Living a green life

In this article

1. Living a green life

Green buying guide

Here are some ideas to get you thinking about the way you leave your mark on the environment. Each of these projects can be easily carried out on an existing house, not necessarily during the time of construction or renovation.

Solar energy

By using solar energy we are less reliant on non-renewable fossil fuels and simply harvest the renewable energy from the sun. A solar energy system is generally connected to the grid so the energy produced is sold to the grid for a one for one basis, offsetting your energy bill.

Cost: $12,500

Rebate: $8000

D.I.Y rating: requires an approved supplier and installer

Washing machine

Replace an older washing machine with a more water-efficient model. It can be as simple as switching from a top loader to a front loading machine.

Cost: $600 - $1400

Rebate: $150

D.I.Y rating: easy

Solar and heat pump hot water

The most energy efficient hot water system is a solar model with a natural gas heat top-up. An electric heating pump acts as back-up. It works like a fridge in reverse and can be up to 70 per cent more efficient than a traditional electric water heater.

Cost: $3500 - $5000

Rebate: $700 - $2000

D.I.Y rating: requires an electrician and plumber 

Thermal insulation

With 30 per cent of all heat loss from the house escaping through the ceiling, insulation is important. There are a couple of types of insulation; polyester batts are similar to traditional fiberglass batts but safer and easier to install. Foiled air pocket insulation is like bubble wrap with foil on the outside.

Cost: $5 - $20/sqm

Rebate: $300 for ceiling insulation

D.I.Y rating: medium to difficult

Rainwater tanks

We are all familiar with rainwater tanks used for watering the garden but if you want to take it one step further, have your rainwater tank installed so the collected water can be used within the house.

Cost: approximately $6000

Rebate: $1500

D.I.Y rating: requires a licensed plumber for connection to the house.

Gardening

Use plants that are native to you area, which means they will adapt quickly to their surroundings and require less water, fertiliser and pesticides. Some councils offer cheap or free native plants to encourage people to grow them.

Cost: $0 and up

Rebate: $0

D.I.Y rating: easy

Drip Irrigation

Instead of wasting litres of water by watering your garden with a hose, install a drip irrigation system that delivers moisture directly to plant roots where they need it most. Less water is lost through evaporation and less water is required.

Cost: from approximately $80

Rebate: $0

D.I.Y rating: easy to medium

Simple tips to follow for a greener household:

• Check energy ratings on appliances
• Install water saving taps and shower heads
• Seal drafts under doors and windows to reduce heat consumption
• Use cross flow ventilation rather than air conditioning
• Use ammonia or pure soap in the kitchen and laundry so water can be used directly on the garden
• Have recycling bins of different colours to encourage the practice
• Compost your kitchen scraps

Tim Goodlet from Green Conversions specialises in energy efficient solutions and improvements for sustainable living. For more information call 02 4758 7788 or email info@greenconversions.com.au