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Embrace Wildlife-Friendly Living by making these Simple Swaps Around the House

Embrace Wildlife-Friendly Living by making these Simple Swaps Around the House
I’ve probably mentioned before that I live in a terrace in inner city Melbourne, where I think we are one of the very lucky few to have a sizable front yard. Despite only being a few blocks from Southern Cross station, we have some beautiful big gums on our road that attract a great many parrots and wattle birds in the summer time. This summer, I’ve add a bird bath and feeder to our front garden and have loved watching the birds start making our front yard their home too.

It has had me thinking about what other simple swaps even the most city dwelling household can make to help protect our amazing wildlife and I was amazed at what I learnt. I think it really does prove again that if we all want to win this war on waste and pollution that there’s a lot that we can do at home.

So here’s my top 6 simple swaps to make around the house to help protect our native wildlife:
 

1. Go Green with Recycled TP

Ah, the humble toilet paper – an essential item in every Aussie household. But did you know that choosing recycled TP can be a game-changer for our feathered friends? That's right! By opting for toilet paper made from recycled paper fibres, you're giving a little love to our iconic bird species like lorikeets and cockatoos, whose habitats are under threat from deforestation. It's an easy switch that packs a punch for wildlife conservation – talk about wiping away habitat destruction!


2. Bag It Up with Reusables

Say goodbye to plastic bag chaos and hello to reusable shopping bags! Plastic pollution is a real headache for our marine mates, so let's do our bit to keep our oceans clean and critter-friendly. Grab yourself a bunch of sturdy reusable bags – they're perfect for carting groceries, snacks, and beach gear without harming our beloved seabirds and turtles. Plus, they're way more stylish than flimsy plastic – win-win!


3. Get Watt-Smart with Energy Efficiency

Want to shrink your carbon footprint and save some dosh on your energy bills? Look no further than energy-efficient appliances! From fridges to washing machines, choosing appliances with high energy efficiency ratings is a no-brainer for wildlife warriors like us. By cutting down on energy consumption, we're helping to preserve the natural habitats of our furry and feathered pals – now that's what I call a bright idea!


4. Turn Your Garden into a Wildlife Wonderland

Calling all green thumbs! Transform your backyard into a wildlife wonderland by planting native flora and creating a cosy oasis for local bird species. Native plants are like a magnet for our feathered friends, providing them with food, shelter, and a place to raise their little ones. Pop in some bird feeders, birdbaths, and nesting boxes, and watch your garden come to life with chirps and tweets – it's nature's backyard party, and everyone's invited!


5. Cut the Plastic Crap

Single-use plastics are so last season, don't you reckon? Ditch the plastic bottles, straws, and packaging in favour of reusable alternatives that won't clog up our waterways and bushland. Stainless steel water bottles, bamboo utensils, and glass containers are your new best mates – they're durable, stylish, and seriously good for the planet. So wave goodbye to plastic pollution and say hello to a cleaner, greener future for Aussie wildlife!


6. Back Wildlife Conservation like a Boss

Last but not least, let's show some love to the wildlife warriors on the front lines of conservation. Whether it's donating to wildlife rescue centres, joining community clean-up efforts, or speaking up for wildlife-friendly policies, every little bit helps. Together, we can make a real difference for Australia's native wildlife and ensure a brighter future for generations to come.

A few of my favourites are: WIRES, Birdlife Australia and the Australian Koala Foundation but there are loads more!
 
By making eco-friendly swaps in our daily lives and supporting conservation initiatives, we can protect the habitats of our beloved birds, marsupials, reptiles, and marine life. Let's commit to living in harmony with nature and safeguarding the incredible biodiversity that makes Australia truly unique.
Soapy hugs,
Emma xx