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Going green in 2014

Photo: Getty Images

What would the beginning of a new year be without the making of a resolution or two? If you’re stuck for inspiration on ways to make a fresh start – one that this year will really stick – here are some handy suggestions to pick from, all geared towards making a difference not only to your life (and especially your finances), but to the health of the planet as well. Most are simple enough to do and stick with, and all are guaranteed to boost your eco cred. So, hand on your heart and repeat after me…

In 2014, I will try to do more…

RECYCLING: Sorting plastic and paper into the appropriate bin is great, but recycling doesn’t stop here! This year aim to broaden your family’s take on recycling and reusing, whether that’s repurposing more items in art and craft or around the house (using old jars as vases is right on trend!), saving and reusing items such as envelopes and plastic bags, or simply digging up old mobile phones and gadgets and recycling them through programs such as MobileMuster (www.mobilemuster.com.au).

SHARING: It’s only caring, after all. This year, make it your mission to share more resources with your community. This could mean donating to or buying from op-shops more, which are usually full of fabulously cheap finds, or signing up to a local toy library.

THOUGHTFUL THINGS WITH FOOD: Food waste is a big financial drain, with the average Aussie family throwing over $1000 worth of edible food in the bin each year. Not good for the hip pocket, or the environment! Make 2014 a year of mindful shopping: plan your meals and assess your fridge and pantry to make a list of must-haves, then stick to it. Also be thoughtful with your leftovers, turning them into the next day’s lunch or freezing them for later.

OUTDOORSY STUFF: Spending time outdoors is a fun way to connect with the natural world and a great start in establishing a love of nature. This year, why not aim to explore some new parks with your family or to spend more time outside by setting up a herb or vegie garden in the yard or on the balcony. Just one little pot is a start!


In 2014, I will try to use less…

WATER: Plan to slash your water bills this new year by encouraging the family to change just a few habits around the home. This might be having a shorter shower each day (cutting down from 10 minutes to five can save something in the order of $400 per person per year), scooping out bathwater to use on the garden, or finally getting around to fixing that dripping tap or switching to a low-flow shower head.

ELECTRICITY: Another key area to save cash this year could be with your home’s energy use, helping to cut back on greenhouse gas emissions in the process. Getting into the habit of turning appliances, gaming consoles, chargers and other gadgets off at the power point when not in use is a good place to start, as is always turning off the lights whenever you leave the room.

PACKAGING: Take a look at your bin and chances are at any given time there’s a pile of packaging waste in it. While recycling this is good, avoiding it in the first place is even better! To help cut back, make 2014 the year you try to actively avoid unnecessarily packaged purchases (think bags with individually wrapped portions or fresh vegies on styrofoam trays in layers of cling film). Having ‘nude food’ days is another good way to ease into the habit, aiming to pack work, care and school lunches with zero packaged items. This is a great way to eat healthier, too.

PETROL: This is a fantastic pledge for the new year as it does double duty: while aiming to cut your fuel use and emissions by walking more or catching public transport where you can, you’ll also be getting more exercise! So slide those walking shoes on, pop your littlie in the pram and enjoy a healthy start to 2014.


Lauren Monaghan is PP's features editor and resident eco guru. She has a degree in science and media from The University of Sydney, spent two years working in the field of environmental journalism and is a fan of all things green, from recycled-metal jewellery to pet chickens.


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