If you’re looking to live with less waste and more intention, spring is the perfect time to pause, rethink what you really need and make room for better habits. As you tidy up, here are some sustainable ideas to keep in mind:
1. Declutter mindfully
Instead of chucking items you no longer want straight into the bin, take a moment to sort them into categories: donate, reuse and recycle. Giving your unwanted things a proper new home will help reduce waste and keep useful items out of landfill.
Consider selling items you no longer need through local online marketplaces or “buy nothing” Facebook groups. Donating to charities is another great way to ensure your items get a second life with someone who truly needs them. Remember, one person’s trash could easily be another’s treasure!
For items that can’t be donated or sold, think about creative ways to reuse them at home. For example, old clothing or worn-out t-shirts can be cut into rags for cleaning or used as stuffing for craft projects, cushions or pet beds. This extends their life, keeping useful materials in circulation and conserving natural resources.
Visit our Reuse Hub for more tips on how to reuse items.
2. Rethink cleaning supplies
What you clean with matters too! Swap out old habits and conventional cleaning chemicals for greener alternatives:
Skip single-use wipes or cleaning tools – choose reusable or washable options instead.
Replace paper towels with cloths or old-t shirts that you can wash and reuse.
Use compostable sponges or natural brushes to cut down on plastic waste.
DIY non-toxic cleaners for your home with simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda and lemon, and store them in old glass jars or spray bottles.
Support brands that offer biodegradable, refillable products or purchase from your local bulk and refill stores.
3. Refresh your space with native plants
Native plants require less water and fertiliser, making them easier to care for and maintain. Planting natives offers many benefits – they support local Australian flora, attract native wildlife and help restore natural ecosystems by improving soil health and boosting local biodiversity. Bringing plants inside also offers natural air filtration and will impress your guests!
With many varieties to choose from, they’re the perfect addition to your balcony or garden. For tips on planting at home, check out National Tree Day’s guide.
4. Schedule drop-offs for items that can’t go in your recycling bin
Drop off items like e-waste, old batteries, coffee capsules, eyeglasses and more at designated collection points.
There are specialised recyclers who can handle hard-to-recycle materials. For example, TerraCycle offers a service where you can send in a package of items and they’ll sort and recycle them for you (for a small fee).
Check out Recycling Near You for a full list of accepted items and drop-off locations.
5. Give your garden a green clean-up
Kitchen scraps, grass clippings and leaves can be composted and turned into nutrient-rich soil instead of ending up in landfill. Composting helps reduce greenhouse gases and it’s also great for your garden.
Repurpose old containers or buckets as planters to avoid buying new ones. You can also use broken pots for drainage in larger pots or as edging in your garden beds.
Clean up rusty garden tools using a simple DIY method with white vinegar or lemon juice and an old rag. See how it’s done in the video below!