Individual Actions for sustainability

Here is a suggestion of 52 actions that everyone could do to become more sustainable - Make an effort and integrate them in your lifestyle!!! (Still be critical - the list may not be complete and some of the actions may not have a positive impact in every community)

52 Individual Actions for Sustainability

Environmental

1. Limit use of private vehicles (unless carpooling)

2. Purchase energy efficient tyres

3. Learn how to drive more efficiently (reduce load in car etc....)

4. Avoid and reuse everyday items (shopping bags, mugs, drink bottles, etc.)

5. Hire/borrow items that you will only use once or twice rather than buying them

6. Use high quality products that can be repaired rather than disposed

7. Turn off appliances at the mains

8. Install a timer on your hot water cylinder

9. Recycle

10. Plant and maintain native plants. Only purchase water-efficient plants

11. Avoid printing, or print double-sided, use recycled/non-bleached paper. Get all your bills and bank statements sent via email

12. Insulate with natural materials where possible/ double-glaze your house, get thermal curtains. Close the doors, pull your curtains etc.....

13. Calculate and work towards reducing your ecological footprint and calculate your resource footprint

14. Limit household water consumption

15. Wash your laundry on cold wash. Use biodegradable washing powders, or make your own cleaning products (vinegar, lemon juice and baking soda works on most things!)

16. Buy and sell second hand where you can (or donate your stuff)

17. Eat less meat, be aware of where the meat is coming from and how it is produced

18. Buy carbon credits when travelling overseas

19. Switch to a greener electricity company

20. Get rid of your ‘insinkerator’

21. Buy energy efficient appliances (light bulbs, fridges etc...)

22. Buy in bulk where possible to reduce packaging

23. Grow your own veges or join a community garden

24. Compost or have a worm farm

25. Use stainless steel instead of aluminium

26. Use cloth nappies instead of disposable

27. Use push mowers

28. Limit fertilisers, use organic where you can

Social / cultural

29. Support charities helping to overcome poverty

30. Purchase fair trade items

31. Develop your understanding of and support indigenous culture

32. Give blood / become an organ donor

33. Smile

34. Enhance employee relations

35. Get involved in your neighbourhood

36. Stay in touch with family members

37. Organise a neighbourhood clean-up of a local river or park

38. Talk about ways to be more sustainable with your friends and family

39. Join a political party and encourage sustainability

40. Donate to a charity instead of giving Christmas presents

41. Volunteer your time

42. Enjoy nature

43. Be part of the environment

Economic

44. Consumers – support local businesses

45. Businesses – sell sustainably produced products

46. Use an EMS to increase business sustainability

47. Close the loop on resource flows

48. Before buying anything, ask yourself if you REALLY need it. Be a critical consumer (is the product sustainable?)

49. Buy locally produced goods where possible

50. Don’t make unnecessary trips

51. Video conferences

52. Inform yourself about monetary and social issues, and be critical of the current situation