Net zero isn’t just for governments and big companies. If you’re in Australia and wondering how to lower your personal emissions, the good news is you can make a real difference, without turning your life upside down. Achieving net zero means balancing the emissions you create with the emissions you reduce or remove. It’s about steady, smart action over time.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you move toward net zero in a way that’s doable, realistic, and relevant to life in Australia.
1. Know Your Carbon Footprint
You can’t shrink your emissions if you don’t know what they are. In Australia, the average person emits around 15–17 tonnes of CO₂ each year, one of the highest rates in the world! Use a tool like the Carbon Positive Calculator to get a personalised snapshot of where your footprint comes from: energy, transport, food, shopping, and waste.
2. Power Your Home with Renewables
Energy use is a big part of your footprint, especially if your home runs on coal-powered electricity (still common in many parts of Australia). Switching to a certified GreenPower plan is an easy win, just call your provider and ask to add GreenPower to your account.
If you own your home, installing rooftop solar (with or without a battery) is one of the most impactful things you can do. Even without solar, using less energy helps. Think: shorter showers, switching off lights, and running appliances during off-peak times if you’re on a time-of-use tariff.
3. Get Around with Lower Emissions
Australia is a car-dependent country, especially outside major cities. But there are still ways to reduce your transport emissions:
- Walk, cycle, or use public transport when possible.
- Combine errands to avoid extra trips.
- Choose an electric or hybrid vehicle when you next replace your car.
And if you live in a rural area where public transport isn’t an option? Even reducing a few solo drives each week helps.
4. Eat for the Planet
Food production, especially red meat and dairy, is emissions-intensive. In Australia, diet is a major contributor to personal carbon footprints. You don’t need to go full vegan, but small shifts make a difference:
- Eat more plants and less meat.
- Choose local, seasonal produce.
- Cut down on food waste, Aussies throw out around 312kg per person per year.
5. Buy Less, Choose Better
Everything we buy, clothes, furniture, electronics, has a carbon cost. Fast fashion and cheap appliances may save money upfront, but they usually don’t last.
Instead:
- Buy secondhand when you can (Facebook Marketplace, op shops, Buy Nothing groups).
- Repair before replacing.
- Support local, sustainable brands.
In Australia, we send around 800,000 tonnes of clothing to landfill each year. Choosing quality over quantity really does matter.
6. Offset What You Can’t Avoid
Even if you live simply, you’ll still create emissions. That’s where carbon offsets come in. Look for programs that meet standards like Gold Standard, Verified Carbon Standard, or Climate Active certification in Australia. Offsets can fund bush regeneration, renewable energy, or Indigenous land management projects.
7. Upgrade Appliances When They Die
Here’s a big one: swap out old appliances for energy-efficient ones but only at the end of their life. It’s tempting to upgrade early in the name of sustainability, but that just adds to landfill and waste. The key is to replace, not over consume.
When it is time to replace, look for:
- Energy Rating Labels: Aim for appliances with 4 stars or more.
- Water Efficiency Labels (WELS): For dishwashers, washing machines, and taps—again, more stars = more efficient.
- Choose heat pump hot water systems over electric storage or gas.
- If buying heating or cooling, go for reverse-cycle air conditioners (which are more efficient than gas heaters).
Visit EnergyRating.gov.au to compare products before you buy.
Getting to net zero doesn’t mean getting everything perfect. It means taking conscious, consistent steps that cut your emissions over time. The most sustainable changes are the ones you actually stick to—so be kind to yourself, take it one step at a time, and keep learning as you go.
Achieving net zero is a journey, not a one-time fix. Start with what’s in your control, make thoughtful swaps, and keep moving forward.
Net Zero FAQs: What Aussies Still Want to Know
So, you’ve read up on how to work towards net zero as an individual. Maybe you’ve already switched to GreenPower, started cycling more, or cut down on red meat. But if you’ve still got questions, you’re not alone.
Here are the most common follow-ups from Australians just like you, answered simply and clearly.
1. I’m renting. What can I actually do?
If you don’t own your home, some big-ticket changes (like solar panels or new appliances) are out of reach but you still have solid options:
- Choose a GreenPower electricity plan (no installation needed, just switch providers).
- Use draught stoppers, curtains, and rugs to reduce heating/cooling needs.
- Ask your landlord if they’d consider upgrading appliances or installing insulation, there may even be government rebates available.
- Use energy-efficient plug-in heaters or fans instead of running whole-house systems.
Tip: If your lease is long-term, it’s worth discussing energy upgrades with your property manager.
2. What’s the best starting point if I feel overwhelmed?
You don’t need to do everything at once. The best first step is often the easiest one:
- Switch to a GreenPower plan.
- Cut food waste (start meal planning and composting).
- Drive less by carpooling or batching errands.
- Measure your carbon footprint to figure out where your biggest impact is.
Pick one area, focus on it for a month, and build from there.
3. Are energy-efficient appliances really worth it?
Yes, especially in Australia, where appliances can last 10–15 years or more. A more efficient fridge or washing machine can save hundreds of dollars in electricity and cut your emissions significantly over time.
For example:
- A 4-star fridge can use up to 40% less energy than a 1-star model.
- A heat pump hot water system can reduce energy use by up to 70% compared to a standard electric model.
Resources: Check EnergyRating.gov.au for real comparisons.
4. What can I do if I live in a rural or remote area?
Living regionally brings unique challenges, but also unique opportunities:
- Apply for regional solar and energy efficiency rebates (state-based schemes often have extras for rural areas).
- Offset your emissions with programs that fund bush regeneration or Indigenous-led land care.
- Join or start a local sustainability group, many rural areas already have community gardens, repair cafes, or bulk-buy solar initiatives.
- Advocate for better public transport or community EV charging stations.
5. Do carbon offsets actually work?
They can, if you choose credible ones. Look for programs that are:
- Certified by organisations like Gold Standard, Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), or Climate Active.
- Transparent about where the money goes (e.g. tree planting, renewables, Indigenous carbon farming).
- Locally relevant if you want your money to stay in Australia.
Important: Offsets should be your last step, not your first. Reduce what you can before relying on them.
Read: How to Offset and Give Back in Australia
6. Does individual action even matter?
Short answer? Yes. Long answer: Individual choices shape demand, cultural norms, and policy. One person choosing GreenPower won’t fix the grid but thousands of us together change the market. Plus, talking about what you’re doing inspires others to act.
And let’s be honest, climate anxiety is real. Taking action gives you back a sense of control.
Read: Individual vs. Climate Change: Do Your Actions Actually Matter?
Want More?
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- Listen to our podcast: “Sustainability Made Simple“
Got another question? Leave it in the comments or drop us a message. We’re building a community of everyday Aussies making real change and we’d love to have you in it.
