Check out this selection of Australian eco home websites.
yourhome.gov.au – a joint project of the Australian Government and the building industry, the Your Home Technical Manual contains all the know-how for your wildest sustainable design and construction dreams. The authoritative website also has step-by-step guides for buyers and renovators. All information is free to download.
makeyourhomegreen.vic.gov.au – Make Your Home Green is a portal site, chock full of news and links for Victorian homeowners and renovators. You’ll find loads of facts on the 5 Star building standard, plus links to rebate guides and tips for saving money, water and energy around the house.
greenelectricitywatch.org.au – if you’re thinking about switching to green power, Green Electricity Watch will help you sort through the spin. Run by three major environmental groups, the regular survey assesses the eco-credentials behind the claims of the power retailers. It lists each product’s ranking alongside its extra cost, and also carries a comprehensive page of energy saving advice.
savewater.com.au – the Savewater Alliance is a non-profit association made up of water businesses and government agencies. Its website is intended to be a one-stop water conservation shop, and boasts tips, research, case studies and product links that will help you cut water use throughout your home and garden.
sokitt.com – when your old white goods conk out, make Sokitt your first research stop. This ingenious website analyses the running costs of the fridges, dishwashers and washing machines on the Australian market, together with their upfront prices. You can modify the search to account for your size and style preferences and even compare your old model with new ones on offer.
sgaonline.org.au – Sustainable Gardening Australia is a non-profit organisation that promotes smart backyard gardening with a taste for veggies. The website includes a forum and free fact sheets examining aphids, zucchinis and everything in between. You can also sign up to Cuttings, a monthly email update full of handy seasonal hints and planting guides.
aussieslivingsimply.com.au – this busy online forum is dedicated to the simple life. Join up and ask questions of other people who are putting sustainable living into practice. Discussion threads include permaculture, fruit and veggie gardening, renewable energy, preserving and mending, as well as cooking, cleaning and DIY construction.
recyclingnearyou.com.au – if you’re not sure what can and can’t have a second life, look up Recycling Near You. Run by Planet Ark, the website contains information from every council in the country. It covers kerbside collection as well as instructions for trickier items like e-waste, tyres, oil and chemicals. You can search by council area or by product.
ethical.org.au – the Ethical Consumer Guide aims to inform shoppers about the social and environmental impact of our buying habits. The website has information about the brands and products on our supermarket shelves, as well as explanations of broader issues such as waste, food miles and organics.