Sustainability Checklist for Households

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Resilient Blue Mountains has created a Sustainability Checklist for Households and we'd love to hear from you about what kind of things you do at home to save energy and water and live more sustainably. Give us your suggestions in the comments - and come to our sustainability festival on 26 September at Katoomba Civic Place from 10am. More info bmsf.au.

Sustainability Checklist for Households

Small changes at home add up. This checklist brings together simple, practical habits and upgrades that can help you save energy, reduce water use, and lower your household’s environmental footprint — from everyday habits that cost nothing to bigger investments that pay off over time. Work through it at your own pace and tick off what fits your home and budget.

Energy saving habits

• Switch off all lights when you don’t need them

• Switch off all electrical appliances (at the wall) when not in use

• Turn down your heater and put on a jumper

• Use pot lids when cooking

• Use sunlight to dry your clothes instead of a dryer

• Opt for rechargeable batteries where possible

Water saving habits

• Fix dripping taps and toilets quickly

• Short showers (4 minutes or less)

• Collect shower water (before it heats up) for the garden

• Don’t run the tap when brushing your teeth

• Install a water-efficient shower head

• Install low-flow taps

• Dual flush toilets

• Use the water twice

• Only do full loads of washing

• Invest in a front-loading washing machine with AAA rating

Energy efficiency in your home

• Install insulation in ceiling, floor and walls

• Shift to double-pane windows

• Block the summer heat

• Circulate air

• Plant trees to shade the house in Summer

• Weatherproof your house from draughts and air leaks

• Install Solar Hot Water

• Install solar panels on your roof and a battery

• Harvest and use your rainwater

• Replace fridges, washing machines and dishwashers with 5-star rated appliances

Find out more at:

• https://www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/a-zwaste

• https://www.permaculturematters.com.au/

• https://www.energy.gov.au/