Protecting our Planet
With Laudato Si Week 24th-31st May & World Environment Day 5th June #BeatPlasticPollution, it is time to celebrate our planet. We would like to share some simple lifestyle tips that can make a difference for our Earth.
Avoid Landfill as much as possible
All waste buried in landfill not only pollutes soil, but also releases greenhouse gases. Therefore, we must reduce landfill waste (the regular bin) as much as possible. This can be done via the 5 Rs:
- Refuse to buy if you don’t need / reduce the amount you buy. This is particularly true for plastic items, which are particularly harmful to the planet and wildlife.
- Reuse until end of life / repurpose
- Recycle properly! There are many ways to recycle, including your yellow bin at home. Learn what goes and what doesn’t go in the yellow bin.
The following link will tell you what you can recycle in your council: https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/circular-economy-and-recycling/at-home/recycling-at-home/council-waste-and-recycling-services
Items that don’t go in the yellow bin can be taken to the following places:
- Coles: batteries
- Officeworks: audio & tech accessories, ink & toner cartridges, data storage items, school stationery
- Bunnings: plant pots, paint containers
- Sephora: all skincare & beauty containers (get points!)
- Chemist Warehouse: blister packs
- Sheridan: fabrics (towels & bed sheets)
- Drink bottles can be taken to the Deposit Containers to get 10c back
- Food scraps can be composted in a worm farm, compost bin or bokashi, even if you live in an apartment!
Smart Energy Consumption
In the winter, heat to 18-20 degrees.
In the summer, cool to 24-26 degrees.
Anything higher (in the winter) or lower (in the summer) will use more energy, therefore cost you more.
You can also choose energy-smart appliances, such as LED lightbulbs instead of halogen, and taps that consume less water.
Finally, to provide some Pope Francis inspiration “The climate is a common good, belonging to all and meant for all.” And “We are called to hear both the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor”.
Alizée Bourgault