While there's a perception it's unaffordable to live as environmentally consciously as most of us would like to, the Joyful Frugalista's Serina Bird said that needn't been the case.
"A lot of the solutions we see are things which are expensive like hybrid cars or double glazing," she said.
"But there are things everyone can do such as walking wherever possible, or cycling, reusing things and reducing the amount you buy which you don't really need."
The Turner mum has made a career from living frugally and will offer her tips on doing so sustainably at the upcoming Canberra Zero Waste Festival.
The virtual festival will open on Wednesday with a series of free panel discussions on plastic-free living, waste innovation and personal experiences.
On Thursday, the Canberra community is invited to join a series of masterclasses on composting, recycling and saving money through sustainable practices.
Robbie Ladbrook leads the ACT NoWaste Education team at the Recycling Discovery Hub in Hume. Ms Ladbrook will offer insight into what happens to the items that make their way to the centre and how to recycle correctly.
Interior designer Candice Addicoat will offer a lesson on upcycling, Canberra Environment Centre Director Ryan Lungu will provide tips on reducing food waste and Maddie Diamond and Jess Fordyce will talk about reusable period products.
Ms Bird will run Five Sustainable Money Saving Ideas on Thursday evening.
"I think sometimes we think that it's just too hard, that climate change is looming or we're in denial that it's looming and you sort of feel like you're one insignificant person. What I like to do is break it down into really practical things that individual people can do," she said.
Ms Bird said saving money could include becoming a single-car household or better meal preparation.
"On average most families could save between $60-$80 a week just by reducing waste with a little meal planning."
Canberra author Jackie French will headline the festival, sharing her zero-waste journey in the keynote address on the opening night.
Ms French is an historian, ecologist, Australian Children' Laureate and the 2015 Senior Australian of the Year. She also writes a gardening column for The Canberra Times.
She said her home recycling system was based on chooks, lyrebirds, microbes and consigning to the ecology.
"Nothing is truly a waste - it's just stuff in the wrong place," Ms French said.
"I don't see waste as a problem, but a challenge to be solved."
Canberra Zero Waste Festival is an initiative of community group the Zero Waste Revolution.
Chair Mia Swainson said if everyone did just one thing differently it would have a big impact.
"Our festival is about demonstrating a practical approach to how you can reduce the amount of waste your household creates," Ms Swainson said.
- To register for the panel discussions or masterclasses visit the festival website zerowasterevolution.net.
Alex Crowe
Alex covers science and environment issues, with a focus on local Canberra stories. alex.crowe@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Alex covers science and environment issues, with a focus on local Canberra stories. alex.crowe@austcommunitymedia.com.au
