Under House Water Tank

No space for a whapping big rainwater tank in the back yard but keen as mustard to harvest the rainwater from your roof run off?  Than check out the eco sac.  The eco sac is like a large flexible water bladder that fits under your house.  Water stored in the eco sac is suitable for safely fill swimming pools and fish ponds without fear of contamination from the bladder.  Eco sac configurations can store from 2,600 litres up to 50,000 litres and qualifies for government rebates where they apply.

Check out the Eco Sac website for details.

G Mag: Australia’s first green lifestyle magazine

i just came across this new green lifestyle magazine, G Mag Australia.”G Magazine provides practical, evidence-based solutions to living a more environmentally friendly lifestyle,” says Wilson da Silva, Editor-in-Chief of G. “It will be a trusted and respected guide to the green consumer landscape.”

“It’s hard to find accurate and reliable information on how to be green, and this is something G Magazine will do best,” says Sara Phillips, Editor of G and winner of a 2006 Reuters/World Conservation Union Award for Excellence in Environmental Reporting. “We want to make it a magazine readers trust, with sustainable solutions and examples based on the best evidence. No hype, just the facts.”

Get your subscription to G Mag at iSubscribe.

What size rain water tanks should you buy?

If you’re wanting to “get off the grid” altogether and not rely on mains water for any of your water needs then you’ll need a 50,000 – 100,000 litre rain water tank. However, it’s not recommended that you use rainwater for drinking in built up suburban areas.

If you’re aiming to keep your garden green all year round then you’ll need a 2000 to 4000 litre rain water tank depending on the size or your garden. You’ll also need a pump fitted to your water tank if you’re using a sprinkler system.

The toilet and laundry consume the greatest amount of water in the home, so if you’re plumbing a rainwater tank into these areas, you’ll want to go for a larger tank.

You can find cheap rainwater tanks through our Water Tanks ebay listings page . Just remember, in most cases you’ll have to pickup the water tank or pay for delivery so buy a tank from a local distributor.

Garden Safe Planet Ark Laundry Powder

Planet Ark has produced a Laundry detergent that’s garden friendly.  If you’re pouring your laundry grey water water on the garden and are concerned that the high pH might and high phosphates might kil your plants, then check out this detergent from Planet Ark.

Platen Arks detergent has been independently tested by Sydney Environmental and Soil Laboratory for their suitability for use in irrigation (including watering the garden). The grey water was found to be suitable for salt-sensitive plants. and phosphorus-sensitive plants.

Check out the Planet Ark Website.

Saving Energy, Saving Money, Maintaining Comfort

The idea of an energy saving household used to go hand-in-hand with certain images. Signs saying “If It’s Yellow, Let It Mellow”, putting a bucket in the shower with you to save water, or wearing layers upon layers to save on heating bills come to mind. But times they are a changin’- making energy saving much easier, more efficient, and no longer preventing us from leaving the comfort of our normal lives.

The “5 Star Home EnergyRating” has been introduced to help reduce the impact of energy consumption. Gone are the days where hairy armpits and hemp clothing were the trade marks of the green-conscious consumer. It has fast become the new trend of today- the designer, eco-friendly home!

So What Do The Stars Mean?

The energy rating reflects the energy efficiency of a home. How much heat is lost or gained through the home is measured. These measurements are impacted upon by the way in which the home functions- the appliances you have, and the way they are used. The more stars you have, the less energy is being spent.

So Why Bother?

This system is a win-win situation. The 5 Star rating system helps you because it provides you with a high quality, comfortable home, while also helping the environment. Living in a 5-Star home can save you $210 on energy bills and $50 on water every year! You can save up to 5 tonnes of greenhouse gas pollutants every year, too.

Finally, make your home more comfy with the house being up to 5º warmer in winter and 10º cooler in summer depending on the construction materials and design.

By incorporating common sense design principles- finding the most appropriate and renewable fuel source and buying energy efficient appliances and technology, you will not only be able to help the environment, but save on bills too!

10 Energy Saving Tips to Remember!!

1. Shading: cover all windows to avoid heat coming in
2. Fans: These are inexpensive and prevent appliance usage
3. Standby Power: Unplug any appliances not in use
4. Fluorescent Lights: Save money and reduce gas emissions. They also last longer.
5. Water Efficient Shower Heads: AAA Rated shower heads dispense less water
6. Solar How Water: Especially if you live in warmer areas (in Adelaide, solar power can contribute upward of 70%!)
7. Refrigerators: Buy only 1 if you can. Otherwise, turn off when not needed.
8. Energy Rating: Use the star ratings to choose appliances
9. Insulation: Less need for heating and cooling systems.
10. Switch to GreenPower: A cleaner renewable source of energy.

Install a water saving shower head

If you want to save water in your home, I cannot stress how important it is to install a water saving shower head. If you’re using a older, larger showerhead, you’re wasting huge amounts of water while you shower, not to mention the energy you’re wasting in heating the hot water that goes into that shower.

A standard shower head can deliver up to 25 litres per minute (250 litres for a 10 minute shower) while a low-flow shower head typically averages a delivery rate of 6 to 15 litres per minute (60-150 litres for a 10 minute shower). Reduce your shower time down to 4 minutes, install a water saving shower head, and you’ll be saving massive amounts of water.

Installing a water saving shower head is easy and affordable. You can pick up a new shower head from your local hardware store or plumbing supplier from around $20. Then it’s just a matter of unscrewing the old one (you may need a spanner) and screwing the new shower head in. Simple!

So, do our water resources a favor, if you haven’t already, install a water saving shower head.

Hire a water consultant

There are so many things you can do to save water in your business or home, so if you’re struggling to analyse and implement all these water saving measures, call in an expert.  The Water Conservation Group can help you assess and implement water saving changes in your home or business through private consultation.

Visit their website to see how they can help you save more water.