Sustainability is now part of the Early Years Learning Framework for Australia (EYLF V2) and a multi-dimensional approach is promoted for early childhood services. The challenge is for all educators to upskill about the possibilities for engaging children in learning about creating their sustainable futures.

In this interactive webinar, we explore the topics of energy conservation and renewable energy through key concepts, pedagogies, play experiences and resources. In addition, practitioner case studies will be shared to illustrate what is possible in early childhood services. This Parents for Climate webinar showcases their new early childhood resource booklet Energy Conservation and Renewable energy for children’s healthy futures and pdf copies will be available for participants. The aim is to promote awareness and action about energy conservation and renewable energy sources among educators, children and families.  

Why you should attend?

1. Expand your knowledge about energy conservation and renewable energy
2. Explore play experiences and pedagogies for engaging children
3. Create links with the EYLF V2 sustainability principle and learning outcomes
4. Consider a whole centre approach to addressing energy matters
5. Engage with practitioners implementing energy conservation and using renewable energy

This booklet and webinar initiative has been supported by members of the state-based networks within the Australian Early Childhood Sustainability Alliance.

As a parent, I don’t need to be a climate scientist to know that the world my kids are growing up in is changing. I see it in the rising cost of groceries, in the summers that stretch longer and hotter, and in the fear of what’s ahead if we don’t act now. The good news? We don’t have to be experts to make a difference. We just have to care - and when it comes to our kids’ future, families have that in bucket loads.

With the election just around the corner, things are about to get noisy. Political ads, campaign promises, and distractions will flood our feeds. But amongst all that noise, parents, carers, and grandparents have a voice that cuts through - one that speaks to the future we want for our children. The question is: will we use it?

The truth is, climate action and the cost of living aren’t separate issues. More extreme weather means rising insurance premiums, higher food prices, and energy costs that hit family budgets hard. Yet, while vested interests fight to keep things the way they are, families are the ones paying the price. This election, we need to be louder. We need to make it clear that securing a safe climate future is not just a wish - it’s an expectation.

The best part? Taking action is simple. Here are some easy ways to use your voice:

✅ Ask your local candidates where they stand on strong climate policies and share their responses.
✅ Sign the Parents for Climate election pledge to show decision-makers we care about climate action.
✅ Put up a sign or sticker to show your support in your community. Share a picture with us [email protected]
✅ Join a local event or host a conversation with other parents about why this matters.
✅ Write a letter to your MP or local paper—a personal story carries real weight.
✅ Use social media to talk about why climate action is a top priority for your family.

Our kids deserve a safe future. Cyclone Alfred is a stark reminder that climate change is putting that future in jeopardy.

New coal and gas projects will only worsen these extreme weather events, putting our kids in danger. We can’t let that happen.

We can choose a different future. One where our kids have a safe climate to grow up in.

Sign this urgent petition NOW to demand no new coal and gas and protect what we love. Let's show our politicians that we won't stand by while our kid’s future is threatened.

Australian families are being left in the dark.

The Senate inquiry into household electrification promised answers on how switching to clean energy can cut power bills and keep families safe. But despite clear evidence that electrifying homes can save households up to $1,000 a year, the final report is being delayed until after the federal election.

A cost of living crisis is no time to delay solutions. Later is too late.

We call on the Senate Economics References Committee and chair Senator Andrew Bragg to release the Household Electrification Report immediately. Families have the right to know how clean energy can reduce living costs, improve home safety during extreme weather, and create healthier spaces for our kids.

Every day this report is stalled is another day families are left paying more.

🔆 Sign now to demand transparency and solutions that put Australian families first.

Two weeks before Christmas, at the busiest time of the year, we put out a call.  🎟️

We asked parents, kids - even a puppy - to come together to help create something powerful: a message straight from the heart, reminding Australians that later is too late to act on climate.  

The response? Nothing short of inspiring.  

More Than Just an Ad  

At first glance, the Later is too Late - Protect What You Love video might seem like a beautifully crafted campaign ad. But look closer, and you’ll see something much deeper. This isn’t just an ad. It’s real people, real families, real kids - and a real dog - coming together because they care so deeply about protecting their future.  

They aren’t actors. They are parents and young Australians from our community that know that climate action isn’t just a political issue - it’s personal.  

The Story Behind the Script  

The script of Later Is Too Late is built around a simple but powerful truth: blink and you’ll miss it.  

The fleeting moments of childhood - first breaths, first steps, first days of school - pass by in an instant. And just like that, another year, another election cycle goes by without the action we so desperately need.  

💨 "By the time she takes her first breath, 9 billion more tons of carbon pollution will be in the air."  

🔥 "By the time she takes her first steps, bushfires will have burned millions more hectares she could have explored."  

🌊 "By the time a child born today finishes high school, it may be too late to leave them the world we promised."  

Every parent knows this feeling - watching their children grow, knowing they can’t slow time down. But we can act now to shape the future they grow into.  

A Community Came Together  

Parents, kids, and even a puppy named June gathered on set, bringing warmth, energy, and determination. The families in this video aren’t just faces on a screen - they are part of the movement. They represent the thousands of parents across Australia demanding action now.  

Huge thanks to Jess, Iris, Vicki, Billie, Kye, Bridget, Harriet, Artie, Leila, Lola, Luca, Lea, Zoey, Sol, Kailani, Olivia, Charlotte, Ruby, Ryder, Robbie, Deanna, Jacqui, Bianca, Siobhain, Emma, Nic, Kylie, Rose, and June the dog - you made this possible.  

To the Production Group, Potential Energy, Swayable, and every creative mind behind the scenes - thank you for turning this vision into something unforgettable.  

The Parents Behind the Video  

We asked some of the incredible parents involved in this campaign why they took part and what Protect What You Love means to them. Their words are a powerful reminder of why this work matters.  

We asked Jess - mum of 1-year-old Iris - what message she would send to other parents who are concerned but unsure how to act?

“I know it doesn’t feel like it, but you have enormous power, and what you contribute matters. You have networks upon networks in your phone and in your neighbourhoods and in your families and among your friends and your kids’ friends parents. You don’t have to do everything, but you can do something. You don’t have to have all the answers, but you can demand that our representatives ask better questions. Having been a policy advisor in state politics, and having held an elected position in local government, I can tell you that your letters, your calls, your messages have an impact. In both roles I was surprised by how little you hear from voices speaking for the future, or calling for climate awareness to be embedded in every decision we make. So every little change you make, in bringing climate and politics into our conversations, and demanding accountability in our politics, has a ripple effect that helps someone else feel more courageous and which makes our representatives feel the rising of the tide.”

Vicki, mum of school aged Billie - talks about what ‘Protect What You Love’ means to her personally?

"Protect what you love" means standing up for the people, values, and future we care about. Climate action isn’t just about protecting the environment—it’s about safeguarding our families, our communities, and the dreams we have for our children. I want people to watch this ad and feel hope. We can change the course we’re on if we all pull together."  

Bridget, mum of Harriet, explains why she chose to be a part of this video?

“ I clearly remember learning the same things at school that my daughter (Harriet) is learning now albeit known then as the greenhouse effect. Whilst so much awareness has been raised about climate change, time feels to me like it is frittering away with little meaningful progress having been achieved. What disappoints me most is that I learnt about these issues in science when I was at school 30 years ago. And yet this issue has now become so politicised. As if the science is still “up for debate”.  This shouldn’t be a political issue - except to the extent that it requires political will to take meaningful action. I wish that this is one issue where partisan politics could be put aside for the sake of future generations of Australians.”

Why This Matters Now  

The federal election is fast approaching, and we need climate action to be a top priority. That’s why this campaign isn’t just about a video - it’s about mobilizing parents to demand a safer, healthier future for their kids.  

🔹 Watch the video

🔹 Share it with friends, family, and parent groups.  

🔹 Donate: Just $25 helps us reach 1,000 more families with this message. https://protect.parentsforclimate.org/

Every action counts. Because later is too late.  

#ProtectWhatYouLove #ClimateAction #ParentsForClimate #LaterIsTooLate 

Fresh from a 4,550 km, three state, two week family road trip in an electric vehicle, David McEwen Iv reports back on his experience, including the good, the bad, the future, and a special mention.

Imagine you’re on a regional highway and have run out of petrol on the shoulder of the road. One option might be to knock on the door of the nearest farmhouse and ask if they could sell you a few litres of fuel in a jerry can. In our case, I asked if they had a portable generator.

We were 17 kilometres shy of Mildura when we lost our game of chicken with the range indicator on our BYD Atto 3.

Unlike a Tesla, which has a bit of battery reserve (much like an internal combustion engine car’s fuel gauge), on the Atto, 0% means 0%, and we’d barely made it to the shoulder.

We’d decided not to queue at the only charging station – on our entire trip – that had been occupied when we arrived. And I had been intrigued to test the limits of the car on this trip, knowing that the Atto’s LFP battery chemistry is pretty forgiving when it comes to deep discharges.

Of course, we had roadside assistance, and they were on their way. But while we were waiting, we wandered over to the closest dwelling, a farm house. “Hi – we’re the crazy city slickers in an electric car who have run out of battery outside your place,” I began.

I reckoned there was a better than 50% chance we’d get lucky with our request given the numerous uses of off grid power on a farm.

Sure enough, showing that famous country hospitality, farmer Daniel was most obliging, quickly loading his generator in a ute and bringing it over. Less than 10 minutes later, we’d gained enough via our mobile charger to drive the car into his yard.

I’d noticed a 32 Amp socket on the corner of his shed and had asked if we could use that to speed up our top up. Our travel charging kit includes an after market mobile charger that has swappable plugs allowing us to use it at 10, 15 and 32 Amp.

Rather than wait for a couple of hours at 10 Amps on a noisy, polluting, petrol genset for enough charge to complete our journey, we switched to 7 kW charging. It turned out Daniel – a commercial table grape grower – had 100 kW of solar on the roof of his shed, so his power was free and zero emissions.

Not long after that, roadside assist turned up, but we no longer needed their help. Instead, they were able to give the family a lift into Mildura, where we were staying that night. After a chat with Daniel about EVs, solar and grapes, he refused my offer of a contribution for his trouble, fuel and power, and I bade him farewell.

Driving Experience

And that was, literally, the only spot of bother we had on the trip. Driving an EV seems effortless compared to even an auto ICE car. It’s smooth (no engine vibration), quiet, and odourless. Acceleration is instantaneous and precise, with no jerky gear changes. As a result, drivers arrive feeling less fatigued. For those in the back seat there’s more leg room, due to the lack of transmission hump on EV’s designed from the ground up.

Later in the trip, driving the Great Ocean Road was pure delight. An EV sticks to the road and corners well due to its low and distributed centre of gravity with the heavy battery under the car. In an accident this means a much lower chance of a roll over.

The electric motors are much smaller than a large ICE engine block, translating to a better crumple zone to protect forward occupants in the event of a head on collision. Fire risk in a crash – and in general – is low.

Perhaps the most satisfying view from the cockpit of an EV is driving past smelly expensive highway servos, some of which had queues to enter. In our opinion it’s much nicer to pull up to a charging station in the middle of a small town, generally close to a better range of food, shopping and entertainment options.

With the range of today’s EV’s and increasing numbers of fast chargers, it’s pretty easy to plan charging around meal breaks and overnight at accommodation (using a mobile charger or destination chargers).

Including paying contributions to charge at some of the places we stayed, we estimated we paid about half of what the fuel cost would have been in our previous Mazda CX-5 (a pretty similar size to the Atto), giving us more to spend on food and activities.

Now, not everything was perfect. Some “fast” chargers were positively pedestrian. Heading to lunch with the app showing 45 minutes to full, then watching it increase to hours as additional cars occupied adjacent bays and cannibalised the available power. It was rare but frustrating. The plethora of charging apps was clunky, and we were glad our phones were on the network with better coverage in the bush.

South Australia’s brand new RAA charging network was a breath of fresh air and a glimpse of the future, generally with ample power, and featuring the credit card tap capability now required by any charging project receiving federal support (no app required).

In the early days of the automobile, drivers or their passengers needed to hand crank the engine to start it, which could sometimes lead to broken arms. Fuel stations were initially few and far between.

EVs are already much more advanced than that, while the charging infrastructure, vehicle specs, and model selection is getting better by the day. Battery performance (both in terms of cost and weight per kWh of capacity) continues to advance in leaps and bounds.

Our two-year-old Atto already feels quaint compared to the latest models, though it’s still a great car. We knew before we bought that new model prices were dropping, which will probably affect resale values for the next few years. That’s one of the reasons we selected what was then one of the most affordable EVs on the market, and we’ve had no regrets given the fuel and maintenance savings we’re making.

Really, it’s no reason not to dip your toe in the EV waters today. Start with test drives. Rent one for weekends away. Lease rather than buying outright. Buy second hand – there are bargains to be had on great cars with plenty of remaining battery warranty.

If you start with your eyes open to the state of play you won’t regret it: a 2024 survey of over 23,000 current EV drivers in 18 countries found less than 1% would return to a petrol or diesel car if they had to replace their EV tomorrow. In our case, there’s no looking back.

Our kids deserve clean air, safe homes, and a better tomorrow. But new coal and gas projects threaten their future.

Right now, fossil fuel expansion is putting Australian families at risk - polluting the air our children breathe, driving up energy costs, and making extreme weather events worse.

We can choose a different future. One where families have healthy, affordable energy and a safe climate to grow up in.

Sign this petition to demand no new coal and gas and protect what we love. Every voice strengthens the call for real action.

Reimagine Christmas with Our Thoughtful Giving Guide

This Christmas, we’re transforming the season into something truly meaningful and planet-friendly. Inspired by the creativity of Parents for Climate supporters, our “Thoughtful Giving: How Parents Are Reimagining Christmas” guide is filled with simple, joyful ways to celebrate without the waste.

Discover secondhand treasures, planet-friendly wrapping ideas, unforgettable experiences, and gifts that give back to nature. It’s all about connection, care, and creating memories that last a lifetime.

👉 Add your details to download the guide today and make this holiday season one to cherish—for your family and the planet.

What a webinar! It was truly heartening to see so many parents, caregivers, and community members join us for the Calling All Parents election launch webinar. If you were there, you already know what a powerful experience it was. If not, don’t worry - we’ve got the highlights covered for you!  

Our special guests, parenting legend Steve Biddulph and political strategist Sophia Walter, brought inspiration, hope, and practical advice for how parents can drive meaningful climate action. This event marked the beginning of our Protect What You Love campaign, which provides simple, impactful ways for time-poor parents to get involved in shaping our country's climate politics.  

Words of Wisdom from Steve Biddulph  

Steve Biddulph reminded us why taking action isn’t just about protecting the planet - it’s about protecting our mental health and modeling resilience for our kids. One quote stood out:  

"What we know from the studies is that activism is very good for your mental health. It's good for your kids to see that you're involved in it. And it's good for you to be addressing things. It is not good for our mental health to have our heads in the sand. A human being is just so far better off when their values, their beliefs, their actions, and their heart are pointed in the same direction.”  

This reminder was a powerful call to align our values with our actions - and to show our children the importance of stepping up for what we believe in.  

Hope Meets Action: Launching the Protect What You Love Campaign  

With the expertise of Sophia Walter, we officially launched the Protect What You Love campaign, a suite of simple, family-friendly actions to help shift the dial on climate politics. Whether you have five minutes or five hours, there’s a way for everyone to get involved:  

• Host a Yard Sign: Display a beautiful sign in your yard or neighborhood to make climate action visible - even if you’re away on holiday.  
• Contact Decision-Makers: Register your interest in reaching out to politicians or the media.  
• Donate: Fuel the campaign that fuels change. 

Ah, Christmas - the season of sparkles, surprises, and sticky fingers! If you’re like me, you want to keep the magic alive while doing right by the planet. Enter eco-friendly Christmas activities! They’re fun, festive, and best of all, teach kids how to celebrate while caring for our big, beautiful world. Here are some of my favourite ideas that will have your little ones grinning and your recycling bin cheering: 

Nature’s Ornaments  

Head outside with the kids to collect pinecones, twigs, or leaves, then decorate them with natural paints or ribbons. These homemade ornaments add a rustic charm to your tree and give everyone an excuse to soak up the sunshine.

Recycled Wrapping Paper Art  

Before you recycle that old newspaper or brown paper, let the kids loose with crayons, stamps, or potato prints to turn it into eco-friendly gift wrap. Bonus: their masterpieces are guaranteed to win Grandma’s heart!  

Seed Bombs for Santa  

Instead of cookies, why not leave Santa a little surprise for his travels? Make seed bombs using wildflower seeds and biodegradable paper. They’re easy, messy fun, and Santa can “plant” them on his way home.  

DIY Christmas Crackers  

Fill toilet paper rolls with small eco-friendly surprises (think stickers, seeds, or jokes written by the kids) and wrap them in fabric or recyclable paper. Boom! Crackers that are kind to the planet and just as fun to pull apart.  

Reuse and Reimagine Decorations  

Gather old Christmas cards, cut them into shapes, and string them together for garlands. Or, use them as tags for gifts. It’s a crafty way to reuse while adding a personal touch to the holiday.  

A Little Reminder:  These activities aren’t just about reducing waste—they’re about creating memories. So grab the glitter glue (the biodegradable kind, of course) and let the festive fun begin! 

Or if your after some Age Appropriate Ideas/ Activities, keep reading below. Whether they’re tiny elves or nearly-grown Santas-in-training, there’s an eco-friendly activity to keep them engaged.

For Kids Aged 4 to 8  

Nature Garland  

Take the kids for a scavenger hunt to find leaves, twigs, and small pinecones. Use twine to string their treasures together for a garland that’ll look great around the house or on the tree.  

Cardboard Christmas Trees  

Cut out tree shapes from old cardboard boxes and let the kids paint or decorate them with bits of fabric and buttons. Voilà—mini masterpieces!  

Milk Carton Lanterns  

Rinse out milk cartons, cut windows in the sides, and let the kids decorate them. Add an LED tea light, and you’ve got an adorable, safe lantern.  

Reindeer Footprint Art  

Paint their little feet brown, stamp them onto paper, and add antlers and red noses with markers. Rudolph never looked so cute (or messy).  

Eco Snow Globes  

Fill an old jar with water, a dash of biodegradable glitter, and a plastic-free figure made by the kids. Screw the lid on tight, and let them shake away!  

For Kids Aged 8 to 18  

Upcycled Sweater Stockings  

Transform old sweaters into festive stockings with basic sewing skills. Teens will love the creativity (and the TikTok potential).  

Solar-Powered Fairy Lights  

Have the older kids design and set up a solar-powered light display in the yard. It’s eco-friendly and impressive enough to outshine the neighbors.  

Clay Ornaments  

Make ornaments using air-dry clay, then let the kids carve or paint their designs. These are great keepsakes and even better gift ideas for relatives.  

DIY Advent Calendar  

Older kids can craft an advent calendar using toilet rolls, fabric scraps, or jars. Fill it with handwritten notes or treats for a personal touch.  

Charity Craft Sale  

Get teens involved in making eco-friendly crafts to sell at a holiday market or online, donating proceeds to an environmental charity. It’s a lesson in giving back and taking action.  

The Holiday Spirit, Minus the Waste  

No matter their age, these eco-friendly crafts are a chance to bond, create, and learn about sustainability. So gather the family, roll up your sleeves, and let the holiday cheer begin - planet-friendly style! 🎄

Heather Bruer is a fundraising and philanthropy specialist, having spent over a decade developing the capacity and resilience of the climate and environment movement with organisations like the Australian Youth Climate Coalition, Environment Victoria, Climate for Change and the Climate Council.

How to Enjoy the Holiday Season 🎄 While Keeping it Light (on the Planet 🌏, That Is)

Ah, the holiday season! School’s nearly out, the summer sun is blazing, and if you’re a parent, you’re probably wondering how to make this break both joyful and, let’s be honest, manageable. Whether you’re planning a beach trip, backyard BBQs, or just some well-deserved downtime, here’s how to enjoy the season with a lighter touch on the planet – and more peace of mind for everyone.

Light Packing, Big Impact 🎒

Holiday packing doesn’t have to be a marathon. Try keeping it light and focus on the essentials – everyone’s energy and the environment will thank you! Challenge the family to pack only what they truly need for the week. Kids can get creative by picking their favorite “must-have” items for a fun, no-fuss packing list.

Reusable for the Win ♻️

Leave single-use items in the past! Bring along reusable bottles, containers, and utensils to cut down on waste and avoid those tempting single-use items. Little ones love having their own “travel kit” of reusable essentials, while older kids can decorate theirs to give it a bit of personal flair.

Crafty DIY Décor 🎨

Instead of buying new decorations, make it a fun family project to create décor from items you already have or from treasures found outside. Pinecones, seashells, or painted rocks can all make for unique holiday décor. Kids can let their creativity shine with natural materials, and you’ll have the perfect personal touch for your home.

Give the Gift of Experience 🎁

Create memories, not clutter, by gifting experiences instead of things. Surprise the family with a camping trip, a visit to the local zoo, or even a family art day. Experiences are especially meaningful and, for older kids, offer a great chance to connect with nature – perhaps even planting a tree as a new holiday ritual.

Reading Parenting in a Changing Climate by Elizabeth Bechard felt like an honest, refreshing breath of air in the midst of the often overwhelming and chaotic world of climate advocacy and being a parent. Bechard doesn’t claim to have all the answers, and that’s what makes this book so impactful. Her raw and imperfect reflections on navigating parenthood while waking up to the climate crisis offer an intimate look at the emotional rollercoaster many parents experience. She doesn’t shy away from sharing her daily struggles with sadness, grief, and the emotional toll the climate crisis takes—but that vulnerability is what makes her writing so powerful.

The real strength of Bechard’s book lies in the tools she offers for cultivating resilience, taking action, and practicing hope in the face of overwhelming challenges. As a latecomer to the climate movement, her perspective is incredibly relatable, and she offers gold nuggets of wisdom for anyone feeling lost or unsure of how to find their place in this fight. Her journey reflects the complexity of embracing climate action, and she invites readers to explore their own paths, knowing that it’s okay to be imperfect and still be part of the solution.

What sets Parenting in a Changing Climate apart is Bechard’s ability to weave her personal narrative with her professional background. Her experience in mental health, mindfulness, and public health provides a unique lens, allowing her to dive deep into both the emotional and practical aspects of climate advocacy. She draws on her understanding of trauma and resilience to offer meaningful insights into how we can protect our emotional well-being while still pushing forward in this critical fight for our children's future.

One of my favorite aspects of the book, aside from the endless list of must-read recommendations, is the reflection exercises at the end of every chapter. These exercises are not just an afterthought—they provide a unique opportunity for readers to pause, process, and engage deeply with the emotions and themes raised throughout the book. It’s not just about reading and moving on; Bechard encourages us to sit with the discomfort, to reflect on our fears and hopes, and to take those internal reflections into the external world. This is such a valuable tool, especially for parents who may feel overwhelmed by the weight of both their personal lives and the enormity of the climate crisis.

In a world that often pushes us to keep moving, to keep fighting, Parenting in a Changing Climate reminds us that taking a moment to reflect, to grieve, and to heal is just as important as taking action. Bechard’s reflections on hope, resilience, and finding our place in the movement make this book an essential read for any parent—or anyone, really—who is grappling with how to face the climate crisis with grace and strength.

There’s something truly magical about the start of spring (albeit spring seemed to start a month earlier with the winter heat wave experienced😲).

The crisp morning air starts to soften, plants wake up from their winter slumber, and suddenly, the garden bursts into life. Spring is a time of renewal and growth, and for those of us lucky enough to live in Australia, it’s also the perfect time to think about how we can help nature thrive right in our own backyards.

As a parent and someone who deeply cares about the environment, I’ve been reflecting on how our small, everyday actions can make a difference. One of the most beautiful ways to do this is by increasing biodiversity in our gardens—creating spaces where native plants, insects, birds, and other wildlife can flourish.

Biodiversity is super important because it keeps our ecosystems healthy and balanced. We rely on it for things like clean air, fresh water, food, and even a stable climate. When we have a variety of species, it helps nature stay strong and bounce back from challenges. In short, protecting biodiversity is key to keeping our planet—and all of us—thriving.

Here are some simple, impactful ways to boost biodiversity in your garden this spring:

🪻 Plant Native Species

Australia has an incredible variety of native plants that are perfectly suited to our unique climate. By planting natives, you’ll attract local birds, insects, and pollinators that rely on these species for food and shelter. Plus, native plants are often more drought-tolerant, meaning they’re easier to care for during those dry summer months.

Consider planting species like kangaroo paw, bottlebrush, or grevillea. These vibrant plants not only look stunning but are also a magnet for native birds like honeyeaters and lorikeets.

🐝 Create a Pollinator Haven

Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators are vital to a healthy ecosystem. By planting a variety of flowering plants that bloom throughout the seasons, you can provide a year-round food source for these important creatures. Try planting native daisies, correa, or tea trees to attract bees, or plant a lavender bush for both its beauty and pollinator appeal.   

You can even leave a small patch of your garden wild with long grasses and flowers to provide a more natural habitat for insects.

🦜 Install a Bird Bath or Water Feature

Water is life, especially in the dry Australian climate. Installing a bird bath or small pond can make your garden a haven for thirsty birds, frogs, and insects. Keep the water fresh and shallow, and place it near some shrubs or trees to give birds a safe place to perch.

As we approach warmer days, even leaving some saucers of water around your yard could be a life saver for our fauna. Consider placement if you have mischievous/ inquisitive house pets.

🐛 Build Insect Hotels

Insects are an essential part of any garden ecosystem, helping to pollinate plants and control pests. Creating an insect hotel is a fun family project and a great way to encourage beneficial insects like native bees, ladybugs, and lacewings.

You can build a simple insect hotel using bamboo sticks, pinecones, and small wooden boxes. Place it in a sunny, sheltered spot, and soon you’ll see all sorts of creatures making it their home. This is a super fun project to start with your kids and grandkids.

[Download this How To Build An Insect House]

🚫 Go Chemical-Free

One of the easiest ways to increase biodiversity is by avoiding chemical pesticides and herbicides. These products can harm not only pests but also the beneficial insects and animals that keep your garden in balance. Instead, consider using organic solutions or companion planting to naturally deter pests. For example, planting marigolds can help repel certain bugs, and ladybugs are excellent at keeping aphids at bay.

🧑‍🌾  Add Layers to Your Garden

Biodiversity thrives in complex ecosystems, so think about adding layers to your garden with a mix of groundcovers, shrubs, and trees. This creates a variety of habitats for different species. For example, ground-dwelling insects like beetles and skinks will benefit from groundcovers like native violets, while larger shrubs can provide shelter for birds and small mammals.

🐸 Welcome Frogs with a Frog-Friendly Garden

Frogs are excellent for natural pest control, and their presence is a good indicator of a healthy environment. Create a frog-friendly space by including a small pond with shallow edges and surrounding it with native plants. Be sure to avoid fish in your pond, as they’ll eat frog eggs. Adding rocks and logs around the pond will give frogs a place to hide and feel secure.

🌿 Mulch and Compost

A healthy garden starts with healthy soil. Use organic mulch to protect your soil, retain moisture, and support microorganisms that break down organic matter. Start a compost heap to recycle kitchen scraps and garden waste, enriching your soil with nutrients and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.

🦔 Encourage Small Mammals

While we may not all have wombats wandering through our gardens, you can still create a habitat for smaller mammals. Plant dense shrubs where they can seek shelter, and consider installing a nest box for native possums.

✌️Let Nature Do Its Thing

Sometimes, the best thing you can do is simply let parts of your garden be. Leaving a little untidiness—like fallen leaves, dead wood, or a corner of un-mowed grass—can provide shelter and food for many creatures.

Spring is the perfect time to give back to nature, and there’s something truly fulfilling about watching your garden come alive with the sound of birds, the buzz of insects, and the growth of plants. By making a few small changes, we can create a backyard that not only blooms with beauty but also supports biodiversity and makes a real difference to the environment. So, as you step into spring, why not turn your garden into a haven for Australian wildlife?

After all, when we nurture nature, it nurtures us right back.💚

Plastic Free July is a great reminder of what we need to be aiming to achieve 12 months of the year. Plastic is everywhere in our lives, but its impact on our planet and our health is alarming. Each year, an estimated 8 million tons of plastic waste enter our oceans, harming marine life and ecosystems.

Almost every piece of plastic is made from chemicals that come from fossil fuels, like oil and gas. The
plastic industry has emerged as the fastest-growing global source of greenhouse gases within the
industrial sector. Plastic production is forecast to grow 70% by 2040, significantly increasing carbon
emissions. By 2040, the life-cycle emissions from plastics are forecast to grow to around 19% of our
global carbon budget.Did you know? Almost every piece of plastic is made from chemicals that come from fossil fuels, like oil and gas. The plastic industry has emerged as the fastest-growing global source of greenhouse gases within the industrial sector. By 2040, the life-cycle emissions from plastics are forecast to grow to around 19% of our global carbon budget. 

Microplastics, tiny plastic particles, are now found in our food, water, and even the air we breathe, posing health risks to humans. Reducing plastic waste is crucial for the health of our planet and future generations.

Our Health: There are over 16,000 chemicals used in plastics. At least 11,000 have not been assessed for human health and environmental harm. With at least 4,200 chemicals being considered to be highly hazardous and linked to human health and environmental risks, such as cancers. There are over 16,000 chemicals used in plastics, including those added to give properties like
flexibility, durability and colour. Of these 16,000 chemicals, at least 11,000 have not been
assessed for human health and environmental harm.

Whilst we understand this it can be really challenging when we our society is built around convenience and as a time poor parent I am far from perfect. Perfection is an illusion, so instead my family tries to reduce plastic when we can.

Here are 15 practical tips to help your family cut down on plastic use:

1. Use Reusable Bags: We always carry reusable shopping bags for groceries and other shopping needs. Plastic bags often end up in landfills or the ocean, where they can take hundreds of years to decompose.

2. Opt for Glass or Stainless Steel Bottles: We've replaced single-use plastic water bottles with reusable glass or stainless steel ones. This reduces plastic waste and minimizes exposure to harmful chemicals in plastic.

3. Avoid Plastic Straws: We use metal, glass, or bamboo straws instead of plastic ones, or skip them altogether. Plastic straws are a common pollutant and can harm marine life.

4. Bring Your Own Containers: Using our own containers for takeout, leftovers, and bulk food purchases has significantly reduced our need for single-use plastic containers and packaging.

5. Choose Plastic-Free Packaging: We buy products with minimal or no plastic packaging, such as those wrapped in paper, glass, or metal. This helps reduce the demand for plastic production.

6. Use Reusable Coffee Cups: Bringing a reusable coffee cup to cafes instead of using disposable plastic or paper cups with plastic lids reduces waste and the energy needed to produce single-use cups.

7. Avoid Single-Use Utensils: We carry a set of reusable utensils made from metal, bamboo, or other sustainable materials. Plastic utensils are used for a few minutes but can last in the environment for centuries.

8. Buy in Bulk: Purchasing food and household items in bulk reduces packaging waste, and we store them in reusable containers. This minimizes plastic packaging and often saves money.

9. Select Bar Soap and Shampoo: Choosing bar soap and solid shampoo over liquid versions in plastic bottles reduces plastic waste and often contains fewer harmful chemicals.

10. Use Beeswax Wraps: We've replaced plastic wrap with reusable beeswax wraps for food storage. Beeswax wraps are biodegradable and can be used multiple times.

11. Make DIY Cleaning Products: Creating homemade cleaning solutions using ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils, stored in reusable bottles, reduces plastic waste and chemical exposure.

12. Choose Wooden or Metal Toys: We opt for toys made from wood, metal, or other natural materials instead of plastic. These toys are often more durable and environmentally friendly.

13. Buy Less Clothing: As a parent, I’ve realized the importance of buying fewer, higher-quality clothes for our family. Fast fashion often contains synthetic fibers that shed microplastics and chemicals in the wash, which end up in our water systems. By choosing to buy less and opting for natural fibers when possible, we can reduce our plastic footprint.

14. Use Cloth Diapers: Considering using cloth diapers instead of disposable ones, which are often plastic-laden, can significantly reduce waste and can be more cost-effective over time.

15. Support Plastic-Free Initiatives: We advocate for and support businesses and policies that aim to reduce plastic use, such as plastic bag bans and improved recycling programs. Collective action amplifies the impact of individual efforts.

What about Recycling? It is still important, but we can’t only recycle our way out of the plastics problem. Just like newly produced plastic, recycled plastic still contains harmful chemicals. While plastic production has more than doubled in the last 20 years, recycling has only increased about 15%. Recycling alone can’t keep up, and eventually, all plastic ends up in our environment, where it stays

By implementing these tips, our family has significantly reduced our plastic footprint, contributing to a healthier planet. Every small action counts, and together, we can make a big difference.

However, individual efforts alone are not enough. Industry, businesses, and governments must also act swiftly to address the plastic crisis. Supporting policies that reduce plastic production and improve waste management is crucial.

We all have a role to play in creating a sustainable future. The choices we make today will shape the world our children inherit. Let’s take action now to protect our planet and ensure a healthier, cleaner environment for generations to come.

Have your say...

Submissions due 23 November 2023

The Federal Parliament, for the first time, is considering a Bill to implement a duty of care to young people to take our health and wellbeing into account when making decisions that could impact the climate. This Bill is before the Senate Committee on Environment and Communications for inquiry.

And you have a chance to make your voice heard in this important conversation, by making a submission to the inquiry.

Don't be intimidated by the word "submission"

Submissions are usually written and can be provided in any format or style. Some submissions will be made publicly available. Submissions benefit both the public and decision-makers. They provide an evidence base for public interest organisations, policy makers and others to use in advocating for their cause, amending plans or conducting inquiries.". In lot's of ways it is like writing a letter. 

We think this is a great opportunity for parents and kids to make their voices heard. Here is how you can do it:

Use this simple guide to making a submission: link

Upload your own submission at the webpage here:

• https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Environment_and_Communications/DutyofCareBill
• or email it to [email protected]

If you have trouble making your submission, have a question, or want to talk about the inquiry, please call the Environment and Communications Committee’s secretariat on +61 2 6722 3526, or email on [email protected]

More resources

Click here to access resources for teachers and parents:

Click here to join a "writeshop" webinar On Sunday, 19 November:

Click here to amplify your impact and send your submission to your local federal politician:

Written By: Carla Pascoe Leahy – Historian at University of Tasmania, Researcher, Mother and Volunteer at Australian Parents For Climate Action.

Read below or watch the video.

My name’s Carla Pascoe Leahy. I’m an historian who specialises in the history of childhood, parenthood and family. I want to share with you my research into how climate change is impacting families.

I was researching the history of Australian motherhood in 2019 when the Black Summer fires began. As I conducted interviews with Australian mothers, I noticed that more and more of them were talking about the impacts of these horrific fires on their parenting. I began to suspect that we might be seeing the beginning of a dramatic shift in the way we experience day to day family life and hence how we think about family more broadly.