Responsible consumption and production

A responsible Council

We firmly believe that we must lead by example! As a result, we have implemented achievable goals within Council to ensure that both our consumption and production is responsible. 

Sustainability is a key pillar in Councils Strategic and Operational plans. It is entrenched in Singleton Council's Organisational Values and Behaviours, as well as the underlining ethos of key performance indicators - Engaged, Safe, Sustainable and Performing.  

A responsible community  

A growing concern within our community is the increasing consumption of resources such as water and electricity, as well as the inevitable production of excessive waste being sent to the Singleton Waste Management Facility each year.

As a community, we can reduce our consumption by actively monitoring, reducing our usage and employing strategies around our individual water, waste and electricity consumption. 

Electricity Consumption Strategies

  • Ensure that lighting and appliances are switched off at the power point when not in use
  • Replace you lighting with LED bulbs
  • Shutting down home technologies fully rather than leaving them on standby when not in use 
  • Hang out clothes rather than using the dryer
  • Purchase energy efficient appliances 
  • Reduce the intensity and frequency of heating and cooling appliances. Eg. Set the aircon to 24C rather than 16C and ensure all windows and doors are closed
  • Understand your on peak and off peak periods and what that means for you, you'll save energy and money. Win win!
  • If your appliance has the capacity to, program devices to turn off when you least require them. Eg televisions to turn off after a period of time, perhaps you've fallen asleep or been distracted.
  • Opt for solar garden and festive decorations
  • Weatherise your home. Install installation, seal air leaks around your home
  • Install solar energy solutions

Water Consumption Strategies

  • Ensure taps are fastened tightly and not dripping
  • Use your time in the shower more efficiently
  • Fix leaking taps immediately
  • Use a broom and bucket to clean outdoor areas rather than a hose
  • Wash your car on the lawn and water the grass at the same time
  • Install AAA-rated water-saving showerheads
  • Install a rainwater tank and keep it regularly maintained
  • Install a dual flush toilet or smart devices that allow your flush to only last as long as you hold the button
  • Fix leaking taps immediately
  • Use a broom and bucket to clean outdoor areas rather than a hose
  • Wash your car on the lawn and water the grass at the same time
  • Mulching the garden is a great way to reduce evaporation and water run-off. Good quality mulch will also provide nutrients and reduce weed growth
  • Hose the garden before 10am or after 4pm. This avoids the hottest part of the day when water wastage occurs due to evaporation. Watering-cans can be used at anytime, as can filling a bucket, washing a vehicle, building or pet, or topping up/ filling a swimming pool, provided a trigger nozzle or pressure cleaner is used.
    Install a rainwater tank for garden use

Waste Consumption Strategies

  • Avoid purchasing goods with unnecessary excess packaging (eg cucumbers in plastic wrap)
  • Composting and worm farming are great ways to recycle food scraps and nourish your garden
  • Meal Preparation saves waste, money and time! Bulk cook ups, freezing meals, packing a leftovers lunch box.. Plan your meals in advance so you know exactly what and how much you need to buy from the store
  • Take your own produce bags and shopping bags to the store (keep a one in your handbag or on your key ring)
  • Support local and get to know where your food comes from. (Buying local - 20km radius)
  • Avoid purchasing plastic waste by coming prepared with your own reusable water bottles, coffee cups, cutlery etc
  • Upcycle, refurbish, gift or donate unwanted secondhand items 
  • Get savvy and style yourself in fashion from local op shops to avoid textile waste
  • Separate your waste and full take advantage of Councils extensive list of FREE resource recovery initiatives and programs. 
  • Pause and reflect every time you go purchase something. Ask yourself if you already have this type of product and if you really need more stuff
  • Say NO to plastic

 

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