With community gardens, farmers markets and sustainability groups that can be joined via the push of a button on Facebook, joining the sustainability movement is easier than ever.

Living in an isolated city, like Perth, it is easy to believe that people don’t need to participate in such extreme environmental practices such as zero waste or low carbon living, but according to Our World in Data, the 2022 figures, on average Australians emit around 15 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each per year. Fortunately according to the statistics, this number has decreased since 2004, where people were emitting 19.2 tonnes per individual. But in 2022 Australians still emitted more carbon dioxide than a majority of other countries.

According to the political party The GreensWA, “Perth is one of the world’s worst-performing cities for emissions and its people are the highest emitters of all Australian city residents.”

Long-term Greens member and office manager, Rowena Skinner says, “current methods for producing food in Western Australia are heavily reliant on fossil fuels and are putting pressure on already degraded landscapes, risking both food security and farmers livelihoods.

“People should have access to local, affordable, and seasonal food. One way to do this is to support local governments to encourage, establish and help maintain community gardens.”

The Subiaco Farmers Market is one of many held around Perth, but it is one of the oldest and has been operating since 2009. The goal of the market is to support a more sustainable lifestyle while supporting local growers. The market is a not-for-profit organisation, all the profits made from the market go to the Subiaco Primary School. The primary school is where the market is run every Saturday from 8am until noon.

Subiaco market manager Anna Cappelletta says people should shop at farmers markets because it “fosters a connection to the land, supports local communities, and embraces a more sustainable and healthy lifestyle.”

To increase the market’s sustainability, it has reduced waste by incorporating reusable bags, minimal packaging, plastic-free bags, and recycling bins. The organisers encourage customers to use alternative transport, such as walking or cycling, support organic farmer and pesticide-free options, promote locally grown and seasonal food, and support a food charity, distributing food to those in need, according to Cappelletta.

“Our market offers a multifaceted experience that appeals to a lot of people seeking fresh, high-quality produce, community engagement and a connection to local farmers and artisans,” she says.

Zero-waste living is the act of trying to move through life creating as little waste as possible. Waste, in this context, being single use plastic and objects that can’t be recycled.  This idea has been around since the 1980s and has been growing around the world ever since.

Founder of The Simple Environmentalist, an online platform and blog, Emma Dendler says zero waste living is important because “we simply don’t have enough resources on this planet to keep up with overconsumption.

“Our landfills are running out of space, our garbage is pollutive, and we are running out of resources. It’s important to reduce waste and also use what has already been created from upcycling to reusing to recycling and shopping second hand.”

The Simple Environmentalist is an online platform created by Emma to make zero-waste living more tangible for the everyday person. It is the perfect resource for advice on how people can start living more sustainably without having to do too much research, as it can all be found in the one place.

Social media is growing in importance. In 2021, 89 per cent of people in Western Australia were using Facebook, according to Social Media Perth. So it has become a key way for zero-waste promoters to reach people and spread information about living sustainably and promoting zero-waste living.

Zero-wasters, as they are coined, form groups on platforms such as Facebook. Local Perth group Zero Waste + Plastic Free Living is one of these groups. The group has almost 14,000 members who mostly live around Perth and are trying to live a more sustainable life.

The group was founded Lindsey Miles, whose Facebook username is ‘Treading My Own Path’ She is the author of Less Stuff and The Less Waste No Fuss Kitchen, books created to help those seeking to create less waste and begin living more sustainably.

Zero Waste + Plastic Free Living describes itself as “a friendly and supportive bunch working to make it easier for people living in Perth to choose zero waste and plastic-free lifestyles.”

A member of the group Adeline says living zero waste “is a process. There is some trial and error to find what works and what doesn’t. Sometimes can be frustrating but other times very satisfying.

“Don’t go for the glitz and glamour. Don’t start with big major swaps and don’t start with things that require big investments. Look for alternatives that are free to stat with. Some of these ideas are basic and probably only new to someone really new to zero waste.”

She offers the following tips to zero-waste beginners:

• Using containers you already have vs buying new ones.
• Using a plate to cover your bowl in the fridge vs using cling wrap.
• Buying refills (or larger packs) of products you already use and refill your shampoo, conditioner and handwash.
• Using face towels you have to wipe surfaces instead of disposables.

“Use what you have instead of buying a new product,” she says.

As the need for sustainable living grows, so are the resources being made available to help guide those seeking to live an eco-friendlier lifestyle.

Perth has many great resources including local farmers markets, community gardens, online groups, and platforms. With lots of people trying to make a difference, it has become far simpler to ask for advice and begin a journey of more sustainable living.

As Adeline says, “Start small.”