We’ve outlined some small, easy and effective ways to take action below, to help us build a greener and more sustainable Australia for our families, wildlife and future generations. And of course…to Help us Keep Australia Beautiful!

4 Simple Acts of Green

1. Add reusable eating utensils to your everyday carry bags or lunchboxes

Many of us live our lives on-the-go these days. In a busy world, we don’t always know where we will be when we eat our next meal.

But the problem with eating on the run is that you can’t turn to your silverware drawer to pull out a fork and knife. Plastic utensils used for eating on the fly are an unnecessary but major source of plastic pollution. What’s more, most plastic utensils can’t be recycled, making it even more important to ditch the single-use plastics. The good news? This plastic problem can easily be solved with an easy fix — carry a spare set of flatware that you can bring with you in your day-to-day life.

Keys? Check.
Wallet? Check.
Cell phone? Check.
Utensils? Check!

2. Always carry a reusable shopping bag

Most people by now know that single-use plastic grocery bags are going the way of the dinosaurs. It’s estimated that we use 4 TRILLION plastic bags each year worldwide.

Besides being made from fossil fuels, the average plastic bag is only used for 10-20 minutes, Unfortunately, that plastic bag lives on much, much longer — perhaps as much as 1,000 years in a landfill. What’s worse, plastic grocery bags aren’t recyclable. In fact, plastic bags spell big trouble for recycling facilities, getting caught in the machinery and slowing or even halting the entire recycling process.

So we know that we should never use plastic grocery bags, but sometimes you get to the store and realize you left your reusable shopping bag at home.

The key to improving our environmental behavior is to make a plan, and build your environmental muscle memory: Put your recyclable bags somewhere that will ensure you always remember to bring them with you.

If you drive to the store, keep your bags in your car.
If you bike, keep them in your basket.
If you walk, store your reusable bags near your front door.
If always remembering to bring your reusable bags means you need to store them in your refrigerator, do that!

3. Make Your Next Meal Plant-Based or try Meat Free Monday

Did you know that animal agriculture requires huge amounts of land and water? A single pound of beef requires nearly 7,000 litres of water. On top of depleting valuable resources, producing meat contributes a staggering level of greenhouse gas emissions. However, a plant based burger generates 90% less GHGs and has 99% less water impact and has 93% less impact on land use.

What we eat is important for the health of self and the planet. For your next meal, we urge you to make a climate conscious choice and go plant-based.

Or, try Meat Free Mondays, one of the easiest ways to save the world. Having at least one plant-based day a week, (fruits and vegetables), is a fun and easy way to do something good for the planet and our future.