By being more sustainable, you not only limit your environmental impact, but you also reduce your electricity, saving you money on your next bill.

We’ve put together a mix of tips that will help you begin your sustainability journey. Some directly impact your electricity consumption, and others can be used as prompts to help you start thinking about other ways life can be more sustainable.

1. Shade your home from the sun

When it’s hotter, most people find that their energy usage increases. You might find yourself spending more time at home, or maybe using your aircon more frequently.

One way to keep your home cooler, is by shading it with plants. The most beneficial parts of your home to shade are your windows and glass doors. Windows and glass are where most of the heat in your home enters, by blocking these areas things get a lot cooler. Drawing your curtains and blinds when it’s warm will also help. The less direct sunlight that enters your home, the easier it is to keep cool and decrease your aircon usage. In an Alice Springs winter, do the reverse to keep your home warmer.

2. Buy second hand

Another easy way to live more sustainably is to reconsider buying something new. For example, if you are in the market for new furniture or clothing, consider shopping second hand. Thrift shops and Facebook marketplace are great places to start.

The global impact of making this one small change to your buying habits is considerable. By buying a product second hand, you are extending its life cycle. This means the item, instead of ending up in landfill, is instead used and reused. The issue of global wastage is forever increasing in importance. By simply choosing a dining room table from a thrift shop, instead of a big manufacturer, you are helping create change.

3. Recycle and reuse

Recycling your plastics, paper and metals is another easy step towards reducing your environmental footprint. In certain parts of the NT you can trade bottles, cans and juice boxes for cash, this makes for a great incentive for the whole family to start getting into the habit of recycling. For items you can’t recycle, try reusing them. For example, an old plastic ice cream container can be used in place of non-microwavable Tupperware. You can also invest in reusable items to avoid waste, such as bees wax covers in place of cling wrap or reusable coffee cups.

4. Invest in solar panels

Solar power is a great way to make a significant change while also making serious financial savings. Customers with solar produce their own electricity meaning that they do not need to purchase as much from the grid. The average customer will pay off their investment within 5 years. You can also invest in a battery system which will help you to store more energy and purchase even less from the grid.

5. Visit the markets

The Top End is renowned for its market scene. While the sunsets and diverse cuisines draw in tourists every year, the fresh fruit and vegetables are a great way locals can live more sustainably. By buying your fruit and vegetables locally, you will be supporting the community with the added bonus of enjoying fresher and tastier produce.

6. Make the most of the Wet season

In the Top End, we experience heavy rainfall during the Wet season. Installing a rainwater tank is a great way to utilise this natural resource. Whether you live rurally or in the suburbs, collecting rainwater is an easy way to live more sustainably. Rainwater can be used for anything from irrigation to a secondary water supply inside the house (when filtered).

If you are renting or can’t install a water tank, you can instead catch rain water in buckets and store it in water drums. Unless properly treated, you won’t be able to drink it, but you can use it for other purposes such as washing the car or watering the garden.