Simple tips to reduce your home's impact on the environment

Being eco-friendly doesn't always have to involve buying new appliances or using different paints for your bathroom DIY plans - the little things count too!

Here are a few simple tips from the federal government's Your Home initiative on reducing your impact on the environment.

Laundry

Cut down on your washing time and water use by ensuring that you fully load your washing machine.

Whenever possible, wash your clothes in cold water also, opting to hang finished laundry on the clothesline rather than putting it in the dryer.

Shopping

Take your own reusable bags to the supermarket instead of using plastic bags. When out shopping for clothes and accessories, refuse unnecessary packaging if you can fit the item in another shopping bag.

General home

If not in use, turn your appliances of at the power switch. If you're going away, you can also turn off your hot water system.

Set your thermostats lower in winter and higher in summer, with each degree saving you about ten per cent in energy.

Consider composting your food and garden waste at home, as it can help to lessen the load at the dump and can be useful in providing nutrients to your plant.