Switch to LED Lighting – net saving around $300 per year

LED lightbulbs are low-energy, long-lasting and now available in all types of lighting.  While there is an upfront cost to switching from other lightbulbs to LEDs, it is possible to do it over time as normal replacement occurs. Households that change to LEDs see their power usage from lighting drop by as much as 90 per cent, which translates to a substantial saving.

Reduce food waste – save more than $1000 a year

Preparing meals from scratch and then using left-over food for lunches or other meals instead of buying takeaway food results in a significant financial saving and benefits the environment.  Most people don’t realise that they waste up to 25 per cent of all the food they purchase and while some waste is normal – peelings, cores etc in fruit and vegetables, much of it is avoidable.

Refrigerate or freeze leftovers in the evenings – these can become lunches the next day. Make sure you use good quality storage jars for fruit and vegetables to help keep them fresher for longer.

Save on heating and cooling –save around $200 a year

A better-insulated home means you can reduce the heating and cooling.  Simple steps could include fitting better-insulated blinds or curtains, adding draught excluders, having a thicker quilt on your bed, or installing ceiling fans that reverse in winter to make your heating more efficient.  Turning heating/cooling down by just one degree will save the average household around $200 a year.

Ditching single-use plastic – save $400 a year

Convenience can be costly, but by using a refillable water bottle three times a week rather than buying a plastic one could save you at least $300 a year. Taking a re-useable cup for your coffee can also save around $100 per year if you buy from a Responsible Café.