Sustainable living for renters, greywater gardens, and much more in the latest ReNew
Sustainable living … for renters
Most people think you have to own the house you live in to make it sustainable, but renters can make a difference too.
Find out the five best actions tenants can take on energy efficiency, (including bubble wrap double-glazing!) as well as plenty of water tips, such as how to install a low-flow showerhead.
Approaching a landlord with eco-friendly suggestions needn’t be that hard; ReNew’s list of tax deductions for energy-efficient improvements in rental properties may provide some incentive for homeowners.
Greywater gardens: a growing area
Recycling household water may be the only way some gardens stay alive this summer.
Not surprisingly, interest in greywater use has increased in the last couple of years, with many new greywater technologies entering the market. ReNew’s greywater buyers guide introduces these new systems in a detailed table.
Water expert Adam Maxey discusses the best way to deliver greywater to the garden, health and safety issues and how much to water. The buyers guide includes the latest state-by-state greywater regulations.
This issue also features a very green DIY greywater garden, complete with reed bed filtration.
Lights, wind and solar in East Timor
A dedicated group of 19 volunteers traveled across East Timor to install solar power, lights and even a wind turbine.
The installations were carried out in four health clinics, two schools, one community radio station, three administration offices and two community centres—impressive for one month’s work.
The installations meant one village had lights for the first time and schools had solar electricity. Volunteers included renewable energy experts, community development workers and architects.
A chance meeting with East Timor’s President Jose Ramos Horta uncovered that even he wanted his home to be ‘a model solar house.’
Other stories in ReNew 102 – Converting your car to fish and chip shop oil – LED lighting at home: is it viable, plus DIY LED options – Renewable energy course information.
SIGN UP AND WIN!
All new ATA members and ReNew subscribers have a chance to win a 960 Watt, Grid-interactive, Solar power system valued at $13,955!
ReNew 102 in newsagents now: look for the greywater capsicum on the cover.
