Sustainable living

Find out about community-focused sustainability projects and learn how you can live a more sustainable life in the Byron Shire. 

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Consider your food choices

Food and grocery items can have a big impact on the environment and the people that grow and produce it. Things to consider when buying your weekly groceries include: 

  • Buy in bulk and avoid unnecessary packaging. 
  • Look for fair trade and organic labels. Fair Trade ensures that workers within the supply chain are paid an adequate living wage. Buying organic ensures that the health of the environment, farmers, animals, and consumers are not compromised by the application of synthetic chemicals. 
  • Only buy what you need. Food waste has become a huge global issue. Write a weekly meal plan to limit over-buying, grow your own, or start composting at home.
  • Shop local, at farmers markets, food co-ops or see Northern Rivers Food and Byron Bay Food Producers for more options. 

Community Gardens

Community gardening is a great way to: 

  • improve your wellbeing,
  • connect with your community,
  • grow your own supply of nutritious food, and 
  • share your tips and learn new skills. 

There are multiple community gardens in the Byron Shire: 

 

Byron Shire Council recognises community gardens as legitimate social assets that enhance local food security. Council is committed to the promotion, development, and management of community gardens across the Shire in accordance with best practice guidelines. 

Thinking about starting a new community garden? Read our Byron Shire Community Gardens Policy and Guidelines

Local markets

Weekly Farmers Markets

 Location Day  Time
New Brighton Tuesdays 8-11am
Byron Bay Thursdays 8-11am
Mullumbimby Fridays 7-11am
Bangalow Saturdays 8-11am 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monthly Arts, Crafts and Food Markets

Location Date
Brunswick Heads 1st Saturday of the Month
Byron Bay 1st Sunday of the Month
Mullumbimby 3rd Saturday of the Month
Bangalow 4th Sunday of the Month

Transport

Transport can have a huge impact on carbon emissions. 

There are options available to help reduce your transport footprint: 

Energy efficiency

Being energy efficient is an important part of being sustainable at home and in the workplace. There are many ways in which we as individuals can improve our energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and save on energy bills. 

We are working hard on its Net Zero Emissions Action Plan for Council operations, to help us reach carbon neutral status by 2025. See our Net Zero Projects for further information on partnerships, community action on climate change, solar mapping and much more.  

Check out the following resources to learn and take active steps to become more energy efficient - 

Sustainability community groups

Sustainable design and construction

Sustainable design and construction principles can: 

  • reduce environmental impact, 
  • improve energy efficiency, and 
  • increase resilience against climate events. 

Considering the life cycle and origin of goods and materials you purchase can also help to reduce waste and energy.  

Check out the following resources to get inspired for sustainable design and construction: 

Waste at home

Head to our Waste and Recycling webpages for more information on recycling right, council support to manage waste, our Towards Zero Integrated Waste Strategy and Resource Recovery Centre & Store.