Queensland Government
Department of Housing and Public Works

The environment is everything that surrounds people — both the natural and built environment.

Help reduce the impacts on the environment by:

Conserving water

  • Report leaks and dripping taps as soon as you notice them.
  • Be aware of the amount of water you use, and look for ways to use less whenever you can.

Being energy efficient

  • When it is time to replace your appliances, e.g. your washing machine, buy energy efficient appliances. The more stars you see on the energy rating label, the less energy you use and the more money you save.
  • Use cold water for washing your clothes.
  • If you have air conditioning, only run it in the rooms that are being used. Shut all curtains and blinds before turning the air conditioning unit on.

Preventing pollution

  • If you are not on strict water restrictions: wash your car on grassed areas instead of the driveway or road. Use a bucket of water for the car, rather than a running hose. Reduce the amount of soap and harsh chemicals you use.
  • Dispose of rubbish properly — do not bury it in your back yard.
  • Do not pour liquid waste (e.g. garden pesticides or sump oil) onto the ground or down stormwater system drains.
  • Do not wash paint brushes into stormwater system drains.
  • Do not pour oil or chemicals down sinks or toilets.
  • Make sure rubbish and lawn cuttings are not disposed of down stormwater system drains.
  • Recycle as much as you can – glass bottles, milk cartons, newspapers and magazines.

Remember, every little thing you do to help conserve water, prevent pollution or be more energy efficient does help!