When it comes to pollution around the home the key things to be conscious of are pesticides, toxic products such as paints and solvents, harsh detergents such as bleach, organic waste and other chemicals.

In terms of energy use and transport it’s important to be aware of the impact of air pollution and the effect of compounds such as carbon dioxide has in accelerating the Greenhouse Effect. Air pollutants also cause trouble when they fall to the earth in rain and wash into waterways through the storm water drains.

Storm water run-off from the roads after heavy rain also causes significant pollution. Road surfaces are continually being contaminated with lead from fuel, oil, grease, brake linings and other toxic by-products that come from driving cars. Minimise your family’s car use and you are making a direct impact on the Greenhouse Effect and climate change.

In the home, the kitchen is a good place to look at ways to minimise pollution. Reducing solid waste and packaging cuts the amount of litter entering the storm water system and contaminating landfill. Opting to purchase organic products also reduces the amount of pesticides entering our waterways.

Green cleaning is a way to clean your home producing less waste and it reduces the need to use harmful chemicals. Your natural cleaning kit should contain baking soda or bicarbonate of soda, which acts as a good scourer. White vinegar cuts grease and is also a mild disinfectant. Lemon juice is a powerful bleach, and washing soda dissolves grease and removes stains. If you’re plagued by ants or cockroaches try using borax – it disinfects and controls insect pests.

Outside, don’t hose pathways and other hard surfaces around the home. The best alternative is to use a broom and make sure your street gutter is free of leaves and dirt. That will help cut storm water pollution.

When it comes to car maintenance, make sure your car is well tuned to reduce the risk of oil and grease dripping onto the road. Always wash your car on the grass or at a reputable car wash to avoid soapsuds polluting the storm water system. If you change your own oil, recycle the used oil to ensure it doesn’t end up down the drain. Also look for car repairers who have good pollution prevention practices.

In the garden, avoid using fertilisers and pesticides. Composting food and garden waste and mulching gardens also helps to reduce storm water pollution and cuts water use. Some garden plants shed seeds, which enter the storm water system causing outbreaks of weed growth along creek banks and bush land. Be aware of these troublesome plants and opt for native plants that need less water, no fertiliser and get the benefits of all the birds and wildlife that will make your garden their home.

If you’re building or renovating, make sure your builder knows how to prevent storm water pollution and correctly installs and maintains sediment fences. Ensuring as much vegetation cover as possible during construction goes along way in minimising the deleterious effects of bare and run-off into storm water drains.

Lastly, local clean-up days are a great way to help combat pollution and can be the way you can contribute to the community.