Eco Living
Eco-Clever Ways to Embrace the Extreme Aussie Climate
These tips will help you make the most of our unique climate at home, while saving the environment and your hip pocket
Australia is a land of extremes. From long droughts to devastating floods and seasonal bushfires, our weather provides its own set of challenges and advantages. Whether you’re renovating, gardening, working or entertaining outdoors, here are some easy, and environmentally friendly, ways to make the most of our weather conditions.
Use solar panels
When fixed to your rooftop to generate electricity from sunlight, these modules can power your appliances. The system can also feed surplus energy into the electricity grid if connected, while a standalone system requires a battery to hold leftover energy. The panels should ideally be north facing and not blocked by trees or shade.
When fixed to your rooftop to generate electricity from sunlight, these modules can power your appliances. The system can also feed surplus energy into the electricity grid if connected, while a standalone system requires a battery to hold leftover energy. The panels should ideally be north facing and not blocked by trees or shade.
Entertain at night
Hot summer days sound fabulous for entertaining but the reality is they can sometimes be too hot or humid. Avoid the unpleasant scenario of a party that is too warm to enjoy by holding your entertaining event in the evening when the heat has gone out of the day and a cool breeze has hopefully sprung up. Fabulous night lighting will assist in establishing a party atmosphere. Try a combination of task lights to define paths, coloured uplights to show off trees or sculptures and dimmable downlights for convenience and ambience in eating areas. Many garden lights can be solar-activated to save on electricity costs and help the environment.
Hot summer days sound fabulous for entertaining but the reality is they can sometimes be too hot or humid. Avoid the unpleasant scenario of a party that is too warm to enjoy by holding your entertaining event in the evening when the heat has gone out of the day and a cool breeze has hopefully sprung up. Fabulous night lighting will assist in establishing a party atmosphere. Try a combination of task lights to define paths, coloured uplights to show off trees or sculptures and dimmable downlights for convenience and ambience in eating areas. Many garden lights can be solar-activated to save on electricity costs and help the environment.
Install a rainwater tank
Available in a huge array of shapes and sizes, a tank is a great way to harvest free rainwater for use on a thirsty garden, but it can also be connected to provide grey water for your toilet or washing machine. Using rainwater will reduce your water bill and lessen your environmental impact. Your local council can provide you with information about the installation process and any restrictions that may apply.
Available in a huge array of shapes and sizes, a tank is a great way to harvest free rainwater for use on a thirsty garden, but it can also be connected to provide grey water for your toilet or washing machine. Using rainwater will reduce your water bill and lessen your environmental impact. Your local council can provide you with information about the installation process and any restrictions that may apply.
Select energy-efficient windows
When renovating, the use of energy-efficient windows will minimise the need for artificial heating and cooling indoors. Choose low-emissivity glass or double-glazed windows; timber, rigid PVC or aluminium/timber frames, and quality window seals to reduce draughts. Floor-to-ceiling windows can retain a sense of privacy for the resident with the use of frosted panes. You can completely frost the windows or partially cover them as shown here.
When renovating, the use of energy-efficient windows will minimise the need for artificial heating and cooling indoors. Choose low-emissivity glass or double-glazed windows; timber, rigid PVC or aluminium/timber frames, and quality window seals to reduce draughts. Floor-to-ceiling windows can retain a sense of privacy for the resident with the use of frosted panes. You can completely frost the windows or partially cover them as shown here.
Keep grassy areas to a minimum
Reduce watering and maintenance requirements by creating small grassy patches such as this thoughtful layout which is surrounded by and integrated with a beautiful timber decking and paver design. Utilise native or waterwise plants and grasses that will flourish in our weather conditions.
Reduce watering and maintenance requirements by creating small grassy patches such as this thoughtful layout which is surrounded by and integrated with a beautiful timber decking and paver design. Utilise native or waterwise plants and grasses that will flourish in our weather conditions.
Install ceiling fans
A pleasant breeze on a stifling hot day can be replicated with the use of fans, which are a cost-effective way of staying cool. You might choose to place them in an outdoor setting for added comfort when entertaining, or indoors for everyday use. Interior rooms will use much less energy when cooled by a fan than by an air-conditioner, and even a pedestal model will suffice if you’re on a tight budget.
A pleasant breeze on a stifling hot day can be replicated with the use of fans, which are a cost-effective way of staying cool. You might choose to place them in an outdoor setting for added comfort when entertaining, or indoors for everyday use. Interior rooms will use much less energy when cooled by a fan than by an air-conditioner, and even a pedestal model will suffice if you’re on a tight budget.
Use a clothesline
Utilising the power of natural light and wind to dry your laundry on a clothesline whenever possible. You’ll not only reduce your electricity bills as you use your dryer less frequently, but you will harness the sunlight’s natural antibacterial quality and its gentle bleaching effect which can reduce or remove light stains from sheets and clothes.
Utilising the power of natural light and wind to dry your laundry on a clothesline whenever possible. You’ll not only reduce your electricity bills as you use your dryer less frequently, but you will harness the sunlight’s natural antibacterial quality and its gentle bleaching effect which can reduce or remove light stains from sheets and clothes.
Spend time in a ‘pod’
Conceived by architects, Harwyns are Australian-designed, standalone prefabricated studio ‘pods’ that can be installed in your backyard for use as an office, spare room, studio, hangout, you name it. Designed especially for the harsh Aussie climate, the pods stay warm in winter and keep cool in summer with minimal energy consumption. They are available in a variety of colours and finishes – the reflective metallic one shown here makes it appear to blend into the surrounds.
Conceived by architects, Harwyns are Australian-designed, standalone prefabricated studio ‘pods’ that can be installed in your backyard for use as an office, spare room, studio, hangout, you name it. Designed especially for the harsh Aussie climate, the pods stay warm in winter and keep cool in summer with minimal energy consumption. They are available in a variety of colours and finishes – the reflective metallic one shown here makes it appear to blend into the surrounds.
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Protect your outdoor room or kids’ play area from harsh sunlight with a UV-resistant sailcloth. These structures are available in a range of exterior fabrics and sizes and can also be custom made. Prior to selecting one, consult your local council regarding regulations which may apply. As an alternative, you may like to purchase other shade-producing items such as gazebos, umbrellas and covered pet beds.