As the new year unfolds, many of us are inspired to make new commitments like eating healthier, learning a new language, or spending more time with friends and family. But beyond personal aspirations, it’s also a great time to reflect on our lifestyles and consider how we can improve our sustainability efforts. Small changes can have a big impact, and each step we take towards living more sustainably contributes to a healthier planet.
In this guide, we’ve compiled practical tips to help you start your sustainability journey in the coming year. Let’s make 2025 the year of positive change!
Contents
1. Understand the waste hierarchy
One of the best ways to manage waste is to understand the waste hierarchy, which prioritises waste management practices in the order of their environmental impact. It shows us the most preferred to least preferred method when introducing new materials and items into our lives, guiding us to make the most sustainable choices.
At the top of the hierarchy is "avoid," the most preferred action. This involves not bringing in new materials or items unless absolutely necessary. Next is "reduce," where we reflect on how much we truly need. "Reuse" and "repair" follow, encouraging us to consider if we can continue using or fixing what we already have, rather than buying new. "Recycle" and "recover" come next, promoting the repurposing of materials to avoid landfill. The least preferred method is "dispose," which results in sending items and materials to landfill.
For example, when you're considering on getting a coffee, you should first try to “avoid” getting it in a single-use coffee cup by having the coffee at the café, or "reuse" by using a reusable cup. If you are unable to do so, the next best option you have is to “recycle” the single-use coffee cup with Simply Cups since paper cups cannot be recycled through household bins. Lastly, the least preferred option would be to "dispose” of the paper cup in general waste as it will end up in landfill.
To dive deeper into the waste hierarchy, check out our detailed blog post on what is the waste hierarchy and how to apply it in your day-to-day life.
2. Recycle right at home
Recycling correctly is essential to ensuring that materials are properly processed and reused. Take the time to learn what can and can't be recycled through your household collection service. Each local council may have different guidelines, so be sure to check with your local recycling program to avoid contamination.
In addition to that, we should be conscious of avoiding mistakes that can end up contaminating the recycling stream. Things like food residue on containers or mixing non-recyclables with recyclables can disrupt the recycling process. If you're unsure whether you're making any common recycling mistakes, we have a guide on the most frequent errors Australians make—so you can check if you're doing your part correctly.
3. Start recycling more
Recycling doesn’t have to end at your household recycling bins. There are many specialised recycling programs that accept specific items for recycling through drop-off that you can start utilising if you haven’t already. Some examples include:
Coffee cups and other takeaway paper cups can be recycled with Simply Cups
Ink cartridges can be recycled with Cartridges 4 Planet Ark
Blister packs can be recycled with Pharmacycle
Batteries can be recycled via B-Cycle
You can also use tools like Recycle Mate to help you check the best way to dispose of an item or find drop-off points for items with specific recycling programs. We also have a guide to help you with recycling hard-to-recycle items.
4. Minimise your food waste
Food waste is a significant issue that negatively impacts both the environment and our resources. A large portion of food waste ends up in landfills, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Three easy steps you can apply to manage your food waste is:
Using a shopping list to avoid overbuying.
Buy “imperfect” produce that might not make it onto supermarket shelves.
Store food properly so that they last longer.
You can find our full list of tips for tackling food waste on our blog.
5. Up your compost game
If you’re not already composting, this year is the perfect time to start! Composting food scraps reduces landfill waste and creates nutrient-rich soil or fertiliser for your garden and plants.
There are several composting methods to choose from, including compost bins, worm farms, and Bokashi bins. Find the method that works best for your space and lifestyle, and start turning your food waste into “food” for your plants.
6. Plant native plants
Planting native plants in your garden is a simple yet powerful way to contribute to the environment. Native plants are well-suited to local conditions, require less water, and provide valuable habitat, food, and shelter for local wildlife. Birds, bees, small mammals, and lizards will thrive when native plants are included in your landscape. Plus, they often require less maintenance than non-native species, making them easier to care for.
7. Consume less energy
Reducing your energy consumption is another effective way to lower your environmental impact. Start by switching off lights and appliances when not in use, upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, and using LED bulbs. You can also consider using a smart thermostat to optimise your heating and cooling systems. Every small adjustment can add up to significant savings on energy and reduce your carbon footprint.
Additionally, consider switching to renewable energy sources where possible. If you have the option, installing solar panels and a home battery system can further reduce your reliance on non-renewable energy and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
8. Choose sustainable transport options
Consider walking or cycling instead of driving, or opt for public transport whenever possible. Carpooling with friends or colleagues is another great way to reduce emissions while still getting where you need to go.
9. Go second-hand
Buying second-hand is one of the easiest ways to reduce your environmental impact. Thrift stores and online marketplaces are great places to find high-quality items that don’t come with the environmental cost of manufacturing and shipping new goods. Whether it's clothing, furniture, or electronics, purchasing second-hand items helps reduce waste and saves you money.
10. Eliminate single-use items
Single-use plastics and other disposable products are major contributors to pollution. This year, make an effort to eliminate these items from your daily routine. Carry a reusable coffee cup, use cloth shopping bags, and avoid paper straws. Remember to also bring your own containers when you dine out in case you need to take away leftovers.
11. Check for disposal labels
One simple yet effective way to make more sustainable choices is by utilising disposal labels on the packaging. The Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) is one that helps consumers understand the best way to dispose of products in their local area. By looking for the ARL on packaging, you can choose products that are recyclable and follow the correct disposal methods, ultimately reducing waste and supporting sustainable practices.
The ARL identifies 5 different disposal methods that can be applied to different components of a packaging.
Recyclable- this component can be placed in your household recycling bin
Conditionally recyclable- this component can be recycled through your household recycling bin but with specific recycling instructions (i.e. scrunching up foil into a ball shape)
Check locally- might be recyclable near you
Drop off only- this item can be dropped off to a specialty recycling program
General waste/ not recyclable- this component should be disposed of into landfill
For more information, refer to our comprehensive blog on what is the ARL and how to utilise it.
Every small change counts
As we enter the New Year, making small, sustainable changes can have a big impact on our environmental footprint. By adopting simple habits like the above, we can collectively work toward a healthier planet. Remember, it's not about making perfect choices, but rather about being mindful and taking consistent steps toward a more sustainable lifestyle.