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What you can do

Living Sustainably

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Tips

Chemicals 

  • Providing rock crevices in your garden will give an additional habitat for lizards that will naturally control pests. One Blue Tongue lizard alone will remove most of the snails and slugs in an average backyard – all without the use of chemicals.
  • Reduce the use of household chemicals by buying less, using less and looking for safer alternatives
  • Keep pesticides and other household chemicals away from children and never store them in containers used or labelled for food or drink. Always read product labels and directions carefully before use as these products can be dangerous, particularly for children.
  • Use plant-based and biodegradable cleaning products. There are also many everyday ingredients such as pure soap, bicarb of soda, vinegar and eucalyptus oil which are safer and often cheaper than commercial cleaning products
  • Use non-toxic and waterbased paints and wash brushes out over the grass not in the drain. Keep lids sealed tightly to avoid them drying out.
  • Dispose of unwanted chemicals lawfully. There may be a Chemical Collection in your local area. Contact your local council for further information.
  • Many houses built before 1970 contain lead paint. If you're planning renovations, either hire a professional experienced in lead-safe work or contact your local council or the Environment Line on 131 555 or (02) 9995 5555 to get advice on lead-safe renovations.
  • Don't use fertiliser or other chemicals where run-off will carry them into waterways. Use sand or soil to soak up oil spills rather than hose them into the gutter. Even a small amount of oil can cause a slick in our waterways.
  • Wash your car on the grass. The soil underneath acts as a natural filter for the run-off, which can help fertilise your lawn. If you don't have a lawn or grassy verge, use a carwash. This prevents detergents, oil and grease being washed into the stormwater system and ending up in our lakes, harbours and beaches.
  • Any detergents used outdoors for cleaning vehicles, windows, walls, paths or driveways should be biodegradable.
  • Try practising safe pest control. Companion planting provides some great natural alternatives to controlling pests.
  • Try using mulch to control weeds instead of using herbicides.
  • Washing the dog with flea treatments in the backyard rather than the laundry tub can help reduce the impact of pesticides on waterways.
  • Don't throw old medicines down the toilet or in the rubbish as they can harm our environment. Instead take out-of-date medicines back to your local pharmacy through the Return Unwanted Medicines program. This will protect the environment and your children.
  • Dispose of old mobile phones and their batteries through the recycling program, Mobilemuster.

 

 

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