Every day Australians produce thousands of tonnes of waste. This waste has a double impact on the environment. First, it represents a massive waste of valuable resources. Second, because we still throw out so much physical rubbish, we're rapidly using up our precious land as rubbish tips.

We can all do our bit to solve these problems and promote sustainable living. You're probably already helping now by recycling paper, aluminium cans, glass and plastic bottles. Recycling is a good beginning, but to help build a sustainable future we need to do more than recycle. We must break the waste cycle to promote and embrace sustainable living.

Shopping for sustainable living

One of the best ways of reducing waste for sustainable living is to avoid it in the first place. Many products come in unnecessary packaging. If there's a less wasteful alternative to what you buy, make the change. Here's how to get started:

• When you're out shopping choose things with less packaging, reusable packing or none at all.
• Many products, including deodorants, moisturisers, dishwashing liquids, sauces and spices, now come in re-useable or refillable packs. Check out the alternatives next time you shop.
• Buy things that last -- avoid disposable goods like paper plates and plastic cutlery. Why not invest in rechargeable batteries or solar products which can save you money in the long term?
• If you really think about it, most plastic bags are unnecessary. Take your own bags when you shop or ask for a cardboard box at the supermarket. If something's already packed, it doesn't need a bag -- just put it in your own box or bag.
• Buying in bulk not only saves on packaging, it can also save you money.
• Next time you're out shopping buy your fruit and veg loose instead of pre-packaged in plastic.
• Junk mail like advertising flyers can end up as litter in our streets and waterways. If you don't read junk mail, put a 'no junk mail' sign on your letterbox.

Sustainable Compost

Gardening is a great source of enjoyment for many Australians. However, garden waste can harm the environment, especially if it finds its way into the stormwater drains and then the waterways. Decaying garden clippings and other waste can decrease oxygen levels in streams and rivers, killing fish and other aquatic life. Garden and food waste can be composted into valuable resources you can put back on your garden to promote sustainable living.

Recycle organic waste at home -- by conventional composting, worm farms or by using council collections if available. Composting helps keep garden and food waste out of rubbish tips and also returns much-needed nutrients to our soil. You can compost anything organic except meat, fish, bones and animal droppings. Most modern compost methods work within six weeks. If you live in a unit in the city, don't despair -- you can still compost and support sustainable living. Put a worm farm out on your balcony.

Next time you mow the lawn, leave the clippings on the lawn to fertilise it. Alternatively, you can put your grass clippings around the base of your trees and plants. The clippings act as mulch and have the added bonus of helping your plants conserve water.