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Living Sustainably

Living sustainably comes down to simple daily habits and actions you take, both big and small, that can have huge social, economic and environmental impact.

There is lots of information available that can assist you to understand your own environmental impact and the opportunities you have to make more sustainable choices to reduce these impacts in your household, at work and when you are out and about.

Find inspiration, extended information and resources to assist your sustainability journey below. Sign up to the monthly Living Sustainably e-newsletter to receive helpful prompts and resources, participate in the household habit challenge and get involved with local sustainability action.

Reducing single use plastic

Did you know? Single use plastic containers and packaging are often used for just a few minutes, but are designed to last a lifetime. Get on the front foot and be part of the solution - choose to refuse single use plastic.

Caring for our catchment

Did you know? The Rockhampton Region is home to the mighty Fitzroy River which is the largest river flowing to the Great Barrier Reef. Our homes are literally directly connected (by pipes) to our natural waterways. Learn how to look after our natural waterways by minimising any negative flow on effects from your house.

Finding energy efficiencies

Did you know that a typical household now has around 70 electrical appliances? Whether it’s boiling the jug for your morning coffee, reading an e-book, or putting a load of washing on, most of our households are plugged in – literally – to the power grid. Have a look at your household energy habits and see how many you can ‘unplug’.

Growing your own fruit and vegetables

Did you know? Most of the food we purchase from super markets has traveled hundreds (sometimes thousands) of kilometers to reach your plate. Learn how to reap the rewards of harvesting your own fruit and veggies and find a handy window sill, a bountiful balcony or gather a crop from your own kitchen garden.

Fight food waste

Did you know? According to the National Food Waste Strategy, food waste costs to households varies from $2,200 to $3,800 each year. Let's get into good food saving habits and divert organics away from landfill!

Active and sustainable transport

Did you know that being able to cycle, walk or run to where you want to go by yourself or supported through passenger transport is not only good for you, but good for our economy? In fact, economic modelling has shown that for every $1 invested in cycling infrastructure, $5 is returned to our state through benefits like community health, traffic decongestion and savings in car user costs.

Planting and caring for native plants

Did you know? Over 25 million trees have been planted by more than 4 million people as part of National Tree Day activities. Roll up your sleeves and learn how native trees, shrubs and grasses can bring nature back to your backyard.

Reusing and upcycling

Did you know? Just one garage sale can divert six trolley loads of reusable household items away from landfill. Reusing and buying second hand saves resources from being wasted, saves time and labour required to make it originally (and to replace it) and diverts waste from landfill.

Encouraging wildlife and habitat

Did you know? Australia is one of seventeen countries described as being 'megadiverse'. This group of countries has less than 10% of the global surface, but support more than 70% of the biological diversity on earth. Learn how to create habitat for wildlife in your very own backyard!

Being water wise

Did you know that less than 3% of the earth's water is freshwater and only a portion of that is accessible for consumption? Water is a precious resource and there are many simple ways that you can reduce your household water consumption.

Recycling right

Did you know? Many companies now use the Australiasian Recycling Label (ARL) on packaging making it earier for you to recycle right! Every piece of paper, cardboard box, can, plastic container and glass bottle you recycle via your yellow lid kerbside recycling bin saves natural resources. Find out how you can 'sort it, clean it, and crush it' to recycle right in your household.

Green gift giving and festivities

Did you know that less really can be more when event planning? More meaningful, more stylish, and importantly more sustainable! Find out how thinking ahead can help to take the stress out of the silly season, make more savvy choices, save more money and the environment by avoiding buying 'rubbish'.