimal pesticides & fertilisers?

Does it contain irritating or toxic chemicals or additives? (colour, fragrance)

Is it made in an energy & water efficient way?

Will it be energy & water efficient during use?

Does it have excess, unnecessary packaging?

Is the packaging reusable, returnable or recyclable?

Avoid native hardwoods, Australian or imported

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Environmental pollutants aggravate

asthma and eczema

Healthy living

It’s easy to measure how much material ‘stuff’ you have but how is your quality of life? Most of us living an urban lifestyle expose our bodies daily to pollutants and chemicals. Over time chemicals accumulate to cause health problems and reduce immunity, making us feel unwell, low on energy and unable to enjoy life. Environmental pollutants also aggravate asthma and eczema.

What can you do? Avoid products made from synthetics and petrochemicals

Indoor air quality can be up to five times worse than outside. Avoid fragrances that fill your home with chemicals. Use natural methods such as fragrant oils, candles or opening a window

Reduce the amount of chemical cleaning and body products in your home. A good way to think of it is ‘if you can’t eat it –avoid it’

Buy organic products which don’t use chemical pesticides. Certified Organic products are not

forced to grow with chemical fertilizers so may take a little longer. The benefit to you is more nutritious produce

Traditional cotton growing uses many pesticides. Look for organic cotton clothes and linen, coloured with vegetable dyes

Avoid anti-perspirant products –look for deodorants instead. The aim should be to

prevent odour not stop your body sweating. Avoid deodorant products with aluminium

By reducing your intake of processed foods, you demand less resources and improve your health

Avoid sodium laurel sulphate which is the foaming agent in most commercial soaps and shampoos. This chemical is reported to be carcinogenic

Read ingredients when shopping and choose products that have the least artificial additives

Avoid irradiated foods. This food is x-ray treated to kill germs and bugs. This process uses radioactive energy and can decrease vitamins in the food

Try to buy clothes that don't need dry-cleaning as most solvents are toxic. If you must dry-clean, air the clothes thoroughly before bringing them indoors.

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Personal care

The following are some suggestions to replace commercial chemical products. Each of us is different so try one change at a time to see how your body reacts.

A light dusting of bicarb under the arms is a safe and effective deodorant

Make a face wash of 1 cup of cider vinegar, 10 drops of lavender oil and a tablespoon of glycerine. Add this to 1 litre of cold water and rinse before bed. Cider vinegar balances the ph of the skin, improves circulation and reduces blemishes

Fragrances in products mean unnecessary chemicals. Avoid where you can

Look for Castile soap which is a odourless soap made with olive oil and sodium hydroxide (no animal fats or petrochemicals)

Relieve aching feet by soaking in any of the following: bicarb soda, salt, washing soda, Epsom salts, eucalyptus oil and tea tree oil. Add to a basin of hot water and soak for 10 minutes

Keep an aloe vera plant and use the gel of the leaf for burns and scalds, cold sores, scalp conditions, sun spots, insect bites, skin rashes, Candida infection, fungal infections and to reduce scarring (don’t use on open cuts)

For black heads rub lemon juice before bed and rinse in the morning

Dab chamomile tea onto scaly skin or scalp and leave to dry

Avoid hair dyes as chemicals can accumulate in the body. Natural hair dyes are henna, chamomile, lemon juice, cold tea, quince juice or beetroot

Bicarb soda can be used to clean teeth. Add a few drops of peppermint oil to mask the taste and refresh the mouth

For all skin types honey makes an excellent facial. It brings fresh blood to the surface, removes impurities, and smooths and softens the skin

For dry skin, mash half an avocado and spread on the face. Leave 15 minutes and rinse off with warm water

Grape seed Oil is one of the least greasy oils that is ideal for protective creams, such as sun screens and blocks, for those with oily skin

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Chemical free cleaning

Your basic shopping list

Vinegar

Vinegar kills bacteria & can neutralise grease and soap residue. The smell dissipates quickly. Fill a spray bottle with straight white vinegar to replace your current spray cleaner. Use cider vinegar to promote blood circulation & regulate the pH of the skin. See more at http://www.care2.com/. Standard white vinegar from your supermarket doesn’t have GST (‘cleaning’ vinegar does) and is around $1.25 for 2Litres.

Bicarbonate of Soda

Bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) is a deodoriser which neutralizes odours. Use it powdered or mixed with water. Keep bicarb in a plastic jar with holes in the lid. Use it on your body or in the laundry. Sprinkle on a damp cloth as a nonabrasive cleanser. See much more at http://www.armandhammer.com. Buy Bicarb near the flour in the supermarket for around $1.30 for 500g –OR –visit a pool shop and buy pool buffer which is the same product.

Essential oils (lavender, tea tree & eucalyptus)

Eucalyptus oil will remove grease, gum & stubborn stains on clothes. Use tea tree or lavender for anti-bacterial & healing uses on the body or in cleaning. Mix lavender in a carrier lotion or oil as an insect repellent. Oils should not be swallowed & may be dangerous if pregnant. See more at http://www.itssonatural.com/. These three oils are usually near the band-aids in the supermarket.

Lemon juice

Lemon juice is a mild bleach, a deodorant & a cleaning & polishing agent that will soften stains & repel insects. Roll the lemon before you cut it to maximise the juice.

Salt

Salt can be used for scouring clean & disinfecting food preparation areas & utensils. To clean & disinfect a drain, use a handful of salt followed by a jug of boiling water. Salt helps prevent colours running in the wash & removes stains.

Borax

Borax is a naturally occurring mineral salt. It cleans, deodorises, bleaches and disinfects and is useful in the laundry as a soap booster. Borax is also used to control pests such as ants and cockroaches. Borax is poisonous if swallowed. In the supermarket, Borax is near the ‘Draino’ and costs around $2.80 for 500g

Washing soda

Washing soda (sodium carbonate) cuts grease and removes stains. It can be used as a soap booster, to remove tarnish, soften water, as a drain cleaner or bath salts.Available in the supermarket near washing powders, washing soda is around $1.70 for 750g

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“Sensible

standards of

cleanliness and

ventilation are

important for good

health”

Pumps, sprays & shakers

Save pump bottles & sprays from used products to put your non toxic products in. Contact your local council to find the best way to dispose of any unwanted chemical products (including cleaning products). Labelling is important as for safety as well as getting others in your household to use products!

Cleaning equipment

A micro fibre cloth will hold the dirt (not spread it) and can be washed with your general laundry (Enjo or Oates are two common brands). Old tooth brushes, paint scrapers, rubber gloves, a good scrubbing brush, old socks (as a cleaning mit), andold towels or tea towels to wipe dry and polish surfaces.

Products to avoid Petroleum based detergents - slow to biodegrade

Phosphates - stimulate algae growth in waterways

Bleaches, disinfectants and detergents have toxic vapours that irritate eyes, nose and lungs as well as creating poor indoor air quality

Synthetic perfumes and colours - usually petroleum based and often irritating

Optical brighteners - slow to biodegrade

Formaldehyde (a preservative) - highly toxic and carcinogenic

Excessive use of anti-bacterial solutions are said to encourage new strains of bacteria

Do not use poisonous chemicals on food surfaces

Assess cleaning jobsBefore you start, take a look at the cleaning job.

What result are you looking for?

What’s important to you? Shine, smell, hygiene?

Be guided by your common sense rather than guilt or advertising ‘greenwash’

Sensible standards of cleanliness and ventilation are important for good health

Keeping surfaces clean and dry reduces the need for disinfectants

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Cleaning tips A bucket of hot water with ½ cup of vinegar can be used for general household

cleaning. Add a cap of tea tree or eucalyptus oil to improve the anti fungal properties

For stains, try a paste of bicarb with water. Allow to dry and wipe or vacuum

Heavier stains may need a paste of borax with water

Wipe with a dry cloth after all cleaning to give shine and decrease the chance of bacteria benefiting from moisture

Frost and sunshine both kill bacteria

Clean kitchen surfaces with a vinegar spray. If you can allow the vinegar to dry on the surface it has an improved anti-bacterial impact

Clean chopping boards with soap and water then wipe or spray with vinegar and allow to dry

Wash all vegetables and fruit to remove traces of pesticides –especially non-organic purchases. Put a little vinegar in water and soak for a few minutes

Add 1 cup of vinegar to half a bucket of very hot water to clean glass. If very dirty, use hot soapy water before the vinegar rinse

Clean the oven using bicarb soda and vinegar

To whiten clothes add a half a cup of borax to a normal wash cycle then hang clothes in the sun to dry

Vinegar acts as a fabric softener or use less soap in your normal wash and make up the difference with Bicarb

Eucalyptus oil or spray can be used to remove biro, chewing gum, grass, grease, gum, glue, lipstick and nicotine. Place absorbent paper under the fabric and dab or spray eucalyptus. Work towards the centre of the stain, then wash as normal

Soak stained garments in dissolved washing soda then wash as normal

Mop wooden floors with water with ½ cup of vinegar added. In summer, add citronella oil to reduce flies and mosquitos

Leave a box of matches on top of the toilet and light one to neutralise odour

If possible, tip waste water from your cleaning onto grass rather than down the drain and remember the dust from the vacuum cleaner bag can go into your compost heap

When other things won’t work, ammonia is a natural product that will cut heavy grease and grime. Ammonia can be highly irritating however, never mix ammonia and bleach - dangerous toxic fumes are formed

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CLEANING RECIPES All purpose cleaner Mix 2 teaspoons of bicarbonate of soda, 1 teaspoon soap and

250 ml water. Store in a spray bottle. Add 2 teaspoons of vinegar or washing soda to cut grease

Disinfectant Mix 50-100mls of Eucalyptus Oil with a litre of water. Can be used in a spray bottle - remember to shake the mixture often to disperse the oil. Straight vinegar can be used instead

Scouring powder Use a firm bristle brush and scrub with soap combined with either table salt or bicarbonate of soda.

Oven Avoid spills or place an oven tray underneath if a spill is inevitable. Clean with steel wool, washing soda and water. For really stubborn grime use 1/2 cup cloudy ammonia mixed with 4 litres water and 1 tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda. Make sure to wear gloves and maintain good ventilation.

Burnt cookware Coat the area with a thick paste of bicarb and water and leave for several hours before washing

Microwave In a cup of water add 2 tablespoons of either lemon juice or bicarb in a four - cup microwave safe container. Let mixture boil in microwave for about 4 to 6 minutes, then wipe walls and door clean with sponge or cloth

Drains Never pour grease or oil down the drain and always us a drain sieve. To unclog blocked drains, pour 1/4 cup bicarbonate of soda down the drain, followed by 1/2 cup vinegar. Plug the drain till the fizzing stops then flush with 4 litres boiling water

Bathroom For a general bathroom cleaner use a firm bristled brush with powdered soap and a scouring powder made of baking soda or table salt. For mouldy tiles, wipe vinegar onto mould, leave overnight, and scrub off in the morning. For toilets scrub with full strength vinegar or a strong solution of eucalyptus oil

Windows and mirrors

For general cleaning use 3 tablespoons vinegar with 1 litre water. If the glass is particularly dirty, wash it first with warm soapy water. To dry surfaces use cheesecloth or crumpled newspaper

Laundry soap Add 1/3 cup washing soda to water before adding clothes and use pure soap flakes instead of detergent. For more cleaning power add 1/2 cup Borax. **If switching from commercial detergents, wash your clothes in washing soda alone to get rid of any detergent residue and avoid 'yellowing' of the fabric

Pre-soak Soak heavily soiled items in warm water with 1/2 cup washing soda for 30 mins. Rub solid stains with pure soap

Perspiration odour Apply vinegar to odour and then washCarpets To thoroughly clean and deodorise, mix 2 parts corn meal

(polenta) with 1 part borax. Sprinkle liberally; leave one hour and then vacuum. Quick deodorising is easy - sprinkle the carpet with bicarb then vacuum

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15-20 Minute Basic Bathroom Clean

Ingredients

Dustpan & brushVinegar sprayBicarb shakerTea tree or eucalyptus oil (optional)Microfibre cloth / wet cleaning clothDry cloth (old tea towel or towel)Rubber gloves (optional)

Method

Wear gloves if you wish but you are not using any harsh chemicals

Shake bath mats outside. Sweep the floor and any skirtings or rails that have gathered dust

Spray the toilet with vinegar and leave

Spray any mirrors with vinegar and use the dry cloth to polish clean.

Damp the microfibre cloth or shake bicarb on your wet cloth and clean the sink

Run a small basin of water to rinse off the sink then dry with your dry cloth

Follow step 4 and 5 for the bath and shower

Sprinkle bicarb in the toilet bowl and use the toilet brush to scrub the bowl

Dry off the whole toilet with your dry cloth (which is now damp)

Flush the toilet and add a few drops of oil to the toilet water

Wipe over the floor with your damp cloth

Throw your microfibre or wet cloth and dry towel in the wash

Keep a small dry towel (old washer) to wipe over surfaces in between cleaning

Extra bathroom tips

To remove mould in grout, rub with a paste of bicarb (or borax) & vinegar

To reduce mould, dry the area regularly and keep the room ventilated.

Keep your vinegar spray in the bathroom. A regular spray on mould areas will reduce the growth

For stains that will not come out, rub with a paste of bicarb and tea tree oil

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“One dripping tap can waste more than

2000 litres a month”

Water

Checking for LeaksJust one dripping tap can waste more than 2,000 litres a month!

Before you go to bed, write down your water meter reading. Make sure no-one in your household uses any water during the night. The following morning check your meter again. If the morning figure is higher, you have a water leak.

An easy way to check if your toilet is slowly leaking is to add a few drops of food colouring to your toilet cistern. Don't flush the toilet for at least one hour. If colouring shows up in the toilet bowl after an hour, you've got a leak.

Save in the kitchen The most water efficient methods for cooking vegetables are microwaving,

steaming or using a pressure cooker. You can also cut down on water loss by using tight lids on pots and simmering instead of boiling rapidly

Installing water efficient taps or tap aerators is a great, inexpensive way to cut your water usage without you even noticing

Thaw frozen foods before you need them or use the microwave. Don’t use running water to thaw

Prevent taps from leaking by turning off lightly and replace washers as soon as they begin to leak

Automatic dishwashers can use up to 40 litres of water per load. By using a dishwasher with at least a AAA rating, you can get this figure down to 18 litres per load and still get the kind of sparkling clean dishes you're used to

Keep a container of water in the fridge so you won't need to run tap water until it's cool enough to drink

Wash fruit and vegies in a half-filled sink or a bowl instead of under running water. Re-use the water on the garden

Rinse your dishes in a plugged sink rather than under a running tap

Use a sink strainer to reduce the energy and processing required to treat water

In-sink garbage grinder add organic matter to the water which creates methane as it decomposes

Eat less red meat –grazing is more water intensive than crops

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Save in the bathroom Put the plug in the sink when washing your hands instead of holding them

under running water

Installing one of the latest AAA-rated showerheads can give you a great shower and save around 7 litres of water a minute. They also save energy costs, as you'll use less hot water

Reduce water wastage by installing tap aerators and flow regulators - these reduce water flow without reducing water pressure

To rinse your razor, run a little water into a plugged sink

There's no need to leave the tap running while you brush your teeth. Wet your toothbrush before you begin and use a glass of water to rinse your mouth

Showers use less water than baths. Save baths for when you have time for a good relaxing soak

Save in the laundry Avoid washing clothes until they need it

Wait until you have a full load in your washing machine (or dishwasher) before using it. This saves water and energy, and reduces the amount of detergent entering the sewerage system

Most washing machines have a load adjustment button or dial. Set this to match the amount of washing you're doing

Clean your washing machine lint filter regularly

Try to use phosphate-free, low toxin detergents and cleaning products

Save in the garden Regularly check your outdoor taps, pipes and plumbing fixtures for leaks

A good soaking every now and then with a hand-held hose will help make your lawn more drought resistant by encouraging deeper roots

Water roots and soil around plants rather than spraying the leaves and flowers

If you need a watering system consider installing a drip irrigation system. It will cut wastage by making sure the water goes only where you need it

Try not to cut lawns too short. When mowing, cut only the top third of the leaf area, leaving it three centimetres or higher

Use deep mulch and add compost to your soil. These add nutrients and help to retain moisture and reduce evaporation

Watering your garden in the cool of the early morning or in the evening reduces water loss through evaporation

Paths, patios and driveways must never be hosed. Use a broom, rake or outdoor blower or vacuum instead

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When washing your car, park it on the lawn and use a bucket for washing and rinsing. This way you can save water, as well as water and fertilise your lawn -car shampoos use phosphates that are similar to many fertilisers

Landscaping

Only plan lawn where you will use it. Natural ground cover is easier to maintain and uses less water

When deciding on a lawn type, go for slow growing, water saving varieties like Palmetto. They have deep roots for drought tolerance and they don't need mowing as much as other varieties

Group plants with similar watering needs together

Choosing local native varieties and other water wise plants attracts wildlife and means less maintenance and watering

When designing landscaping, target specific areas of your home to receive sunlight in winter (living rooms as a minimum) and shade in summer.

Trees can also be utilised to provide wind breaks and channel or deflect breezes to suit your needs

Deciduous trees to the north will shade a home in summer and provide light and winter sun in winter. Avoid planting near roads where leaves will clog drains and run into creeks and rivers

Consider including courtyards sheltered by vegetation

Tall trees with wide canopies and bare trunks (e.g. many species of eucalypt) will shade a roof but not walls and windows if planted near enough to the house so that walls are not in the canopy's shadow

Pool owners can save

Try to keep the water level of your pool halfway up the skimmer opening. Overfilling the pool stops the skimmer working efficiently and wastes water

A pool cover is a clever way to reduce evaporation and the need to regularly top up your pool's water level. Without a cover, more than half the water in your pool can evaporate over a year

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“Grey water must be kept within the boundaries of the property and must

not run off into stormwater drains or cause nuisance

to neighbours”

Grey waterGrey water is the term used for water that has been used once in the bathroom or laundry (toilet water is ‘black’ water). It makes good sense to re-use grey water for watering plants and flushing toilets.

As grey water use is still developing, there are still concerns about public health. Grey water contains more bacteria and chemicals than tap water. You should always use grey water with caution. Contact your local council to find out what the guidelines are in your area. Expect regulations to changes as the community learns and uses more grey water. See www.sydneywater.com.au for more.

Use grey water immediately, do not store it

Grey water must be kept within the boundaries of the property and must not run off into stormwater drains or cause nuisance to neighbours

Limit grey water use when it’s raining to reduce risk of it entering storm water

A rubber funnel (available at hardware stores) can be put through the inspection hole in the drain pipe with a hose attached to it

Any change to your home plumbing must be done by a licensed plumber. See www.greenplumbers.com.au for more

A plumber can install a waste water diverter to your garden. Ideally this will be a collection tank with irrigation pipes laid in the soil

Don’t use grey water on vegetables or food plants where the edible portion lies on or below the ground (fruit trees are OK if not in direct contact with water)

Use labels to eliminate confusion between grey water outlets and tap water

Kitchen water has fats and oils and should not be used

Choose your cleaning products carefully. See cleaning products in this handout

Many clothes washing detergents contain salt which can damage soil and plants. Check your brand at www.lanfaxlabs.com.au

Occasionally water the garden with tap water during dry periods to help prevent the build up of salts and chemicals

Below ground drip irrigation systems reduce the risk of grey water contact

Rain water tanksUsed in conjunction with water saving devices, rain water tanks can provide a valuable water source and help you save money. The following information will help guide you when considering rain water tanks. See www.sydneywater.com.au or call 13 20 92 to find out more:

Check the planning and building requirements your local council. Tanks with a capacity of 10,000 litres or less generally do not require council approval however there are other requirements

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Work out how much water you think you will need, your tank will probably need to be between 2000 and 5000 litres.

Assess if your roof area is big enough to gather water. You may need to adjust gutters and pipes to maximise the amount of rainwater entering the tank

A first flush device should be used to catch the initial dirty water. Other requirements may include gutter guards and insect screens

Label tank outlets and pipes as ‘rainwater’

A licensed plumber can connect water to your toilet and laundry if required

Water pumps may be necessary if gravity will not give water pressure in your location

Protecting your local creek Keep road gutters clean to avoid leaves and grass being washed into drains

Deciduous trees should not be planted on the road edge where leaves can be washed away to creeks & rivers

Your council can advise you on how to identify and phase out and weeds that could ‘escape’ from your garden

Minimise the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides on your lawn and gardens

Fewer hard surfaces (or laying permeable surfaces) allows the water to soak into the ground rather than run off

Have an on site detention system to slowly release storm water which reduces erosion in waterways

Water tanks reduce the amount of storm water leaving your property and erosion in waterways

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Energy

An Energy Smart Home is designed with the best combination of building orientation, shading, insulation, thermal mass and other passive solar elements, to naturally warm the house with solar energy and keep the house cool with shading and ventilation.

Simple ways to save Switch off items when not in use

Avoid keeping non-essential electrical appliances switched on

Only use a clothes dryer when necessary

Make changes in your home to accommodate the seasons

Support renewable energy and buy green power

Use compact fluorescent lights

Purchase the highest energy efficiency star rating appliances

Cut hot water consumption by washing clothes in cold water and by fitting a water-efficient shower head

Add insulation to indoor electric hot water units

Insulate your home and save on heating and cooling costs

Replace an electric hot water service with solar or high efficiency gas

Decide what you want from the refrigerator before opening it

Save energy by placing your fridge in a cool spot and ensure the coils get plenty of air circulation. Replace the door seal when necessary

Open a window in the bathroom rather than use the exhaust fan

Shade hot windows in summer with curtains, awnings or trees. This can reduce heat absorption by up to 80%

If you use a dishwasher, try turning it off before the drying cycle begins. Air drying dishes will reduce your energy usage by around one third

Prevent winter Heat LossAppropriate window selection and protection can reduce heat loss through windows by up to 70% and save you around $200 each year in reduced heating costs OR up to $500 per year if heating and cooling are taken into account. There are a number of ways to achieve this:

Hanging closely woven, close fitting curtains with boxed pelmets or solid strips above the curtain rail. A snug fit on both sides of the window and at the bottom of the curtain stops warm air from moving behind the curtain and cooling down

Using tightly fitting Holland or Roman type blinds with closely woven fabrics

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Install insulated shutters on the inside or outside of a window that fit tightly against the window frame

Install double glazed windows, which consist of two panes of glass separated by a sealed air space typically between 6mm and 20 mm wide (9mm is the recommended minimum). Double glazed windows reduce heat loss by up to 64% more than a single glazed window, and also reduce heat gains when well shaded from direct sunlight in summer

Installing Low-E glass (low emissivity glass), which has an invisible coating that reflects radiant heat back into the room

Close off areas in order to effectively heat them. This will reduce your heating bills, avoid heating infrequently used areas and maximise your comfort

Zones can be created by providing doors between separate areas (e.g. living/dining and kitchen/family) or across corridors (e.g. to bedrooms)

Stop draughtsThe key is to control ventilation so that it occurs where and when you want it.

Look for obvious gaps, listen for 'whistling' around doors and windows

Feel for moving air around doors, windows, fireplaces, air outlets, vents, stairways, architraves and skirting boards and look for moving curtains

Seal gaps around doors and windows using draught excluders, draught strips, draught seals, weather seals or weather strips

The main areas to focus on are external doors and windows and doors to ventilated areas such as toilets, bathrooms and laundries

Install automatic door closers on external doors and doors to unheated rooms

Install self-closing exhaust fans

Install dampers in fireplaces to ensure hot air is not lost up the chimney when the fireplace is not in use

Down-lights cannot be safely sealed and should be avoided in heated areas

Install an external air supply to heaters that burn internal air (such as solid fuel and gas space heaters, water heaters and large cookers) and prevent the creation of draughts. Ensure the register can be shut off when not required

Prevent summer Heat Gain Use external shading to keep your home cool.

Options include blinds, awnings, louvres, eaves, pergolas, deciduous trees or toned glass

A home's openings should be designed to take advantage of cooling daytime breezes and ensure cool night-time ventilation to flush out the heat of the day

The size and position of windows should be carefully planned according to the direction they face and the type of building materials used

Natural cross ventilation occurs more efficiently through a room with openings in opposite walls than through a room with openings in adjacent walls

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Use task lighting to

supplement general lighting

Create as many obstruction-free breeze paths as possible. Multiple breeze paths provide effective ventilation even if some doors/windows are closed

For security, install windows that can lock in a partly open position

Ceiling fans in living areas and bedrooms can assist both ventilation and cooling in summer

Lights Turn off lights when not required

Don’t leave outdoor lights on all night, or during the day - use timers or sensors

Use the lowest wattage light needed to adequately light an area

Compact fluorescent lights can replace incandescent lights in most cases, except for rooms where the lights are frequently turned on and off, such as in a bathroom, as this can reduce the life of the light. They are also not recommended for enclosed light fittings, as

heat can build up within the fitting

Use task or special purpose lighting to supplement general lighting wherever possible

Keep lights and fittings clean (dusty or dirty globes and fittings can reduce light output by up to 50%)

Avoid using down lights (a number are needed to light a room, they can also lead to heat loss through the holes in the ceiling and the insulation)

Avoid using multiple globe fittings, as this is an inefficient form of lighting -around six 25-watt globes are required to produce the equivalent light output of a single 100-watt globe

Avoid having several lights activated by one switch

A light coloured room will appear brighter and better lit

Common myths about energy useIt takes more energy to turn a light on again than you save by turning it offThe surge of energy required to light up a lamp when first turning it on is very small and you will save much more if lights are turned off when unnecessary.

Switching fluorescent lamps on and off frequently shortens the lifeThis is strictly true for all lamps, but it is better to turn off fluorescent lamps after a minimum of around ten minutes.

Low voltage lamps and down lights are energy efficientAlthough these lamps are low voltage, they are not energy efficient. Fluorescents lights are four times as efficient as incandescent and around 3 times as efficient as halogens. Also, each halogen down light needs a transformer which reduces their efficiency.

Turning off computers is dangerous to the computerOther than the need to keep server computers on, there is no need to keep desktop computers on all the time. No harm will come to the computer by turning it off. Make sure the monitor is switched off also.

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If you drive a car Keep your car regularly tuned

Look after your car's tyres, keep them inflated to the most suitable pressure and make sure they're properly aligned

Minimise aerodynamic drag

Drive smoothly - avoid unnecessary acceleration and severe braking. Brake evenly before a corner and accelerate evenly out of it

If driving a manual, use the right gear at the right time - don't let your car labour in the wrong gear

Avoid driving in peak periods where possible

Buy a fuel-efficient car that suits your needs. Big and powerful cars use more fuel, so if you don't need the extra size and power, don't buy it

Avoid short trips, walk or cycle instead

Plan your trips, do a number of errands in one trip rather than several trips

At 110km/h your car uses up to 25 per cent more fuel than cruising at 90km/h

Don't idle for long periods, if possible, turn your engine off

Use air-conditioning sparingly

Travel light an extra 50 kg of weight can increase your fuel bill by 2 per cent. Take heavy items out of the car or boot if not needed

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Waste

Australia's per capita waste disposal rate is estimated to be 1.1 tonnes per year, the second highest among the OECD countries and surpassed only by the United States.

Green waste consists of garden, food and wood waste and comprises about 30% of the total waste stream.

Can you reduce your waste? Buy only what you need. Marketers are paid well to encourage you to buy

Buy in bulk. Keep small containers to decant the bulk container into

Buy in recycled / recyclable containers

Know what you can recycle. See www.recyclingnearyou.com.au or your council

Compost or worm farm your organic waste

Keep a container with a lid in the kitchen to collect organic matter

Make a space near the sink to collect recycling (or another convenient place)

Use signage about what can be composted or recycled to make it easy for others in your household

Chose re-usable items over disposable ones (mug, handkerchief, razer, pen)

Have items repaired or give things away –don’t throw them away

Buy from garage sales and second hand stores where possible

Try to buy unbleached unscented paper products

Re-use envelopes by sticking new labels over the old address

Use newspaper in the garden under mulch

Pour oil in an empty milk carton, turn down the top and throw in landfill waste

Use milk cartons with holes in the bottom to plant seedlings. The plant is protected and the carton will biodegrade as the plant grows

Keep a bin in the bathroom so there’s no need to use the toilet as a garbage

Use cloth nappies. There are new styles available that will surprise you! See www.darlingsdownunder.com.au or www.clothnappy.com for more

Women have choices other than bleached supermarket menstrual products. See www.moonpads.com.au for a range of alternatives

Chemicals, paints, batteries, pool chemicals, motor oils, solvents and household cleaners should be taken to regular ‘Clean out’collections, call 1300 787 870

Unwanted medicines should be returned to a pharmacy

Recycle printer toners and mobile phone batteries at Australia Post outlets

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Worms don’t like

Meat, bones, fatty food, dairy products raw potato (cooked

potato is OK) oranges, grapefruit, lemons, raw onions

or raw garlic

Worm FarmingWorm farming is a great way to compost food scraps. Worms will eat most of your kitchen waste and turn it into a high-quality fertiliser, which can be added to your garden soil and your potted or indoor plants.

You can buy worm farms from a hardware, nursery or your local council or you can make your own.

Get a couple of foam boxes from your green grocer & make holes in the bottom of one box to let liquid drain

Place box with the holes over another box without holes and make a tap in the bottom box to let the liquid out

Put an upturned ice-cream container or a brick in the bottom box. This will help any worms that fall through the holes to climb up into the upper box. It will also form an island for the worms so they don’t drown. Many people accidentally let their worms drown

Tear up some leaves, newspaper and cardboard to make a layer of bedding about the thickness of your hand length in the upper box. Compost can also be used. Soak the bedding before it is added to the box.

Add about two handfuls of red worms or tiger worms to the top of your worm farm. You can buy worms from large hardware outlets, K-Mart garden section or your local nursery

Put your kitchen waste on top of the bedding regularly but in small amounts. Over time, as more worms breed, you will be able

to give them more to eat

Cover the food waste with newspaper or a piece of hessian. Add water to the box whenever it begins to get dry. It should be the consistency of a lightly squeezed sponge; if it’s too wet the worms will die

The worm farms should be placed in a shady spot

Harvest the worm castings by moving it all to one side of the bin; add fresh bedding to the

empty side. Many of the worms will move to the fresh bedding in a few days. The valuable worm castings can then be taken out and used to feed houseplants, add to seedling mixes and potting soils

Worms like to eat food wastes like vegetable and fruit peelings, pulp from the juicer, tea bags, crushed egg shells and bread. They also like small amounts of soiled paper and cardboard (such as shredded egg cartons). Worms least favourite foods include dairy products, butter & cheese, meat, fish, fat and bones; very oily foods and citrus, onion and garlic.

Some food waste such as fruit, grains and sugary foods form acid. Adding a little wood ash or dolomite or lime every few weeks will prevent the worm farm from becoming too acidic. Open the lid and wait until the worms burrow under. When you can’t see them anymore, apply the lime or wood ash.

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Aliveness

Diversity

Aeration

Moisture

CompostingBy composting we give back some of the nutrients we have taken from our soil. Putting home-grown compost onto gardens also greatly reduces our dependence on chemicals, such as artificial fertilisers.

Choose a well-drained, sunny position and put a layer of coarse material such as broken sticks, twigs, prunings, dry leaves and torn newspaper on the bottom. This layer should be about the thickness of the width of one of your hands (8-12 cm). This step is important because it allows air to flow through the heap.

Add a thin layer (1-2 cm) of rich soil or finished compost from a previous heap. Add enough water to make everything moist. You are ready to start adding your food scraps to the heap. Each time you add kitchen scraps to the heap, also add a different thin layer (1-2 cm) of one or more of the following:

o grass clippings

o soil or compost from a previous heap

o coarse material, eg, tree prunings, sticks, twigs and leaves

o shredded newspaper

o wood ash, dolomite or lime

o fresh herbs.

When you have finished layering, cover the heap with hessian bags, carpet, underfelt or a layer of mulch

To get good quality compost quickly, you need to turn the heap every few weeks with a fork or shovel. If your heap is wet and smelly –turning will help it dry out. If it’s too dry turn it and then water it

Good composting with ADAM

A Aliveness. Compost is a living system.D Diversity. Lots of different ingredients are the key

to good composting.A Aeration. For fast-working, sweet-smelling

compost, it is essential to get air (oxygen) into the heap.

M Moisture. For the living compost heap to work well, itneeds to be a little wet.

What to compost

Anything that was once part of a plant or animal can be used in home compost:

Almost all kitchen waste except meat and fish — even old cotton rags — can be composted. Collect scraps in a convenient container with a lid

Hair, coffee grounds, tea leaves, seaweed, cut flowers, herbs, old potting mix vacuum cleaner dust, torn up pizza boxes, torn newspaper, unbleached paper and cardboard

Most weeds can be composted, but should be added before they have seeds

Small amounts of poultry or pigeon manure are great. Cow, sheep and goat manure aren’t quite as good

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Grass clippings can be added regularly in thin layers. Mix the grass with twigs and leaves to let air keep flowing through the heap

Wood ash, charcoal, dolomite & lime help balance the acids in the compost. You can buy lime and dolomite from nurseries and hardware stores. Collect wood ash or charcoal from fireplaces and barbecues.

Include layers of tree prunings, sticks, twigs and leaves as it helps to keep air flowing through the heap.

What not to compost

Dog, cat or human faeces (manure) can cause disease

Meat and fish scraps may bring rodents and smell

Only small amounts of dairy products and fats should be composted (added to the centre of the heap so they break down and do not attract flies, rats or mice)

Most household and garden chemicals will kill or slow down the living organisms in the compost and soil

Trouble shooting

How long will it be until my compost is ready to use?Let your compost settle for the first two weeks. After this, turn your compost heap weekly and it will take 8-10 weeks to produce good compost. If you don’t turn your compost heap regularly, then it will take longer to produce good compost.

I have no worms in my heap, but lots of antsAdd lime to the heap and turn it. If your heap seems to be drying out, water it.

How wet should it be?The compost should be as wet as a damp sponge. It needs to be moist, but not dripping wet.

I throw everything on the heap and then ignore it. Is this OK?Yes, it’s called cold composting and it’s a slow way to compost. Watch the compost doesn’t become smelly because of lack of air. It may need to be turned now and then.

Should my compost be in the sun or in the shade?The heat of the sun will speed the process, but it will also dry it out –so keep it moist. If sunny space is limited in your garden, find the next warmest position.

Can fruit waste be composted?All fruit can be composted. But with citrus it’s best to chop the rinds finely so they decay easily. Then add a little wood ash, charcoal, dolomite or lime to reduce their acidity.

How do you know when the compost is ready to use?When it has become dark, loose and crumbly, smells like fresh earth and you can’t see any lumps of food or other waste. Dig out the finished compost from the bottom of the heap.

My compost is smellyMaybe it’s too wet or doesn’t have enough air. It may also get smelly if you put in too much food waste and not enough dry ingredients. Fix it by:

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Avoid putting

dairy, meat,

bones or seafood

in your compost

Forking in dry leaves, garden mulch or soil

Adding two or three handfuls of garden lime, dolomite or wood fire ash

Turning the compost to get more air in

Mixing food or grass clippings with sawdust or shredded newspaper before adding to the heap

My heap has unwelcome visitorsAnts, cockroaches, mice or rats can make your compost their home. Fix it by:

Covering food with a layer of newspaper, mulch or soil

Adding lime and turning the heap will discourage ants and cockroaches

Shovelling the heap to one side, then placing fine wire mesh under the compost bin or heap will keep out mice and rats

Don’t put dairy products, meat bones and seafood into the compost

My compost heap has fliesDon’t worry if you have a few compost flies. However, if your heap becomes smelly it may have too many flies. Fix it by following the steps above for smelly compost.

How can I speed it up?If your composting system can’t keep up with demand there are ways to make great compost quicker. A slow composting system can mean that the compost is not hot enough, or there may not be enough air or water. Fix it by:

Adding manure or finished compost

Turning the heap and adding water

Covering the compost with insulating material like newspapers or mulch in winter if it gets too cold

Adding a compost activator available from a nursery or hardware store

When compost is ready

Used as a starting mix for vegetable and flower seeds. Mix one-third sand with two-thirds compost. The seedling mix should have a fine texture

The best time to dig compost into a garden bed is when you are preparing it for planting seeds or seedlings

A thin layer of compost can be spread on your lawn once or twice a year to encourage healthy growth

If you want to use compost in a potting mix, or as a seedling mix, it is best to use a coarse screen or sieve to separate out the larger particles. You can make one out of chicken wire

For indoor plants, you may want to mix sand with the compost. This will help to drain the compost mix. Potted plants grow well with compost in the mix

Finished compost can be used as a mulch to fertilise plants. To mulch with compost, add 5-7 cm of compost to the soil around the drip line (the circle made by rain falling off the outermost branches) of plants

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A richer life with lasting benefits

WorkshopInformation

This project has been assisted by the New South Wales government’s Our Environment - It’s a Living Thing program

The ‘Sustainable Living’ displays and workshops have been created for councils in the Lower Parramatta River Stormwater group of Councils(LPR SGC) with assistance from the NSW Government ‘Our Environment –It’s a Living Thing’ program

© 2004 Researched and compiled by Vickie Goldsmith. Please feedback on amendments or additions to vickie@goldy.com.au