Living More Sustainably at Home
If you are looking to live a more sustainable lifestyle, the following online resources provide a range of advice to help you conserve water and energy and reduce waste
Good Home Design
Good Home Design: in the Yarra Ranges is a free booklet that offers straight forward and practical advice to consider whether you are buying, building or renovating your home. The publication can go a long way in ensuring that your home is comfortable to live in throughout the year and is run in a cost-efficient way.
You can get a free copy of this publication from any of the Community Links or by calling 1300 368 333. An electronic copy is available on the right hand side of this webpage.
Government resources
The Federal Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Victoria have the following range of resources available for people looking to live more sustainably.
The Living Greener website provides information about living more sustainably and reducing your environmental impact. It includes information on government programs, financial support and available rebates.
The Your Home Renovator's Guide will take you through the process of renovating your home step-by-step, explaining what to look for and the important questions to ask.
The Your Home Buyer's Guide will take you through the process of choosing a new home step-by-step, explaining what to look for and the important questions to ask.
An older home guide with actions that Australian households can take to reduce global warming and reduce energy, costs and greenhouse gases.
The ResourceSmart website is designed to provide solutions, ideas and advice. You'll find information on rebates for energy and water-saving devices, how and where to recycle things, and useful tools that will help you learn how to reduce greenhouse gas pollution.
Community based organisations
Green Cross Australia is a national NGO that works primarily to support communities affected by the Black Saturday fires and with young emergency volunteers. Their Build It Back Green 'Green Building Guide' is Victoria's complete post-bushfire rebuilding products and services guide.
Alternative Technology Association (ATA) is Australia’s leading not-for-profit organisation, promoting sustainable technology and practice. ATA has a web page dedicated to sustainability at home covering rainwater tanks through to tips to save energy.
Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) is a national, community-based environmental organisation, that promotes solutions through research, consultation, education and partnerships. Their GreenHome program produced a Victoria specific for guide for greener living at home.
Moreland Energy Foundation (MEFL) is a not-for-profit organisation established to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the municipality of Moreland, Melbourne. Their website has special advice for renovators, new parents and renters.
Sustainable Gardening Australia (SGA) is a not-for-profit, non-government organisation dedicated to changing the way Australians garden. On their website you can find a range of gardening fact sheets for the home gardener.
Sharehood is a website that is all about sharing resources and getting to know people in your local area. Members of Sharehood can see other members who live close to them, and the things and skills they want to lend and borrow.
Industry organisations
Housing Industry Association (HIA) is a peak body for Australia’s home building industry. Their GreenSmart program promotes practical, affordable and durable environmental solutions for residential design and construction.
For more information contact Alison Fogarty, Community Climate Change Officer on 9294 6821 or email us.