Shellharbour City Council is encouraging the community to 'Spring into Sustainability' by embracing simple eco-friendly habits at home and in the garden.
As the weather begins to warm up, it's the perfect time to refresh your space, reduce waste and try something new. Small changes like composting, planting veggies, decluttering or switching up your energy use can make a big difference for the environment.
Caption: Shellharbour City Council Nursery. Image courtesy of Shellharbour City Council.
Get Growing
Spring is the ideal season to test out your green thumb. Whether you have a big backyard or a few garden pots, there's something for everyone to try. Why not add some native varieties to your garden, such as Kangaroo Paw, Grevillea, Lilly Pilly, or Lomandra?
Shellharbour Mayor Chris Homer said spring is the perfect season to start building better habits.
"Spring is such a refreshing time of year, everything feels like it's coming to life again," he said.
"Planting a few veggies or herbs or just getting out into some fresh air is a great way to relax and connect with nature. It's even better when you share that experience with family or friends, knowing you're doing something good for your own wellbeing and for our community."
Here are some easy ways to start:
- Compost your food scraps - great for your garden and reduces waste
- Plant native species - they're easy to grow and help local birds and bees
- Grow herbs and veggies in pots - perfect for small spaces
- Use sugar cane mulch - available at Council's Nursery to help keep plants healthy
Council's Nursery is open Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 3:45pm (except public holidays), with staff available to help with advice on what to plant, how to prepare your soil and what grows well in our area.
You can also borrow or donate seeds at the Seed Library at Oak Flats Library if you're a Shellharbour City Libraries member. It's a great way to share and try something new - you might even start a garden club with friends or neighbours.
Spring Clean Sustainably
Your home can also benefit from a refresh. If you're decluttering, consider doing it the sustainable way:
- Donate items you no longer need to local charities or op shops
- Reuse or repurpose old containers, jars and fabrics
- Choose eco-friendly cleaning products or make your own using vinegar, lemon and baking soda
- Recycle and dispose responsibly - check what goes in each bin or what can be dropped off to the Dunmore Recycling and Waste Disposal Depot at Shellharbour Waste
Seasonal Home Switch
As the weather warms up, here are a few things to keep in mind to stay comfortable and reduce energy use:
- Use fans before switching on the air conditioner
- Cool only the rooms you're using by closing doors to unused spaces
- Close curtains or add external shading where the sun hits your windows
- Add seals or weather strips to gaps around doors and windows to keep hot air out
Spring is a great time to reset and try something different. Whether it's in the garden or new daily habits around the house, small changes can make a lasting impact.
Want to learn more about sustainable living? Check out the Future Now exhibit at Shellharbour Civic Centre for practical examples of sustainable living (on display until 28 November).
You can also have your say in the Let's Chat Community Emissions Reduction Plan survey and go in the draw to win 1 of 3 $200 visa gift vouchers.
KEY MESSAGES:
- Spring is the perfect time to start eco-friendly gardening habits.
- Council's Nursery and Seed Library offer great local resources.
- Small changes in your garden can make a big difference for the environment.
