Living sustainably in Australia comes with unique opportunities and challenges. Australia’s climate, its urban sprawl, and its distance from global manufacturing centres all shape what “living green” means here. This guide offers practical, actionable steps for Australian households.
Energy
Australia has some of the world’s best solar resources. Rooftop solar is one of the single most impactful things an Australian household can do to reduce its carbon footprint.
- Install rooftop solar — federal and state rebates are available through the Clean Energy Regulator
- Switch to a GreenPower-accredited electricity retailer
- Replace gas appliances with efficient electric alternatives (induction cooktops, heat pump hot water systems)
- Install insulation — reduces both heating and cooling energy demand
- Use LED lighting throughout your home
Transport
Transport accounts for approximately 18% of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions. Passenger vehicles are the dominant contributor.
- Switch to an electric vehicle when your next car purchase is due — the EV market in Australia is rapidly expanding
- Use public transport, cycling, or walking for urban trips where possible
- Reduce air travel — aviation is one of the fastest-growing sources of emissions
- If you must fly, choose direct routes and consider high-quality carbon offsets
Food
- Reduce beef and dairy consumption — livestock agriculture is Australia’s largest source of agricultural emissions
- Buy seasonal, locally grown produce — reduce food miles and support Australian farmers
- Reduce food waste — Australians throw away approximately $2,500 worth of food per household per year
- Start a compost or worm farm — diverts organic waste from landfill and produces rich garden amendment
- Grow some of your own food — even a small herb garden or a few pots of tomatoes makes a difference
Consumption
- Buy less, buy better — prioritise durability and repairability over cheapness
- Use secondhand markets (Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace, op shops) before buying new
- Avoid single-use plastics — bring reusable bags, bottles, and coffee cups
- Support B Corp certified businesses that meet rigorous environmental and social standards
Garden and Land
- Plant native species — they require less water, support local wildlife, and are adapted to local soils
- Create a wildlife-friendly garden with shelter, water, and food sources for native birds and insects
- Remove invasive exotic plants from your property
- Join a Landcare group to contribute to landscape-scale restoration in your region
Useful Australian Resources
| Topic | Resource | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Solar rebates | Clean Energy Regulator | cleanenergyregulator.gov.au |
| Landcare | Landcare Australia | landcareaustralia.org.au |
| Green power | GreenPower | greenpower.gov.au |
| Recycling | Planet Ark Recycling Near You | recyclingnearyou.com.au |