Successes

Composting food waste every which way

For Heidi, digging into food waste was a big highlight of the Brisbane Carbon Challenge. Starting with one compost bin, Heidi now has a sophisticated food waste system on her property:

‘I now have two large bath tubs and three standard worm farms all operational, so I contribute zero food waste to landfill now. I also now have four chickens of my own and I am more conscientious about not throwing anything in the regular garbage that can be salvaged and utilised by the worms or the chickens.’

This process was enlightening and addictive for Heidi, who notes that having a, “Better understanding of where [her] food and garden waste is going and contemplating the significant environmental impact of that has transformed how [she] look[s] at recycling.’ In fact, after taking these steps in the Brisbane Carbon Challenge, Heidi has enrolled in Brisbane City Council’s Master Composter Course.

Pool pump draining energy

Did you know that for the average Queensland home with a pool, this summer-time luxury is the biggest household energy guzzler, responsible for 33% of consumption? Like many of us, Heidi didn’t realise how much energy her pool pump was using. Changes in energy consumption don’t always require big investments or inconvenient changes to behaviour. For example, Heidi simply reduced her energy bills and emissions by setting her pool pump running time to a minimal amount while still keeping her pool clean and healthy.

Challenges

Learning eco-driving

Living far from public transport and with two daughters who also drive, reducing transport emissions was the biggest challenge for the Morris household. In addition to purchasing an electric bike to share, they learned that adopting eco-driving techniques was an effective way to become more fuel-efficient. Initially, the household wanted an in-car monitoring device to monitor their driving behaviour and receive real-time feedback via coloured lights to change their driving behaviours. 

Unfortunately, the device ‘wasn’t something that could be fitted to [the family’s] cars as they were too old.’ However, that didn’t stop Heidi from learning and practising specific skills and tips to drive more efficiently. For example, gentle braking, keeping tyres inflated and maintaining a constant speed have helped to lower her bills and transport emissions.

Heidi’s top tip:

‘Take the online Carbon Challenge calculator to establish your own emissions and make a plan to change what you are doing – make the world a better place! Reduce your waste where you can, turn off your lights, switch off your big TV and embrace a cleaner and greener way of living. You will benefit and so will the planet.‘