Sustainable Lifestyles
Imagine a Victoria where we’re healthier and happier because we walk, ride our bikes and take the train whenever we can. Where our home appliances have the highest energy efficiency ratings possible. Every drop of water is cherished. Products are reused rather than discarded. And we brag to our neighbors about our comfortable, low-impact lives. Now imagine yourself getting involved in one of the many ongoing campaigns and programs designed to help us overcome the barriers to sustainable living and seek effective and innovative ways to tread lightly on the earth.
The Basics
Every day in Victoria, we drive places, shop for cool new gadgets, take showers, open our refrigerators to get lunch, wash our clothes, heat and cool our homes, cook dinner in the oven, and put out the trash. Up to 40 percent of the heat that escapes from our homes in winter comes from uncovered windows. Insulation can reduce energy for heating and cooling by as much as 45 percent. The average Australian household spends over $1000 per year on items that never get used; 89 percent ends up in landfill. Each person who puts in a water saving showerhead and cuts their shower time from 8 to 4 minutes saves about 84 litres of water a day – that’s 30,000 litres a year. Now imagine if we multiplied that by 5 million! Want to learn a bit more or are you ready for everything we’ve got?