One degree

Among other things, rubbish decomposing in landfill produces methane, a greenhouse gas more harmful than carbon dioxide. Recycling helps keep waste out of landfill, and also helps tackle climate change in another way because it takes less energy to recycle something than to make the same item from raw materials.

Happily, Australians are already among the world's best recyclers. On the other hand, we produce more waste than almost any nation on earth, but you can reduce waste going to landfill by about three-quarters just by composting, using your recycling bin, and avoiding plastic bags and overpackaged items when shopping.

Another easy way to reduce waste is simply to buy fewer new things; making new products requires energy and natural resources. Instead, make things last by buying second-hand from op shops and garage sales, borrowing from libraries, looking for building materials at salvage yards and so on. You could even talk to your neighbours about starting a tool-sharing network.

All of these tips will also save you money, so it's a double-win proposition.

Facts

• Each year the average Australian household creates 1.3 tonnes of landfill waste.
• Recycling of household waste in Australia rose from 20 per cent in 1993 to 46 per cent in 2006.
• Australians produce more rubbish per person than any nation except the US.
• Up to 40 per cent of household waste can be composted, including food scraps, garden cuttings, paper and card.
• Half of household waste by volume is packaging.
• Australians throw away more than $5 billion worth of food a year.

Tips

• Compost food scraps to turn them into fertiliser for your garden instead of sending them to landfill.
• Use your recycling bin.
• Visit www.recyclingnearyou.com.au - a great site that tells you how and where to recycle just about anything.
• Remember the "paperless office"? Don't print out from your computer unless it's really necessary.
• Buy second-hand.
• Drink tap water - large amounts of energy goes into extracting or making, packaging and transporting bottled water and soft drinks. Buy a reusable water bottle or flask, and get a home water filter if you're worried about water quality.