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OUR PARTNERS
IN SUSTAINABILITY
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World leaders in technology innovation & performance |
Simply the best non-toxic paints |
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SPECIAL OFFER
THIS MONTH
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Transform
Your Existing Water Heater with an Evacuated Tube Solar Hot Water System!
Normally
$1880*
Only $1699
Save $181!
*22
tube retrofit system - does
not include installation or delivery
More
details
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Recommend
a Favourite Tradesperson
We regularly get asked to refer people to reliable, affordable and quality tradespeople for various jobs
around the home. As everyone knows, good tradespeople are hard to find,
especially those that know about environmental and non-toxic products!
Using the power of the web, we will soon be
publishing an online database of recommended tradies Australia-wide (currently
150+) that visitors to our site can search by postcode and category
(e.g. Plumber) to find a good tradie.
Click
here to refer a tradesperson
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Refer
our site & win!
Refer our website to your friends
by using the
website referral button
and go
in the draw for a holiday worth $3,000 plus you can win a double movie pass (terms
& conditions).
Please
provide your full name when you refer us so we know who to give the prize to
...
Website
Referral Prize
Winners for August 04
The
following people have won a double movie
pass to the Valhalla Cinema for referring friends to our Website:
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Evie
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Ray
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Cheryl
Matthews
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Klaus
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Kevin
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Gerry
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Diedre
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Ashley
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Sharon
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Laurel
Evie,
Ray, Klaus, Kevin, Gerry, Diedre, Ashley, Sharon & Laurel need to contact us to let us know their last names so
that we can forward their prize.
Thank
you to everyone else that helped spread the word about us!
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ECO EVENTS
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The
Australian National Centre for Sustainability
- Input being sought
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A new centre of
sustainability research is being planned for Canberra with the theme of "healthy
people on a healthy planet", expressed through the arts and sciences.
The Centre will celebrate diversity and the understanding that there are many
pathways to achieving a sustainable Australia.
The Centre will be situated
in Canberra, the Nation's Capital, close to the Parliamentary Triangle on the
shores of Lake Burley Griffin.
Contact:
Petar Johnson Executive Officer/Secretary Australian National Biocentre
Phone: (02) 6287 1538
Mobile: 0405 312 919
Fax: (02)6287 4489
www.sustainability.org.au
office@sustainability.org.au
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Architects,
Designers & Owner Builders - BASIX training courses available in
Sydney
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Are you a building designer
or architect or an owner-builder planning a new house in Sydney? If so, you
need to understand how to comply with the new BASIX planning regime.
The Association of Building
Sustainability Assessors (ABSA) are running informative BASIX training courses
at the Sydney Building Information Centre.
Contact Matt Fisher at the
ABSA on (02) 8303 0565 for more details.
For more information on BASIX
visit the BASIX website.
www.basix.nsw.gov.au
BASIX is an inititiative of
the NSW Department of Infrastructure, Planning & Natural Resources
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For more events see
the
Events
Noticeboard
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The
Watershed Initiative
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The Watershed is a Sustainability Resource Centre
located on King Street in the heart of Newtown. It is a joint initiative of
South Sydney and Marrickville Councils.
The Watershed has resources and experienced
staff on hand to provide information and advice to local residents and
businesses on ways to reduce our ecological footprint.
Visit the Watershed to find out about a wide
range of environmental initiatives, such as, worm farming, composting, rainwater
tanks, recycling, sustainable housing and permaculture. The Watershed runs free
workshops on Saturdays, and is always looking for enthusiastic volunteers.
Contact: Vanessa John
Tel: (02) 9516 6366
218 King St Newtown NSW 2042 watershed@marrickville.nsw.gov
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Handy
Water Saving
Hints for the Home
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Order
and install a DIY "Greywater
your garden
kit" or a "Water
Saver Kit"
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Install
a Rainwater Tank to harvest rainwater from your roof (Book
a quote)
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Install
a AAA rated shower head (cuts water
use for showering by up to two thirds)
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Install a toilet flush water saver (see the Eco
Starters Pack for more details)
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Buy a front loading AAA rated washing
machine
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Put a cover over the pool to stop
evaporation (also helps keep the pool warm)
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Wash your car on the Lawn
(make sure you use a bucket - it is illegal to hose your garden during the
current water restrictions)
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CONTACT
US
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Ecological Homes Pty Ltd
PO Box 2504,
Strawberry Hills
NSW Australia 2012
Phone: 1300 73 07 07
Fax: (+61 2) 9557 8422
twalsh@ecologicalhomes.com.au
www.ecologicalhomes.com.au
Our
Shop Address:
230
Enmore Rd, Enmore NSW 2042
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FEEDBACK &
ADVERTISING
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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)
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Best
Home Loan Rates
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Are
you paying the best rate for your Home Loan?
Contact
our friendly loans consultants at Choice Home Loans to advise you on
the best home loan rates. New purchases, refinances, investment properties,
commercial properties. Ask about our "Energy Efficient Home Loan".
Request
a Free
Home Loan Check
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The Earth
Repair Charter
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Please
Endorse
the Earth Repair Charter
(If
you haven't done so already)
Visit
Their Great New Website www.earthrepair.net
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Send an
E-Card
and Help Support Nature
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Vol 3 (Issue
3) September 2004
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On October 9th - put the Liberals
last! Australians
get a chance to elect a new Federal Government on October 9th. After examining
the environmental and renewable energy policies of the major parties, we at
Ecological Homes urge our readers to act for the sake of the Planet and put
the Liberals last! Despite
overwhelming evidence that our climate is changing and repeated calls from the
Australian renewable energy sector for the
Howard Government to sign the Kyoto Agreement and increase, as a matter of urgency, the
Mandatory
Renewable Energy Target (MRET) to 10%, the Howard Government recently
announced a $1.5 billion plan to subsidise the increased use of
carbon-based fuels whilst starving the renewable energy sector of funds!! The
policies of the ALP are marginally better. They have committed to:
-
signing the Kyoto Agreement
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raising the MRET to 5%
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supporting the
establishment of a national carbon credits trading scheme
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and plans for a $500
million sustainable energy fund to provide capital grants to low emission
projects.
Whilst Labor's planned policies
are a welcome improvement, they do not go far enough. This election, we urge
readers to send a strong message to both major parties - we urge you to vote
1 for the Greens (who have the strongest environmental policy platform) and
2 for the ALP.
We are fortunate to have a
preferential voting system in Australia that enables voters to cast a vote for a
minor party which flows on at full value of the vote to your other preferences
until one candidate in your seat gets a majority.
Click
here for more information
on how our preferential voting system works
(Photo courtesy of the PM's Website)
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Dear
Reader,
In
this month's issue we look at:
-
"Hazelbrook
Gardens" - a rare opportunity to secure a piece of paradise. We are
offering lots for sale in our Eco Village development located in the heart
of the World-Heritage Blue Mountains. Lots are selling fast so register your
interest today!
-
Solar
House Day - happening in a house near you! This weekend over a hundred
proud owners of passive solar homes around Australia are opening their doors
to the public. Why not take a look and get inspired with ideas for your own
home?
-
Living
sustainably in the Blue Mountains. On the theme of environmental
housing, we feature the Earth Repair Foundation in Katoomba which is
developing a demonstration centre for sustainability and has recently
installed a range of leading-edge environmental technologies including the
amazing Evacuated Tube solar water heater.
-
Global
Renewables - turning Garbage into Gold. We take a look at an innovative
Australian company that is turning domestic waste into valuable products
such as compost, methane for energy and recyclable packaging.
As
always, we welcome your thoughts and feedback on the newsletter and stories
related to the environment. The deadline for contributions to the next issue
(October 2004) is October 1st 2004. Send
us your feedback or stories
Thanks
... The
Ecological Homes Team
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Q.
What Does Ecological Homes Do?
A. We
are Your One Stop Shop for Sustainability
We
provide a "One Stop Shop" solution for all your eco housing and
home finance needs including:
1)
Advice
on Eco Housing Solutions for your home
(you will need to Book an Eco
Consultation)
2)
Eco
Consulting Support for Businesses or Organisations seeking to
become Eco Wise Managers (see our Ecological
Projects page)
3)
Supply of a wide range of eco technologies for existing homes (Sustainable
Refits)
4)
Build Beautiful New
Sustainable Homes
5)
Find the Best Home
loan from over 30 lenders (request a Free
Home Loan Quote)
6)
Offer advice
on DIY
Super - you can save
thousands$$$ on management fees and get substantially higher investment
returns from ethical investment projects that you can feel proud
supporting
7)
Provide Information and Training via
the organisation of Environmental
Education and Events
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"Hazelbrook
Gardens" - a rare chance
to secure a piece of paradise!
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2 lots sold -
only 5 remaining!
"Hazelbrook
Gardens" is our first eco village development nestled amongst 11.5
acres of superb bushland and landscaped gardens close to the township of
Hazelbrook just 75 minutes from the Sydney CBD.
This is an exceptional property - click
here to see more images of the property.
Some of the key features of the property
include:
- Close to spectacular nature walks and
waterfalls
- Includes a private botanical garden park
with a permanent creek and extensive native bush land
- Borders onto the World-heritage listed Blue
Mountains National Parks
- Contains a myriad of mature, rare and exotic
European trees and shrubs existing alongside the untouched beauty of
Australian native bushland
- Abundant native birds and wildlife
- Electric Security front gate with CCTV
- An easy walk to trains & buses
- 5 minute drive to local shops and
schools
- Less than 30 minutes to major shopping
centres at Penrith, Springwood and Katoomba
- Situated 75 minutes from Sydney CBD 10
minutes from 2 Golf Courses
- Only 30 minutes away from additional 5 Golf
Clubs and courses
The properties available for sale include
(prices incl GST):
Lot 1
- SOLD
existing 2 storey un-renovated home with magnificent,
uninterrupted valley views and council approved plans for a major
renovation (land area = 1028m2) |
Lot 2
- SOLD
serviced lot suitable for 2 storey home with magnificent,
uninterrupted valley views (land area = 1027m2) |
Lot 3
- SOLD
serviced lot suitable for 2 storey home adjacent to landscaped gardens
(land area = 1100m2) |
| Lot 4
- SOLD |
Lot 5
- SOLD
serviced lot suitable for 2 storey home adjacent to landscaped gardens
(land area = 1106m2) |
Lot 6
- SOLD
serviced lot suitable for 2 storey home adjacent to landscaped gardens
(land area = 1172m2) |
| Lot 7
- SOLD |
Register your interest in
these properties today!
More
images of the property
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Solar
House Day - at a house near you this weekend!
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Solar House Day involves public
tours of more than 100 open passive solar houses in every Capital City and many
Regional Centres across Australia and New Zealand. It provides a great
opportunity to see leading-edge environmental homes first-hand.
More than 4,500 people visited
the homes on display last year to experience and learn about the benefits of
passive solar design and active solar measures to help them live more
efficiently and more sustainably.
Participants have a chance to
win a Solar Hot water system valued at $3500 or an architectural design report
worth $1000 and will receive an information kit packed full of information on
great environmental products and ideas.
For more details on venues,
tour times and locations, call 1300 302 962 or visit the Solar House Day
website:
www.solarhouseday.com
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Living
Sustainably in the Blue Mountains
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The Earth Repair Foundation (ERF),
established in 1987, is a unique environmental and social change Non-Government
Organisation located in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney, Australia.
ERF is in the process of
creating an innovative demonstration centre for sustainability and
permaculture embracing elements of:
ERF have recently installed a
30 tube Evacuated tube solar hot water system to demonstrate leading-edge
environmental solar water technologies for use in the home (see picture
below).
The centre is open to the
public monday to friday and welcomes visits from members of the public to see
first-hand some of these important initiatives.
For more details contact:
The Earth Repair Foundation
14-16 Station Street, Katoomba
Tel: 02 4782 2625
Web: www.earthrepair.net
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Global
Renewables - Turning Garbage into Gold!
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Global Renewables is an innovative,
Australian-based company blazing a new path in the area of waste treatment.
They are proving that it is possible to convert something that has generally
been regarded as a major problem requiring expensive disposal (domestic waste)
into something that can produce great value in the form of reclaimed compost,
methane for energy production and materials for recyling.
The company, in partnership with the NSW
Government, has already commenced operation of its first major waste treatment
plant in Eastern Creek on the outskirts of Sydney with the capacity to treat
up to 10% of all Sydney's household waste, recovering up to 80% of this waste
in the form of compost, methane or recyclable products via its patented Urban
Resource - Reduction, Recovery and Recycling (UR-3R) process (see below).
Prior to the emergence of Global Renewables,
Sydney was on the verge of a land-fill crisis with existing land-fill tips
reaching their capacity and the prospect looming of having to transport tonnes
of waste daily to remote new land-fill sites away from the city.
The environmental cost of Land-fill is
estimated at $640 million per annum including the costs of air emissions,
leaching and greenhouse emissions. The Global Renewable's technology will go a
long way towards eliminating that cost whilst, at the same time, producing
resources of considerable value.
For more information see
the Global Renewables website
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Wise
Words that Inspire
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"If you want to change
the world, prepare to feel the full force of the reaction against you from those
that have the most to lose." Niccolo Machiavelli
"The earth does not
belong to man, man belongs to the earth. All things are connected like the blood
that unites us all. Man did not weave the web of life, he is merely a strand in
it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself. One thing we know: our god
is also your god. The earth is precious to him and to harm the earth is to heap
contempt on its creator". Chief Seattle
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In little over 2 years,
the Ecological Homes website has recorded over 3.2 million hits from over 40,000 unique visitors. On average, each visitor spends up to 7 minutes viewing
our site. This is incredible growth for a website that has spent very little on
mainstream advertising.
The amazing growth in website
visits is due largely to our visitors
referring the site on to their friends and the power of the Web!
Check
out the latest website stats & our ad rates
Contact
us today to find out how you can reach this fast growing audience
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 Looking
for a life less ordinary?
One
that encourages creativity, is environmentally responsible and respects the
principles of permaculture (the conscious design of sustainable human
settlements)?
The
Aldinga Arts EcoVillage is a unique housing development concept in
South Australia
. One that combines sustainable development, permaculture principles, a
practical focus upon the Arts, community and economic development.
 The
Village will form a community hub that offers residents a lifestyle
unparalleled. Produce farms and markets, arts facilities and involvement
opportunities and an alternative business centre will form the nucleus of
activity for the 142 lot owners.
For more
details visit our web site www.aldinga-artsecovillage.com.au
Contact our
Sales agents Scarce Real Estate on 08 8322 1022
Or drop us a
line at aldinga@ecobusiness.com.au
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