Seven Simple Steps To Show We Care

By Nicola Saltman, Senior Enviro Officer at Waverley Council on June 15, 2015 in Other

Who cares about the environment? A fair whack of the population does. Polls show it’s upwards of 80%. And it’s not about being a greenie or tree hugger (not that there’s anything wrong with that, and I know and love many!).

It’s more about us citizens caring for the beautiful place we live in, wanting to keep it that way and make it even better for everyone, now and into the future. Let’s face it, it’s a very cool planet.

If we get right down to it, it’s also about basic survival and lifestyle. After all, without the food and water our earth provides, the fresh air we breathe, and the natural wonders that make us happy (research proves it), where would we be?

Exactly. With World Environment Day on June 5, it seems only fitting to show we care by doing something simple and positive. Take your pick from these top ideas.

1. Grab a waste-free cup
Australians drink an estimated 1.3 million cups of takeaway coffee each day, which amounts to a whole heap of rubbish. Take your own mug to your favourite cafe or invest in a reusable one. Many cafes now offer a discount for conscious caffeine drinkers.

2. Get planting
Green up your balcony or garden with native and food plants. Or get creative with a green wall. Join a local bushcare group to meet other volunteers in the great outdoors who are looking after our bushland pockets along the coast (no experience necessary). Get in touch today – phone 9369 8226.

3. Get composting
Up to 50% of household waste is compostable, or organic food waste. Collect your food scraps to turn into free fertiliser for your plants. Get a compost bin or worm farm plus a whole host of tips at www.compostrevolution.com.au.

4. Buy local and sustainable
Local seasonal fruit and vegies are easy to find at Saturday’s Bondi Farmers Market and other local grocers. They are fresh, yummy and cause less pollution as they don’t have to travel far to land on our plates.

5. Poo-poo plastic bags
Plastic bags can’t be recycled and often wind up in our oceans harming marine life or landfill. Stock up on reusable bags to use at the grocery or retail store. Reuse plastic bags and put unwanted ones in the red garbage bin (not the recycling one).

6. Give rubbish a second chance
Recycling gives new life to waste that would otherwise end up buried in landfill, taking up good space. Use the right recycling bins for paper and cardboard plus glass and plastic containers. Find out easy ways to recycle batteries, old fridges, electronic goods and other bulky stuff: www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/waste.

7. Tell us more!
Waverley Council is asking the community – yes, you lovely people – what you love and value about our local digs from a sustainability and general viewpoint. Go online for just five minutes and share your views – http://haveyoursaywaverley.com.au/waverley.