SUSTAINABLE LIVING BLOG
How to live for less
Articles to help you lower your cost of living, reduce your environmental footprint and connect with others in the Brisbane community.
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8 Hard-to-Recycle Items in Brisbane and What to Do With Them
Living sustainably in Brisbane means more than sorting our yellow lid and green waste bins. Some everyday items simply don’t belong in kerbside recycling, but…
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World Water Day – Tips For Saving Water
March 22 marks World Water Day, a reminder of how essential water is to our lives and how important it is to use it wisely.…
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5 Sustainable Valentine’s Day ideas that show love for your partner and the planet
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to come wrapped in plastic, delivered by mass produced roses, or accompanied by throwaway novelty gifts. More and more, couples are…
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Nine ways to have a more sustainable Christmas
If you’re dreaming of a low-cost Christmas, we’re here to help you have a Christmas miracle with 8 tips for a beautiful day that’s kind…
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Money-saving powerhacks: summer edition
With energy prices and the temperature rising over summer, these fan-tastic powerhacks will help you beat the heat and bring your bills down at the…
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Make it a meaningful Christmas
During the silly season it’s easy to get caught up in the culture of consumerism, but if you want to pump the brakes, slow down…
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How to dispose of Christmas waste responsibly
From shopping local to reducing food waste, learn how small changes at home can strengthen southeast Queensland’s food resilience.
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Brisbane’s Green Waste Revolution
Brisbane City Council is making it easier than ever to live sustainably! As part of its commitment to reducing landfill and promoting greener living, Council…
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Spring Clean the Sustainable Way: Freshen Up Without the Footprint
Spring is here, and with it comes the urge to refresh our homes. But before you reach for the bleach and bin bags, consider this,…
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Spring Declutter Guide: Donate, Recycle, Repair and Reuse with Purpose
Spring is the perfect time to refresh your home but that doesn’t mean sending everything to landfill. With a little more effort, your spring clean…
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Striking the balance to minimise your car use
Reducing how much you use your car can not only save you money, but reduce your carbon emissions. Try our tips to navigate low-carbon travel.
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Glass with Class: Practical Ways to Reuse Household Glass
Glass is one of the most versatile materials in your home – durable, endlessly reusable, and can be surprisingly stylish. While many households toss jars…
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Kids’ Energy Challenge: Switch Off
Ever tried outsmarting the light switch monster? Or caught a fan running with no one around? Welcome to the Kids’ Energy Challenge: Switch Off –…
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How to Make a Door Draught Snake
Looking for a simple way to keep the chill out and cut down your energy use this winter? Meet your new best friend: the draught…
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Smarter Homes, Lower Bills: How Smart Meters Are Powering the Future of Energy Use
Smart meters are giving households more control over their energy use than ever before. With real-time tracking, usage insights and solar integration, these digital tools…
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Carbon Accounting Basics
With new climate reporting rules on the horizon, businesses across Australia are beginning to take a closer look at their emissions. Whether you’re a large…
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Sustainable Office Hacks: Easy Ways to Go Green at Work
Sustainability isn’t just for the home – your workplace can also play a big role in reducing environmental impact.
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Save Money and Reduce Your Carbon Footprint with Solar: A Renter’s Guide
With energy prices soaring, finding ways to cut electricity costs while reducing your carbon footprint has never been more important.
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The new wave of fashion retailers
Love op shopping and hitting the preloved clothing markets? Meet the newest way to thrift some sustainable fashion, the rent a rack store! With two…
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Five ways to support local food systems
From shopping local to reducing food waste, learn how small changes at home can strengthen southeast Queensland’s food resilience.
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The hidden environmental villain in your home
Did you know your daily laundry load can contain millions of microplastics that end up in our waterways? A 2016 study, found that on average…
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7 ways to keep living costs down this summer
When the weather warms up, most of us are conscious of the energy we use running our air conditioners to keep ourselves cool. But how…
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Ready to make change for your organisation?
Brisbane residents have reaped the rewards of recycling through Containers for Change Queensland for years, and now it’s time for businesses, organisations, and community groups…
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Snap up second-hand treasure this Buy Nothing New Month
This October, to celebrate Buy Nothing New Month, why not visit one of Council’s Treasure Troves at Geebung or Acacia Ridge and find a second-hand…
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5 wheely good reasons to go electric
If your current car is on its last legs and you’re in the market for a new ride, here’s some motivation to make your next…
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Brissy residents share their best sustainable swaps
We know that small habits can have a BIG impact, so Urban Utilities asked Brissy locals to share some of the inventive ways they’re saving…
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The why and how of taking low-carbon action
There’s a lot of talk about ‘low carbon’ and ‘greenhouse gas emissions’, but what do these terms actually mean? By understanding the concept of carbon…
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4 ways to get your recycling right every time
Did you know that about 16% of the average general waste bin contains items that could have been recycled? That might not seem like a…
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How to protect our feathered friends from window collisions
Mornings in Brisbane would not be the same without the melodious tunes and raucous squawks of our local birds. Birds not only provide us with…
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First home hacks
Buying your first home is exciting yet daunting, but you can balance your mortgage and implement sustainable actions with these budget-friendly hacks. From LED bulbs…
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A journey to zero-waste cooking
A culinary revolution quietly unfolded in May, as OzHarvest, BioPak, and celebrity chef Alastair McLeod united for “Cooking for Change”- an inspiring zero-waste event that…
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The ultimate guide to Brisbane’s pre-loved markets
This list of Brisbane’s best fashion markets has got you covered all the way from the north side to the south.
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5 ways to thrift smartly
In today’s hustle and bustle, thrifting is like stumbling upon a hidden oasis in the desert of conventional shopping. It’s not just about snagging unique…
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How to have a water-efficient garden
It’s no secret that water is one of the main ingredients to a blooming great backyard, but there are many ways you can achieve a…
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Money-saving powerhacks: winter edition
With the temperature starting to get low, how can your energy bill do the same? In this article we share money-saving powerhacks to stay warm…
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7 ways to recycle even more
Your recycling bin is pristine – full of clean acceptable materials, and you know exactly what can and can’t go in. But have you ever…
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A beginner’s guide to companion planting
Everyone wants a thriving, bountiful veggie garden so why not give companion planting a go? It’s one way you can ‘work smarter not harder’ in…
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Three ways to make sure green waste isn’t wasted
Did you know that the average Brisbane bin contains 26% garden waste that could have been recycled and turned into mulch and compost? Here’s our…
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Money-saving powerhacks: clothes washing and drying edition
In this edition, we’ve tackled the dirty laundry, so if you want clean clothes without the big power bills, we’ve rounded up our seven ways…
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5 sneaky leaks that could be costing you
A little drip might not seem like a big problem, but you could be pouring money down the drain with leaks around your home. The…
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A cost-saving, sustainable living guide to 2024
What’s ‘in’ for you this year? If you’re looking to live your best life on a budget while being more sustainable in 2024, we’ve got…
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Saving water at home during summer
Want to save water in your home? Nicole Lutze discovers how some simple switches starting with the four big water users can save you both water and…
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Money-saving powerhacks: lighting edition
If you’ve been battling big power bills, we’ve got some power-hacks to help bring them down. Try our tips to help you ‘see the light’…
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Three reasons to give a green waste recycling bin a whirl
If you’ve never invested in a green waste recycling bin for your backyard, we have three good reasons why you should join almost 140,000 homes…
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Money-saving powerhacks: home entertainment edition
We all love being entertained, so this edition helps you still have fun and engage in your hobbies, but without the energy-related stress.
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Three ways your kids can keep Brisbane clean and green
Do you have kids who want to lead the way with reducing waste and recycling? Brisbane City Council has a range of educational workshops and…
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How to get your workplace on the sustainability train
Want a fun way to get your workplace to take over 270 sustainable actions at home and work? Learn our tips and tricks for running…
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Beginner’s guide to sustainable and circular fashion
Clothing and textiles play an integral part in our daily lives. But did you know there is a lot of clothing produced each year –…
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A low-cost guide to low-carbon living
Lowering your household emissions doesn’t have to break the bank. Karla Jakupovic shares some simple and budget-friendly actions anyone can take around the home to…
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Low-carbon actions that won’t compromise your lifestyle
Did you know being sustainable doesn’t mean you have to compromise on your lifestyle and comfort? Karla Jakupovic has your small actions and smart investments…
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How to have a waste-less Easter
With a bit of careful planning, you can reduce your waste whilst still enjoying all the traditions and treats that Easter deserves. Here’s our tips…
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Composting for any lifestyle or budget
Did you know there are many ways you can compost? Our low-carbon living coach, Cherie Pasion, has your composting questions answered.
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Sustainable changes that can add value to your property
There are many things you can to make your home more sustainable. But what about improving the value of your property at the same time?…
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Getting started with your native plants
You may not be much of a green thumb but if you’ve taken a leaf of faith with some free native plants, Hannah Turner has…
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Get your recycling game face on
If you’re looking at reducing waste and recycling around your home you might not have considered the contents of your toiletry bag, but did you…
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Save money, save food
Whether you’re looking for some tips on meal planning or trying to get your grocery budget back on track, start off 2023 by setting yourself…
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Money-saving powerhacks: bathroom and kitchen edition
What’s a powerhack, you ask? Think of it as a life hack that helps you save on your power bills. With energy prices at a…
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Meet the community garden going above and beyond to reduce waste
2023 is just over a month away and if you’re looking for some sustainable resolutions to start the new year right, meet Tarragindi Community Garden,…
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How to take your recycling to the next level
Whether you’re new to recycling or a zero-waste wizard, Brisbane City Council have recycling tips for you to help you take your recycling to the…
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Taking the kids along for the low-carbon journey
Learn how a hot water system can be the secret to low energy bills and emissions.
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How to style a party that’s kind on the planet
Balloons have long been a staple decoration at parties, but how often do we actually think about what happens to these balloons once the party…
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Where to repair your stuff in Brisbane
Get the low-down on repair cafés. What they are, why you should use them, how they are free and the nearest one near you!
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Where to find sustainable eats
Looking for some eats that won’t cost the earth? Whether you’re after a simple snack or something more Alacarte, here’s some sustainably sourced, environmentally friendly…
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Grow fresh food from vegetable scraps
These clever hacks can help you save your hard-earned cash by growing food from your vegetable scraps.
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How a bokashi bin can help you lower your food waste
Cherie Pasion explains how adding a bokashi bin to your kitchen set-up can be a game changer for your food waste and your garden!
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One hot secret to an energy efficient home
Learn how a hot water system can be the secret to low energy bills and emissions.
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How to have a zero-waste period
For many years women have depended on disposables to get them through that ‘time of the month’, but now there are more sustainable sanitary options…
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How to start your single-use plastic-free journey
Plastic-Free July is well and truly underway but if you haven’t had a chance to get onboard yet, it’s not too late to start. Hannah…
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‘Set and forget’ shortcuts to lower your carbon footprint
Learn from Alexandra Shepherd’s journey reducing her carbon footprint by 56% with some easy one-off actions.
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Top tips to cope with rising energy prices
As of this financial year, households can expect to be paying more for energy. But there are plenty of things you can do to help…
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Stay warm in winter without breaking the bank
It’s no secret that due to current energy prices, households all over Brisbane are nervously awaiting their electricity bill. Sam Mullen looks at some no-cost…
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How to reduce waste and influence people
Brisbane households share advice on how to lower carbon emissions from food waste and also to talk to others about taking their own carbon-reducing journey.
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Help native bees thrive in your garden with Bee One Third
We chatted with Bee One Third founder Jack Stone to discuss his work with native bees and how you can help protect bee habitat at…
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How to save over $350 on fuel costs
Sam Mullen speaks to Brisbane households who are driving down their emissions from transport and saving hundreds on fuel costs along the way.
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Transforming your yard into an urban farm
Katie Irwin from Waste Not Collective shares her advice for growing your own food in the city.
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Six ways to sustainably cull your wardrobe
You might have been putting it off for a while, because let’s face it, culling your wardrobe can often feel like an overwhelming task! But…
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Having a $7 energy bill while halving your carbon footprint: Here’s how!
In Brisbane’s summer, it can be hard to turn away from the comfort of air conditioning, a dip in the pool and many other luxuries.…
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Three RE’s to live sustainably
There are many things you can do to live more sustainably and we know that it can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve come up…
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Eat, Save, Love
Most of us would have heard the familiar R’s – Reduce, reuse, and recycle. However, ‘R’U applying that mindset to your food?
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Making sustainable resolutions that stick
Despite the best of intentions, our New Year’s resolutions always seem to slip away from us. Learn how to make sustainable resolutions that stick.
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Make your own recycled pallet planter box
Jack Lewis from _jack_makes takes us through a step-by-step guide on how to create a low cost planter box made from just one recycled pallet.
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How to have a low-carbon holiday
Brisbane Sustainability Agency chat to households who are enjoying their holidays without costing the planet.
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Top soil tips for a healthy garden this summer
Soil health is fundamental for healthy food production. Katie Irwin from Waste Not Collective shares her top tips for building healthy soil in your garden in…
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One change that can halve your household carbon footprint
While that may seem like a daunting task, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 50% with one simple action.
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Want to reduce carbon emissions while living alone? Here’s how.
Sam Mullen speaks to single-person households in Brisbane who share their experiences and tips on how to reduce household carbon emissions while living alone.
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How to create a verge garden
Katie Irwin from WasteNotCollective answers all your questions on making a community verge garden on your street. Learn more.
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DIY self-care products from your pantry
Cherie Paison teaches us how to make self-care and pamper products from your pantry. Treat yourself and the planet. Read more.
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Sewing for mums-to-be
For any mums-to-be in your life, Chloë Cipra shares maternity sewing projects you can work on this holiday season.
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How permaculture can help you live for less
Transform your garden, transform your life. Permaculture is about multi-purpose plants, minimising waste, energy conservation and community-reliance.
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How to set up your own neighbourhood compost & sharing hub
Build a sense of community and help reduce waste to landfill with a neighbourhood composting hub. Katie Irwin from Waste Not Collective shares how she created one…
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How I used a digital meter to reduce my power bill
Team member, Mike Watson, used an energy monitoring device to reduce his electricity bill. See how it went (hint: it went well).
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Save energy at home
Making a few small changes to the way you use energy can make a huge difference to your next bill. Come along as the team…
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Mythbusting solar installation
Clear up any questions you have about installing solar. Nicole Lutze speaks with Your Solar Quotes to clear up misinformation around solar power, and help you install…
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Waterwise gardening for a Brisbane summer
Water and heat stress leads to sick and non-productive plants prone to disease and pest attack and – at worst – plants dying. Horticulturalist Claire Bickle comes…
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How to make your home flood resilient
Brisbane’s location on a floodplain, along with our sub-tropical climate and unique land features, mean residents may experience flooding in their lifetime. Having a flood…
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Tackling e-waste with your local community
Live for Less guru Bronte North held a communal e-waste recycling day with her family, friends and neighbours to help tackle an ever-growing waste stream.
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Container exchange answer your recycling questions
The Containers for Change scheme has been operating in Queensland since November 2018 and provides participants with 10 cents for each eligible container returned to…
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Upcycling your way to make a #wemade wardrobe
Upcycle your own wardrobe or create new outfits from thrifted finds with these tips from Chloë Cipra on creating a #memade wardrobe.
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How to manage food waste at home
Live for Less looks at some ways to dispose of your food waste more sustainably, and we ask the local waste experts at Cleanaway and…
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Why growing snake beans is awesome
Live for Less editor Mike Watson is a snake bean convert after planting this high yielding veggie that loves the Brisbane heat and is easy to grow.…
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Fast growing edibles for autumn in South East QLD
Whether you plant in the ground or in pots, horticulturalist Claire Bickle rounds up the fastest-growing veggies and herbs for the warmer months in South-East Queensland.
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Fast growing edibles for spring in South East QLD
Whether you plant in the ground or in pots, horticulturalist Claire Bickle rounds up the fastest-growing veggies and herbs for the warmer months in South-East Queensland.
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Want weeds with that? Brisbane’s edible weed guide
Katie Irwin from Waste Not Collective shares her advice for growing your own food in the city.
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Keeping backyard chickens: getting started
So you’ve decided to embark upon the journey of keeping backyard chickens. Good on you! We have our resident chook expert Claire Bickle to tell…
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Essential tips for first time sewers
If you’ve been deliberating whether to get on the #memadeclothes trend, then this is for you. Chloe Cipra has started making her own clothes, and…
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How to make a bathtub worm farm
Katie Irwin shows us how to make a productive worm farm from repurposed bits and pieces you can find around your home or from second-hand sources.
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IKEA: The business of sustainable futures
We explore how homewares giant, IKEA, is set to become climate positive by 2030.
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How families can lower their carbon footprint
Families across Brisbane are lowering their household carbon emissions and saving money on bills. Find out how you can also join the Brisbane Carbon Challenge.
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Budget friendly tips for reducing your household carbon emissions
We give you tips on how the Brisbane Carbon Challenge can help you reduce your carbon emissions without breaking the bank.
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