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For more than 55 years we’ve been invited to support Earth Day to raise awareness on ways to make a difference for our planet.
The theme this April 22 is Our Power, Our Planet, with millions worldwide doing their part to make smarter energy choices. Our experts share their ideas on how you can join the movement by implementing a few easy eco-friendly tips at home on Earth Day in 2025.
Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.
Small changes, like washing clothes in cold rather than warm water, can reduce energy usage and costs. And, depending on the type of showerhead you have, every minute shaved off a shower can save seven to 25 litres of water, says sustainable living educator and author Laura Trotta. Outside, ditch the hose. “Use a broom or a rake to clean paths and pavers,” she suggests. “If you have a pool, install a cover to lessen evaporation and a cartridge filter that doesn’t need backwashing, which can significantly reduce water wastage.”
Cooling and heating account for around 40 per cent1 of the average Australian home’s energy use, says Laura. But changing your aircon temperature setting can make a big difference, she says. Set it to 18 to 20 degrees Celsius in winter and 24 to 27 in summer. “Every degree warmer or cooler adds five to 10 per cent1 to running costs,” Laura explains.
Insulation is one of the most effective ways to boost your home’s energy efficiency, advises Bunnings building materials buyer, Sharon Green. “Insulation in the roof and walls provides the best long-term results in both summer and winter – roof insulation can even be a D.I.Y. job,” she says.
Keep the heat out by installing blinds or shutters on sun-facing windows. Weiyue Ma, home furnishings buyer at Bunnings, says blockout blinds are great for insulation, while day/night blinds or shutters give you the flexibility to filter sunlight during the day and have privacy at night. Outside, consider fitting external blinds or awnings. Plants can also block heat, says Morag Gamble of the Permaculture Education Institute. “Use hedges or trees to provide afternoon shade on the western side of your house,” she suggests.
That drinks fridge in the garage can add up to $200 to your annual electricity bill, says Laura – not to mention the drain on the grid – making the big switch-off a worthwhile Earth Day activity. “Switch it off between entertaining occasions and watch the savings add up,” she advises.*
Spend more time at the perimeter of the supermarket, advises Laura, as that’s where you’ll find fresh fruit, vegetables and whole foods, as opposed to packaged, processed products in the aisles. Farmer’s markets are another good source of seasonal produce without the plastic waste, she adds.
Wish-cycling – tossing items in the recycling bin and hoping they’re recyclable – can do more harm than good. “Soft plastics, coffee cup lids and takeaway soy-sauce fish are all common offenders,” says Laura. Use the Recycle Mate app to see whether over 7,000 products are recyclable and where they go. To reduce food waste and save money, track, organise and manage the contents of your fridge and pantry using the NoWaste app. Do much online shopping? The free Good On You app gives an ethical rating for over 6,000 brands.
“A sustainable garden focuses on having a diverse range of plants to attract beneficial insects and birds, and on soil health,” says Hannah Maloney, presenter, of Gardening Australia, ABC TV and ABC iview. “Use quality compost, aged manures and liquid teas to feed your plants and mulch throughout the warmer seasons.”
Growing edibles from seed costs less than buying plant seedlings, says Hannah – and you can save seeds for the following season. “Plants will be tailored to your local conditions too, making them more resilient against pests and diseases,” she adds. For ongoing rewards, go perennial. “Plant fruit trees, herbs, bush foods and robust, long-lasting vegetables,” suggests Morag Gamble. “Make it a goal to eat from your garden every day to reduce your food footprint.”
Food waste in landfill results in significant greenhouse gas emissions2. “Instead, compost your fruit and vegie scraps to save money and make the best food for your edible garden for free,” says Morag.
Rochelle Sherrard-Smith, Bunnings national buyer, garden hand tools, suggests feeding food scraps to a worm farm to make ‘worm tea’ for the garden.
Check out our story on non-toxic and environmentally friendly home exterior cleaning products.
* Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.
Image credit: Jonny Valiant, Sue Stubbs, Adobe Stock
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
![A close-up of light-coloured curtains in a bedroom with a second set of blockout curtains, a leafy green plant, and an industrial-style lamp and single lightbulb, an open cupboard with shelving containing books, a light brown suitcase and knick knacks, an in-built desk, and chair.]](https://media.bunnings.com.au/api/public/content/e4812c75099143c8877fdb8cd80a9b86?v=49ffbec4&t=w1300dpr1)
