Living sustainably
Find out ways to make your home healthier or how you can live a more eco-friendly lifestyle even if you have already made a start. Learn how you can save money and the world at the same time.
Link to the Sustainable Living website (new window)
What is unsustainable about how we do things?
The volume of stuff New Zealanders consume each year is increasing. Particularly significant is the amount of these resources we throw out after only a brief use. We have a high throughput of materials such as metals, plastics and fossil fuels. For example, although Auckland's population grew 15.5% from 1980 to 1996, its annual waste volume grew 95%!
How change happens
- Consumer power - our actions speak louder to business than words;
- Regulation and financial incentives - national laws and commitments such as the Kyoto protocol, or Biodiversity Convention;
- Lifelong education - learning for the future;
- Become a change agent;
- Make changes to lifelong habits that reflect more sustainable practices.
If you change your own behaviour:
- It reduces your carbon footprint
- It helps change societal norms
- Models sustainable behaviour to others
- You will be "walking the talk"
- It feels good and is empowering!
Last reviewed: 12 Jul 2008 5:51pm
