The sustainable shopper: How green is your summer?

Tips for little things you can do to reduce your summer carbon footprint.

• Go local! If you’re heading away, consider a local destination rather than flying somewhere exotic.
• Make the most of that barbecue fuel: when you fire up the barbie, try and use as much of the energy as you can to cook with. Instead of just a few steaks, try adding extra meat or veges for a future meal, or once you’ve finished cooking, use the residual heat to slow-roast tomatoes or other veges (this works well with hooded barbies).
• Ditch the patio heater (do they really work, anyway?) and try a jumper instead.
• Explore chemical-free options for insect repellent instead of ones loaded with petrochemicals.
• Celebrate the seasonal and local produce. There’s no better time of year to become a locavore, wherever you are. On holiday, discover the local specialty and enjoy it.
• Calculate your carbon footprint and resolve to get it down this year. Visit www.myfootprint.org and spend a little time taking the quiz to find out your impact on the planet.

See Turn over a new leaf: How to live more sustainably article for more tips on sustainable living.