Being green is easy – despite what Kermit says. It just takes some creativity. The inventors of Green Hanger – the environmentally conscious coathanger – have it in spades. Who’d have thought that we had such a huge appetite for wire coathangers – albeit shortlived? Some 77 million end up as landfill each year. Made from recycled cardboard, the Green Hanger is a good-looking, mindful alternative.

Like eBay? You’re gonna love Etsy – the ‘place to buy and sell all things handmade’. WARNING: Have water and maybe a snack handy; you’re gonna be a while.
This worldwide marketplace showcases thousands upon thousands of things made - and often conceived - by the seller, from whom you buy directly (so it’s generally inexpensive). Need some thing that’s red? Search all categories by colour. Want to buy local? Search by location. Or just browse. Even if you buy nothing, it’s pure inspiration to see how many creative people there are out there turning ideas into things.

Sydney’s unique Carriage Works performance space brings an enviable edge to the city’s arts scene.

The patch of land that it occupies in Redfern has been a community space for as long as anyone can remember. Originally a meeting place for the Gadigal people, the Eveleigh Rail Yards were built here between 1880 and 1889. The very first electric carriage and the Royal Carriages (for the exclusive use of the Governor General and visiting royalty) rolled out of the workshops here during its heyday. The carriage and blacksmith workshops have subsequently been transformed into the Carriage Works arts centre, with cathedral-like proportions testament to the glory of 19th century industry.

The former workshops’ history of turning out fine products continues with the Carriage Works’ program, including theatre, music, film and writers festival events.

Evidence of the joys of learning an instrument...watch the drummer.

Not that most people need convincing of the merits of running away to join the circus. But, our brains are bombarded with over 3500 sales shots each day: they’re in emails, and newspapers, on telly, billboards, radio and the internet. We hardly notice them anymore, so focused are we on checking our phone messages or inbox. Frankly, it’s a mind fug. The constant level of background distraction spoils our social lives and reduces our overall productivity.

The answer is to make time for something enjoyable. And what could be more delightful than Flying Trapeze classes? Cloud Swing classes you may well answer. And that’d be right too. Circus Arts runs regular classes at Olympic Park for all ages guaranteed to put your head in the clouds, where there is very little distraction.

Think of it as a lifestyle makeover. The crew at Todae will send an assessor to your home to gauge the efficiency of your appliances, your water and energy usage, and recycling capacity. Then, they’ll suggest ways to improve on it.

Get ready for them by first visiting the Todae store (online or at 83 Glebe Point Rd), which stocks all manner of products designed to save resources and the planet.

The assessor will notice the Clever Flush, saving 2 litres of toilet water every flush. They’ll log the non-toxic cleaning products, and put a tick next to lighting thanks to those efficient bulbs you put in. And as for that massive wind-turbine merrily churning in the yard…well, expect a gold star!