Save money and the planet

Could the high cost of living give us the incentive we need to reduce how much water and energy we use or waste? These eco-friendly household tips will help you do just that.

- JOANNA TOVIA

Caring about the environment is one thing, but if it requires us to make drastic changes or go without, our enthusiasm can soon wane. Unfortunately, Australians consume a lot more per person than people in most other countries simply because of how we choose to live. In fact, if the rest of the world consumed as much as we did, we'd need at least two more planets to meet the demands on nature.

There are some simple things you can do to reduce how much energy, food and water your household consumes - and what gets thrown out without feeling deprived. The result is a healthier bank balance and a more sustainable lifestyle.

Waste less food

If your household is like most, going through the fridge on bin night can be sobering. Chances are there are leftovers you didn't get around to eating and vegetables that went bad before you had a chance to use them.

Food waste is a huge problem in Australia. Thrown into landfill, it decomposes and releases harmful greenhouse gases that warm the planet. We waste 7.6 million tonnes of food each year, which is enough to fill the Melbourne Cricket Ground nine times, according to Foodbank.

Food relief organisations such as Foodbank and OzHarvest are doing their best to divert perfectly good food from supermarkets, airlines and businesses to charities that feed people in need, but we can all play our part at home.

The good news, according to the consumer advocate Choice, is that reducing your food waste could leave you $3800 better off at the end of the year. Not only is 70% of what we throw out still edible, but the way we shop for food, then store and use it, can make a big difference.