More than 90% of Australians are concerned about sustainability and the environment — yet only 48% feel they’re doing enough. That’s a big ol’ gap between intention and action.
But here’s the good news: being more sustainable at home doesn’t mean you have to start growing your own quinoa or take cold showers in the dark. In fact, some of the best eco-friendly habits are so easy, you’ll forget you ever did it differently.
Pure Planet Club Commercial Manager Christina Kjaergaard shared her top 9 simple ways to live more sustainably — and we’ve added one extra plus even more practical examples to help you take that green leap without breaking a sweat.
- Top up your pool responsibly
Use a hose with a trigger nozzle or, better still, a watering can for targeted control.
Only top up what’s lost to evaporation — not what got launched into the stratosphere by cannonballing children.
Extra tip: Use a solar pool cover to cut evaporation by up to 95% and keep that heat in.
Bonus idea: Top up in the early morning or late evening to avoid water loss through heat.
- Say goodbye to disposables
Swap takeaway coffee cups for a reusable cup like KeepCup or Frank Green — many cafes give you a discount for bringing your own.
Use beeswax wraps instead of cling film.
Invest in a sturdy reusable cutlery set that lives in your bag or car.
On the go? Keep a fold-up shopping bag in your pocket or glove box — no more plastic bags needed.
- Make the swap to plastic-free and tree-free toilet paper
Look for rolls made from bamboo, sugarcane pulp, or even recycled paper.
Brands like Who Gives a Crap or Pure Planet Club are great options and often offer subscription deliveries.
Added bonus: These often come in paper packaging, avoiding that annoying plastic wrap.
- Use half-flush when possible
Got kids or guests? Stick a cute label near the toilet to remind them: “Half-flush for Number 1!”
Still using a single-flush toilet? A water-saving cistern weight or dual-flush retrofitting kit can upgrade your setup for under $30.
- Time your showers and stick to 4 minutes
Not sure how long you take? Use a shower timer (yes, they exist) or just set your favourite 4-minute song.
Even better — install a low-flow showerhead. You’ll save water without sacrificing pressure, and you can still hit those shampoo-commercial hair flips.
Want to make it fun? Challenge the household: shortest (but cleanest) shower wins!
- Choose eco-beauty products
Use a bamboo toothbrush, wooden hairbrush, and refillable deodorant.
Try shampoo and conditioner bars — zero plastic and they last longer than bottled versions.
Ditch makeup wipes for reusable makeup remover pads that go in the wash.
Pro tip: Refill stations for products like moisturiser and body wash are popping up at health stores — BYO bottle and save the planet one pump at a time.
- Use non-toxic cleaning products
Replace half your cleaning cupboard with a few staples: white vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice.
Create an all-purpose cleaner: mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
Need scrubbing power? Make a paste with baking soda and a little water for sinks and stovetops.
Not a DIY fan? Look for products labelled “biodegradable” and “greywater safe” — they’re better for your pipes and our waterways.
- If you’re not using it, switch it off
That microwave clock is silently judging your energy bill. Switch it off at the wall when not in use.
Use power boards with master switches to turn off multiple devices with one click.
Plug appliances into smart plugs that switch off overnight or when you’re not home.
Don’t forget the culprits in plain sight — gaming consoles, phone chargers, and TVs all suck power even on standby.
- Resell and donate items
That pile of “I’ll wear it again someday” clothes? Time for it to spark joy in someone else’s wardrobe.
Sell furniture or gadgets on Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, or Depop.
Donate books to your local library, toys to the op-shop, or old towels to the local animal shelter.
Even broken appliances may be wanted — hobbyists and upcyclers love a challenge.
- Be bee-friendly: Grow flowers, not frustration
Bees are the unsung heroes of your garden — and our entire food chain. So give them a helping hand (or at least a flowerbed). Avoid using chemical pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic fertilisers that harm pollinators. Instead, plant bee-friendly blooms like lavender, basil, daisies, echinacea, or even a humble patch of clover.
You’ll not only attract bees, butterflies and happy vibes, but you’ll also create a garden that’s naturally more productive and beautiful.
Pro tip: Go for native plants — they’re low maintenance, thrive in your climate, and are like a local buffet for bees.
🌱 Bottom Line?
Small changes = big impact. If everyone made just one or two of these switches, the combined effect would be massive. You don’t need to be perfect — just a little more conscious.
