We’re Making Plans.
We’ve gathered the troops and are taking some serious sustainable steps every month to reduce our carbon footprint on the planet. Our starting point is to make a list of where we are and over the course of the year add to that list in meaningful and significant ways.
Nobody is perfect. We all have preferences and sustainability blind spots. We won’t get everything right first go, but we are adamant we won’t revert back to ‘normal’.
Because normal is what got us here!
Each month of the year will have its own sustainable focus and so we have a whole 4 weeks to get one sustainable habit ‘under our belt’. Will you join us on this journey?

January. Rethink Our Food.
We will start the year by refocusing on what we eat. At 13%, agriculture accounts for a significant portion of green house gasses. Here’s some ideas to help us, not only to eat better and be healthier, but to also reduce our impact the planet.
- Eat more plants. Choose only a few days of the week to eat meat. Farming animals for meat and dairy requires space and huge amounts of water and feed.
- Source our food locally and in season. Support small farmers and reduce the carbon footprint of imported produce. In Ballarat, we have the Ballarat Wholefoods Collective, and Food is Free. There is sure to be similar organisations in your area.
- Grow our own food. What’s better than fresh, home-grown produce straight from the garden? As well as being healthy and delicious, it is free from the carbon footprint of shop-bought food. Our garden is good provider but not great. This is one area we can certainly improve. Diggers Club and Pip Magazine can help with all aspects of growing your own food.

- Reduce your food waste. Did you know that 1/3 of all food produced goes to waste? Plan and buy the amount of food you use, eat left-overs, freeze anything you can’t eat while it’s fresh and, where possible, buy loose produce so you can select the exact amount that you need.
- Eat more variety. With 75% of the world’s food supply coming from just 12 plants and five animal species, greater diversity in our diets is essential. Be a detective and see what you can find! Plus, you’ll get the benefit of trace minerals and vitamins from a great variety of food on your plate.
- Make sustainable seafood choices. Roughly 94% of fish stocks are overfished and aquaculture has its own issues. But when responsibly produced, seafood can benefit people, nature and climate. Try a diversity of species from well managed sources, eat lower in the food chain and opt for lower carbon emission seafood. Ask questions and buy local caught fish.
- Pass on plastic. Plastic has infiltrated our natural world and even our diets. Bring a reusable-bag when you shop, opt for packaging-free fruit and vegetables and call out over packaging of produce at your local supermarket.
This month is the National Sustainable Living Festival, and in theme with food, Costa Georgiadis (who is a member of our Subscription for the Planet), Kerri Gill and Kirsty Bishop-Fox are having a garden party where they will explore practical ways to sustainable eating. From smarter shopping and reducing waste to supporting local, seasonal produce. Eating for you and the Planet is on in Melbourne on Thursday 20th February.
Another great resource is Sustain Australia. The Australian Food Network. Supporting communities and organisations with the knowledge, tools and connections.
February. Care for Soil and Trees.
Heathy soil and thriving trees are strong allies in carbon capture. Local ecosystems absorb CO2, support biodiversity and protect against severe weather events like flooding.
Join a local community group like a Friends of group, a community garden or your neighbourhood landcare. A simple internet search will help you find them. Alternatively, start your own walking/cycling group to foster environmental appreciation and promote active, low-emission lifestyles. And of course, you can always ask us to plant trees on your behalf. Trees $9.65.
Next season, we will be focusing on ethical banking & investment, water harvesting and energy. Stay tuned.
Writer: Colleen B. Filippa
With a background in Environmental Science, Colleen is the Founding Director of Fifteen Trees. In 2009, after 20 years in primary, secondary and tertiary education institutions, Colleen left the classroom to start the company. Fifteen Trees is a social enterprise assisting individuals and companies to reduce their carbon footprint by supporting community groups such as Landcare, schools and environmental networks.