IN THIS ISSUE

SPECIAL OFFER OCT 2002

ECO EVENTS

Cool Communities Program

1. Interested in reducing your home energy bills
2. Want to do something abut climate change and
3. Live in the Leichhardt municipality

The NCC would like to hear from you. The Cool Communities project will run workshops with community groups, but individual households are welcome to join in also. 

Contact: Felicity Calvert
Tel: (02) 9279 2466
greenhouse@nccnsw.org.au

Handy Hints for the Home

• Turn off lights when not being used
• Do not leave outdoor lights on all night or during the day - consider using timers or sensors
• Avoid using down-lights
• Keep doors closed when trying to heat a room
• Install thick curtains over your windows to reduce heat loss

Calculate Your 
Ecological Footprint

How much land 
& water do you need?

The average Ecological Footprint in Australia is 7.6 global hectares per person. Worldwide, there exists 1.8 biologically productive global hectares per person.

Ever wondered how much "nature" your lifestyle requires? Click here to complete a short Ecological Footprint Quiz to estimate how much productive land and water you need to support what you use and what you discard.

Back to top

Watch This Space

Eco Housing Survey Completed!

Ecological Homes recently commissioned a major survey into environmental housing. Nearly 900 people took part in the survey. Survey results will be published soon but some of the key points to emerge include:

• Very few people appear aware of the rebates available for solar power (only 22% aware of rebate) or solar hot water (only 27% aware or rebate)

• Strong support exists for Mr. Howard signing the Kyoto agreement (59% say sign it, 39% not sure - only 8% say don't sign) 

CONTACT

Ecological Homes Pty Ltd
PO Box 2504
Strawberry Hills
NSW Australia 2012
Phone: 1300 73 07 07
Fax: (+61 2) 9699 3478
twalsh@ecologicalhomes.com.au
www.ecologicalhomes.com.au

FEEDBACK & ADVERTISING

Do you have a story or feedback  
for the next issue? 
Let us know

Advertisers welcome  
for the next issue. 
Contact us for a rate card or view it online

© Copyright 2002 Ecological Homes Pty Ltd (ABN 71 002 980 047)

Vol 1 (Issue 5) - October 2002

Dear Reader,

Welcome to the 5th edition of EcoNews. Our readership continues to grow strongly highlighting the tremendous public interest there is in sustainable housing! As always, we welcome your thoughts and feedback on the newsletter and stories related to the environment. The deadline for contributions to the November issue is 29th October, 2002.

Story #1: Local Councils Leading the Way 
on Climate Change 

Move over George Bush and John Howard, local Councils like Parramatta City Council are taking the lead in helping bring about a much needed green revolution. Councils Australia-wide, state governments and the Federal government should take note. 

Solar-powered lights, hybrid electric-petrol cars and cleaner air-conditioning top the list of street-level measures as Parramatta Council moves to cut its own emissions by 40 per cent by 2010. David Dekel, the council's natural city project officer, says: "If you can't convince other levels of government of the importance of change in this area, you can show by example."

Parramatta is not alone. Already in place are Leichhardt Council's solar hot water systems project, Strathfield Council's plans to make Rainwater tanks and solar hot water compulsory for all new dwellings and Hornsby Shire Council's use of non-toxic paint.

Parramatta Council says the area's emissions rise by up to 2.6 million tonnes every year. Because industry is responsible for more than 60 per cent, it has set a reduction target of 20 per cent for the whole area - on top of the council's effort of 40 per cent.

When it comes to its own patch, its says the biggest emitters are street lights, council buildings and cars and electricity generation. Street lights, which account for nearly half the council's energy use, will go solar. Halogen and sodium light bulbs will also be used and council lighting designs will be made more efficient.

About $100,000 will be spent each year on trials of natural gas and hybrid petro-electric cars. More trees will be planted. "It might be a cliche but think global, act local is really true in this case," says Mr Dekel.

How Green is Your Council? We invite readers to contact their own local councils to find out their plans or initiatives in making their Local Government area more sustainable. Email us with your news.

Back to top

Story #2: Worst Drought in 100 Years 
Time to Reduce Your Water Usage 

The East Coast of Australia is reeling from its worst drought in 100 years which, according to the NSW Premier Bob Carr, could drag Australia into recession. 

Dam levels in Queensland, NSW and Victoria are at or near historic lows, leading to water restrictions in towns and compounding the effects of the drought in the eastern states. Western Australia has already been experiencing severe drought conditions across most of the state for several months. Water rationing in the major cities is inevitable if the drought continues.

There are a number of simple, affordable and cost-effective measures individual households can implement to help reduce water use and help avert the imposition of water rationing including:

• Installing a AAA rated shower head (cuts water usage for showers by two thirds) - costs $70 and can save up to $200 per annum on energy and water costs 

• Installing a toilet water flush saving device (saves the average household up to 500 litres of water per week resulting in a saving of about $40 per annum on water costs)

Order an Eco Starters Pack and start saving water (and money) now! On special this month - $120 plus postage buys you a AAA shower head, toilet water flush saver and a tub of Amaze environmentally friendly cleaner (save $10 on the normal retail price). Click here for more details on the Pack.

Back to top

Story #3: Victoria Implements 5 Star Homes

The Victorian Government has announced a new energy efficient standard – the five star rating- to which all new homes must be built which will result in more comfortable houses to live in and real savings on energy bills. 

The standard was developed by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Victoria (SEAV) and the Building Commission after extensive evaluation of the costs and benefits of energy efficient housing. According to research conducted by SEAV, residents of 5 star houses will save over $200 annually on their energy bills or savings of more than $4,500 over the life of a 20 year mortgage which will greatly help to offset any additional building costs. 

The 5 star principles include adequate insulation, well-placed and protected windows, and draught-proofing. All other states will be implementing a 3.5 star minimum standard for new houses on 1st January 2003. For more information visit www.seav.vic.gov.au or call SEAV on 1300 363 744.

Contact us today to be put in touch with an eco architect near you that can advise you on how to make your home a 5 star home.

Back to top

Story #4: The Ozone Hole is Shrinking 

Another good news story for the environment. The hole in the Ozone layer over Antarctica has begun to shrink according to scientists in Europe and the USA. 

The good news on the Ozone hole front is proof that a united, global response to major environmental problems can result in real improvements. All we need now is for the political leaders of Australia and the USA to make a similar commitment to reducing greenhouse emissions and addressing climate change with support for renewable (non-carbon based) energy development and energy conservation.

Back to top

Best Home Loan Rates

Best Fixed Rates

Following is a list of the best fixed rates currently available (as at 18th October 2002).

Best Discounted split rate: 4.70%
Best Variable rate: 5.85%

Request a Free Home Loan Consultation

Back to top