Lettuce growing on skyscrapers

No more need to grow plants the traditional, horizontal way! Now plants can grow miles high, vertically! Covering buildings in inspired greenery, with a new product from Atlantis (who make all sorts of great water recycling and harvesting modules) called Grow-Wall, you can easily have amazing "green" buildings. For tiny outdoor spaces like apartment balconies, this could be really great!

PS yes it has been a while since I posted. I think it is time to start again!

Flush your toilet with dirty water.

A previous post showed these toilets which you wash your hands in the basin , and that water is then used for the next toilet flush! How exciting they are now available in Australia through Caroma. Good on you Caroma, you HAVE been leading the way in Australia for reducing water use in the bathroom.

Have been quoted $500 aprox for a unit. More info here.

TIP: wash your hands then use that water to flush.

This idea has been around for afew years, and has sadly not arrived in australia ( to my knowledge) in the marketplace. Maybe you could import one. There are complete units available in Japan, this item is just a lid that you add. There could be an issue with soap scum buildup in your cistern, I would recommend regular hot flushes to clear off any soapy buildup.
cooltools
apparently costs $89 in the US at real goods

WESITE REVIEW: Adobe Loos and Worms

Woo Hoo! One of the simplest, most informative, low-sell sites on composting your poo. Adobe Worms and Loos Info on most types available and also HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN COMPOSTING TOILET !.. to meet NSW heath regulations. Good on 'em.

WEBSITE REVIEW: wels

Trying to find water saving taps?
All taps, toilets, urinals, washing machines, dishwashers, showerheads rated by stars for water efficiency have to be registered. This site lists them all and also has a product search feature. Very useful!

WEBSITE REVIEW: Rainwater harvesting

I watered my garden today from water which had collected in my 3200L rainwater tank. It's a great feeling to be growing vegies watered by my own water.
Something to do with becoming more of a linked system. Developing my own ecosystem!
Here is a nice website on rainwater harvesting.

Our front garden tank. The green bit from the roof to the tank is my Lazy Lady downpipe...I have no inclination just yet to plumb it properly...

TIP: Raintap

This is a great idea! I'll think I'll get one!
I quote directly from the EcoShop site where you can buy one for $49:
"RAINTAP:
One millimetre of rain on the average roof generates 250 litres of water. Normally this runs off your property and is wasted. But by fitting a raintap to your gutter downpipe, you can divert that water to your water storage tank, lawn, trees, plants or pool to make maximum use of even light rainfalls. Suits all downpipes by using 90mm adapters (readily available).
Installation: Can be fitted by a home handyperson in about 10mins. You will need a hacksaw to cut your existing downpipe. Simply pull downpipe towards you and fit bell end of raintap to the top cut in the downpipe. Position raintap above the bottom cut of the downpipe and pull down until the bevelled end enters the bottom pipe."

WEBSITE REVIEW: smart communities network

The Smart Communities Network is a US based "green building" site with an international outreach. They are "creating energy smart communities"
This site has typical good info on environmentally responsible building.
My favourite section is the green building success stories which is a large yet clear collection of international info and links to sucessful examples of the following:
() Integrated Green Building Techniques
() Affordable Green Building
() Green Residential Developments
() Green Renovation Projects
() Energy Efficiency
() Materials/Water Conservation

TIPS: Water saving showerhead and 5 fluro lightglobes only $5

I recently went to the Organic Food and Wine expo in Sydney. It was delicious! At the fair was a stall run by neco, an eco hardware store.They have an agreement with the government which means they can virtually give away stuff to help save energy in the home.
For $5 you get 5 fluro light globes and a water saving showerhead.
I don't know how good the showerhead is because I only got the globes. The globes are the best fluros I have ever found, as they are 2700K compared to the usual 5000-7000K. This is the light color measurement, 2700 is the closest to daylight, so you get more of a white/yellow light, rather than the usual green light from a fluro.
The delivery charge is $5 for 20kg so you might like to add something to your order. They sell soaps suitable for grey water systems, really good eco shower roses (I recommend delux diamond)and fun shower timers to help you keep your shower short.

NEWS: Sustinable living at home workshops

On Saturday 13th August 11am-1pm I will be running a FREE workshop with Mim Woodlands on Passive solar & Water Sensitive design. Mim will be doing the water and I will cover Passive solar design. It will be held at the EcoHome, Hobart Rd, Lambton, NSW (Just near West's Leagues Club). I will be covering:
() Site analysis for solar access etc.
() Thermal Mass
() Insulation
() Windows

If you would like to come please bring along a rough floorplan of your home and garden.
Bookings are essential so please call 4974 2847.
Click the comments link below if you have any questions.
For other great free workshops Newcastle City Council is running, go to newcastle.nsw.gov.au/go/sustainableliving