Published 29 December 2018

For those of you currently on holiday, but not good at sitting still, this list is for you.

These essential summer DIY jobs will mean your household starts the new year more energy-efficient and with a few more gold stars on your sustainable living chart.

Install that water tank

Wellington’s unusually dry summer is a welcome change from grey and cloudy skies, but it does mean we have to be in water conservation mode. Wellington Water has some great conservation tips, and our one piece of very important advice is... install a water tank! Whether you get it from our EcoShop, your local council, or from Tank Guy,  it’s one of the best ways you can become a more resilient and water conscious household.  

Build a compost/worm farm

Composting or worm farming your food waste (and unbleached paper and card) is a great way to reduce waste to landfill. You can make your own using found materials, or buy kits from Bunnings, or buy an all in one package like the Hungry Bin. For small spaces, Bokashi Bin is great. No matter what you’re working with and what your skill and budget, there's a way to do it. .

Check your insulation

If you’re a homeowner that has never ventured into your attic because, well, spiders and rats and bats, you’re not alone. It’s time to be brave, put on gloves and a mask and check against this key guide:

• Is it less than a handspan? You probably need a top-up, as it flattens and degrades over time.

• Is it patchy? It can’t do its job, as energy escapes out of gaps.

• Is it covering downlights? It’s probably a fire hazard and heat damaged.

If you said yes to any of the above, give us a call, we can help you sort it – either installing it for you or helping you with the supply of DIY insulation.

Clean your curtains

Lined curtains keep the heat in your home, making it warmer and more energy efficient. So while the summer is roaring take the opportunity to give them a dust and clean if they need it.

Change a lightbulb (or all of them)

The good thing about incandescent lightbulbs is that they often blow, giving you a very good excuse to buy new, more energy-efficient LEDs. They are an investment, ranging from $4 to $25 in price, but you’ll save on energy, effort and costs in the long run as they last for many years. If you want to talk to us about LED downlights, we'll be back on January 8!

Clean the heat pump filter 

A much forgotten but important task! Cleaning your heat pump filter regularly helps it run more efficiently. No professionals required, just watch this two-minute video by EECA to learn how. 

Give the bike a spruce up 

Bikes turn quickly when left unridden and unloved in a shed. Give it a clean, oil and a tune up ready for summer rides and work commutes. If you have no idea what you’re doing, connect with Bike Space or Mechnical Tempest who give practical help for cheap or for free. You could also have a chat with the friendly people at your local independent bike shop, they love talking about bikes. 
Have a declutter

It’s a great time to delcutter and minimise, but avoid sending the stuff to landfill. Our No Throw Guide covers all the stuff that we take at Sustainability Trust..

Join the Predator Free Wellington movement

If you’re not trapping yet, you should be! Wellington has embraced the Predator Free 2050 movement, and nearly every suburb now has a community group making and distributing traps to people ready to stop rats and other pests killing native wildlife. Check Predator Free NZ to find your people!