Do your bit for the environment
at home, and see the benefit

Here's independent information, with good ideas on what you can do to save on valuable resource use and seek a healthier lifestyle. You can become more sustainable without it 'costing the earth', once you know how. Practical guides to taking action at home in Aotearoa NZ are available free from this Sustainable Living resources page. The background issues on why to take action are explored on another page.
Study groups and classes are available in over 25 districts across New Zealand. Have fun learning about actions you can take, in discussion with others in your locality! Register interest in classes here.

Start now -
Our action guides show what you can do

Information is presented by topic, so that you can select a few now to download and come back for more. They are clearly-written and illustrated. Get them from this page ready to print, as PDF files - you will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software, if it is not already installed on your computer. (Get the latest Acrobat Reader from link here.)

Action to save Energy and help clean the city air (NEW pdf file - 383Kb)

Action on insulation for winter comfort and no mould (NEW pdf file 229 Kb)

Action on travel - less costly car driving and alternatives as fuel prices rise (NEW pdf file - 408Kb)

Action to save water and reduce river and coast pollution (NEW pdf file - 375Kb)

Action to reduce rubbish, re-use and recycle more (NEWpdf file - 362Kb)

Action by shoppers shop with the planet in mind (NEW pdf file - 684b)

Action in the garden, and also organic food growing (NEW pdf files - 432Kb and 375Kb)

Click here to automatically bookmark this action page, so that you can easily find this Sustainable Living resources site.

You may prefer learning in a group, to be able to discuss and share ideas with others, rather than reading information on your own? If so, register your interest in our evening classes (and request the occasional e-newsletter). We can then let you know of local groups or classes, and any coming up soon should also be listed on our courses page.

Firms looking to undertake sustainability initiatives in the workplace, (initially in Auckland, Waikato, and Bay of Plenty regions), are invited to contact the Sustainable Business Company which has recently arranged a licence with Sustainable Living Programme. They specialise in the delivery of sustainable solutions for business and through their workshops can deliver some of the Sustainable Living material in a business context, providing your business with simple information and tools with which to begin both the company and the staff's sustainability journeys.

Seeking additional ideas for sustainability at work? Visit also our friends at Sustainable Business Network and The Natural Step NZ.

Sustainable Living Programme development, was supported in 2001-2004 by the Minister for the Environment's Sustainable Management Fund and originally by 8 councils, led by Marlborough District (Listed here). Of these pioneer councils, the majority are still involved and developing the project further each year, with updating of methods and education materials. 18 more councils have since joined them . The Ministry is supporting further development in 2007-8 through a contract, also linked to their SustainAbility information campaign, which includes a 'Sustainability Challenge' where you can pledge to take action.  So, what are you waiting for!