Resources
Helping empower Victorian’s to downsize their waste through everyday actions
Getting Started
Following our zero-waste heircharcy of actions will put you on the path to making changes that are good for you, the community, and our environment.
Reducing waste is an important step in the fight against climate change – it takes energy to make everything but uses more energy when we throw things away. Resource extraction, manufacturing emissions, transport emissions, environmental pollution, human exploitation is tied up in the take, make, throwaway systems around us. To learn more watch The Story of Stuff. The changes made in our homes, communities, and businesses are equally important to larger system changes in building a more fair and sustainable future.
We’ve put together our zero-waste steps of actions to start you on the path to making changes that are good for you, the community, and our environment.
Join the Zero Waste Victoria Facebook group to connect with members of the zero waste Victoria community – it’s a safe space to ask questions and learn – we’d love to see you there.
Find more information to help you on your journey by following the links below.
It might seem you can’t avoid it, waste is everywhere. But there are many simple things that can be done to reduce waste. Being prepared helps with the challenge. Making lists when you shop can prevent impulse buying and over purchasing. Bring your own reusable shopping bags, produce bags and containers for food shopping and a reusable coffee cup, drink bottle and cutlery for takeaway food and beverages.
What we buy is also important. You can help reduce the impact of what you buy and consume by considering the following:
- Prior to purchasing anything, ask yourself the question ‘Do I need it?’ If the answer is ‘no’, don’t buy it. If the answer is ‘yes’ move on to step 2.
- Can you alleviate this need by repairing an existing item?
- Can you borrow/loan the item or buy it second hand?
- Is there a package free option?
- If you can’t get it package free, can and would you reuse the packaging?
- If you can’t get it package free, is the packaging minimal and made from recycled materials?
- Can you recycle the packaging or compost it at home at the end of its life?
- Is the product sourced ethically?
- Is there a local option available?
There are some great resources out there to help you on your waste free shopping journey. Here are some links to help you shop ethically and package free:
- Gippsland Unwrapped – Gippsland Directory
- Reusable Nation – Australia-wide Directory
- Sustainable Pathways – Waste Audits
- The Rogue Ginger – Melbourne Directory
Read
- A Family Guide to Waste-free Living – Lauren and Oberon Carter
- A Zero Waste Life: In Thirty Days – Anita Vandyke
- Plastic-Free: How I Kicked the Plastic Habit and How You Can Too – Beth Terry
- Waste Not: Make a Big Difference by Throwing Away Less – Erin Rhoads
- Zero Waste Home: The Ultimate Guide to Simplifying Your Life by Reducing Your Waste – Bea Johnson
- Zero Waste: Simple Life Hacks to Drastically Reduce Your Trash – Shia Su
Watch
Check Your Bin
We think a waste audit is a great place to start – it helps your household, school or business to understand what is being thrown away and where changes can be made.
- Before you toss your rubbish into your landfill bin, tip it out onto a tarpaulin and make a note of what is being thrown away
- A rummage through your bin might not sound appealing so we made this graphic to give you an idea of what the everyday Victorian throws away
Refuse
Learning to refuse waste can take some practice, but incorporating this step into your purchasing patterns is the most effective way to minimise waste. Refusing to buy wasteful or non-recyclable products is a great first step. When buying try refusing unnecessary product packaging and request reusable or returnable containers. Making smarter purchasing decisions and setting standards and expectations early in the process makes it easier for you to “refuse” waste in the first place.
Campaigns
learn more
Zero Waste Festival
Information stalls
Advocacy
