I bombed out on level 3, but I did learn that metal cutlery is recyclable, as are the takeaway coffee cups. Of course, if you're a big drinker of takeaway coffee, Keep Cups are a great idea.
Showing posts with label tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tips. Show all posts
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Lunchtime Legends
This recycling game is designed mainly for kids. It looks simple at first, but as the levels go up so does the speed.
I bombed out on level 3, but I did learn that metal cutlery is recyclable, as are the takeaway coffee cups. Of course, if you're a big drinker of takeaway coffee, Keep Cups are a great idea.
I bombed out on level 3, but I did learn that metal cutlery is recyclable, as are the takeaway coffee cups. Of course, if you're a big drinker of takeaway coffee, Keep Cups are a great idea.
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
That's So Kind
Have you ever struggled to find a gift for someone? Have you ever received a gift you didn't really like?
Why do we feel forced to buy physical stuff from stores, when people would much prefer other gifts? Ones that don't end up in landfill. Often it's because we don't know what people want. So Kind fixes that problem.
It's like a wedding gift registry, but for any occasion - and also for non-tangible gifts.
You list gifts you would like - the kind of gifts that would make you say "That's so kind". They might be vouchers, homemade gifts, or a second-hand item you would like (if one of your friends has one and doesn't need it). Maybe even a donation to your favourite charity. There are plenty of ideas for your list, and other lists to get ideas from. Then tell your friends and family about your list.
For the gift buyer, just look at the list and pick something from it. You'll know for sure that it's something they'll like - and won't be in landfill next week.
It may be too late for this Christmas, but a good time to start one for your next special occasion.
Why do we feel forced to buy physical stuff from stores, when people would much prefer other gifts? Ones that don't end up in landfill. Often it's because we don't know what people want. So Kind fixes that problem.
It's like a wedding gift registry, but for any occasion - and also for non-tangible gifts.
You list gifts you would like - the kind of gifts that would make you say "That's so kind". They might be vouchers, homemade gifts, or a second-hand item you would like (if one of your friends has one and doesn't need it). Maybe even a donation to your favourite charity. There are plenty of ideas for your list, and other lists to get ideas from. Then tell your friends and family about your list.
For the gift buyer, just look at the list and pick something from it. You'll know for sure that it's something they'll like - and won't be in landfill next week.
It may be too late for this Christmas, but a good time to start one for your next special occasion.
Monday, December 8, 2014
The Ready-made Gift
At this time of year it can be stressful - searching shops for something special for friends and family.
But perhaps their gift is already in your home. There are plenty of items of yours that you can give as gifts.
Bernadette created this gift tag, to show the recipient why the gift is special - that you are caring for them, and also the planet.
It's an idea that makes so much sense. Books and DVDs that I've read/seen once are still effectively new. Why not give them to someone who can enjoy them for the first time. There are many other items that also make great gifts.
You're giving a gift you know is good quality. As a side-benefit, you reduce your own clutter and prevent another item from ending up in landfill. You also save money and reduce needless consumption.
But perhaps their gift is already in your home. There are plenty of items of yours that you can give as gifts.
Bernadette created this gift tag, to show the recipient why the gift is special - that you are caring for them, and also the planet.
It's an idea that makes so much sense. Books and DVDs that I've read/seen once are still effectively new. Why not give them to someone who can enjoy them for the first time. There are many other items that also make great gifts.
You're giving a gift you know is good quality. As a side-benefit, you reduce your own clutter and prevent another item from ending up in landfill. You also save money and reduce needless consumption.
Friday, November 28, 2014
Should I Buy This?
Especially at this time of year, advertisers tell us to buy, buy, buy. Whatever our question - even if we didn't have one - the answer is to buy something.
Some things are good. Some things are just "landfill waiting to happen".
So I enjoyed this tongue-in-cheek yes/no guide for whether you should buy.
It's simple to use. Just go to the full chart, start at the top, answer each question, and it will lead you to the answer.
Spoiler alert: The majority of paths point to NO, because most of the stuff we buy, we don't need.
Of course as well as saving money and having less clutter around the house, there is also a planet benefit.
If we don't buy those pointless items, factories will waste less energy, and produce fewer emissions, making junk that we don't actually need or want.
Some things are good. Some things are just "landfill waiting to happen".
So I enjoyed this tongue-in-cheek yes/no guide for whether you should buy.
It's simple to use. Just go to the full chart, start at the top, answer each question, and it will lead you to the answer.
Spoiler alert: The majority of paths point to NO, because most of the stuff we buy, we don't need.
Of course as well as saving money and having less clutter around the house, there is also a planet benefit.
If we don't buy those pointless items, factories will waste less energy, and produce fewer emissions, making junk that we don't actually need or want.
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Energy Freedom
Want to reduce your energy bills and your greenhouse emissions?
Energy Freedom is a program helping Australians make their homes high-performing, comfortable and zero emissions. With technology available now, home owners can be highly-efficient - cutting energy consumption to a much smaller amount - and then generating that amount from solar.
There are example Success Stories - a family in Victoria is now saving $4700 a year. A Brisbane family has halved their energy costs despite the addition of two children - and still has further savings to make.
One of the strategies they suggest is to switch from gas to electric - as there are more efficient electric products. A new report by ATA - Are we still Cooking with Gas? - has determined that for a new homes it is not even worth connecting to gas. Also, warmer states (like mine) have the best economics for converting to electric.
PS. Another benefit of being energy neutral is that (as batteries become cheaper) you could disconnect from the grid and stop paying electricity bills.
Energy Freedom is a program helping Australians make their homes high-performing, comfortable and zero emissions. With technology available now, home owners can be highly-efficient - cutting energy consumption to a much smaller amount - and then generating that amount from solar.
There are example Success Stories - a family in Victoria is now saving $4700 a year. A Brisbane family has halved their energy costs despite the addition of two children - and still has further savings to make.
One of the strategies they suggest is to switch from gas to electric - as there are more efficient electric products. A new report by ATA - Are we still Cooking with Gas? - has determined that for a new homes it is not even worth connecting to gas. Also, warmer states (like mine) have the best economics for converting to electric.
PS. Another benefit of being energy neutral is that (as batteries become cheaper) you could disconnect from the grid and stop paying electricity bills.
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Super Switch - find a better super fund
What if our retirement funds are delivering us a world unfit to retire into? That's the problem Super Switch is here to solve. It's helps you pick a superannuation account that matches your values.
Use the site to check up your super fund. Find out how much of your money is invested in fossil fuel companies. I compared my current one (SunSuper) to Australian Ethical (on the right).
It seems Super Switch had a hard time finding out where SunSuper invests my money. So have I - particularly when asking about their "ethical" option. Australian Ethical looks much better, with around 90% invested in fossil free companies.
The site also gives you the option to contact your current fund to ask them to offer a fossil free option - and the option to switch to a better one.
There's also a ranking of super funds according to the amount of fossil free investment.
Use the site to check up your super fund. Find out how much of your money is invested in fossil fuel companies. I compared my current one (SunSuper) to Australian Ethical (on the right).
It seems Super Switch had a hard time finding out where SunSuper invests my money. So have I - particularly when asking about their "ethical" option. Australian Ethical looks much better, with around 90% invested in fossil free companies.
The site also gives you the option to contact your current fund to ask them to offer a fossil free option - and the option to switch to a better one.
There's also a ranking of super funds according to the amount of fossil free investment.
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Video: Collaborative Consumption
Rachel Botsman, author of What's Mine is Yours, explains collaborative consumption - with the 'help' of Julian Morrow. Basically it's the concept that having access to something can be better than owning it.
The cordless drill is a classic case. On average it's used for only 12 minutes in its lifetime. It spends more times being made than it does being used. Yet it seems everyone has one. A better solution might be for a couple of people in the street to have one - and for other people to borrow it. Streetbank is a good site I've found for sharing a variety of things with your neighbours.
Added to the sites mentioned in the video, there is a directory of them on the Collaborative Consumption website - organised by topic.
All this sharing helps prevent wasteful production. Less energy consumed by factories and trucks - and less stuff eventually going to landfill. Aside from that, it's a great money saver. Now that's a Convenient Solution.
The cordless drill is a classic case. On average it's used for only 12 minutes in its lifetime. It spends more times being made than it does being used. Yet it seems everyone has one. A better solution might be for a couple of people in the street to have one - and for other people to borrow it. Streetbank is a good site I've found for sharing a variety of things with your neighbours.
Added to the sites mentioned in the video, there is a directory of them on the Collaborative Consumption website - organised by topic.
All this sharing helps prevent wasteful production. Less energy consumed by factories and trucks - and less stuff eventually going to landfill. Aside from that, it's a great money saver. Now that's a Convenient Solution.
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
LEDs at Aldi
Once again, Aldi have some low-price LEDs for sale. For $7.99 there are halogen-style replacements, and 'mini-bulbs' with the smaller base. For $10.99, there are the normal bulb-style replacements.
The two great things about this is (1) They are dimmable, for those who have had troubles with CFLs on dimmer switches, and (2) they now go up to 1055 lumens - which is about 75W in the old language (as per Aldi's conversion chart below). The other two pictured appear to be about 40 and 60W, so they've covered a fair range of brightnesses.
As per usual with Aldi, these are 'while stocks last', so you'll probably want to get in on Saturday before they're all gone.
The two great things about this is (1) They are dimmable, for those who have had troubles with CFLs on dimmer switches, and (2) they now go up to 1055 lumens - which is about 75W in the old language (as per Aldi's conversion chart below). The other two pictured appear to be about 40 and 60W, so they've covered a fair range of brightnesses.
As per usual with Aldi, these are 'while stocks last', so you'll probably want to get in on Saturday before they're all gone.
Monday, April 14, 2014
Recycle at Easter
With Australians eating an average of 20 Easter eggs, that's almost half a billion wrappers. Planet Ark reminds us that (just like an aluminium can) this aluminium can be recycled.
Apparently the best way is to collect them up into a ball, and toss that in the recycling after Easter. If you're really keen, make a huge one by adding your family's wrappers - or by keeping it going all year round.
PS. Coincidentally, as I write this, the recycling truck is making its way up my street.
Apparently the best way is to collect them up into a ball, and toss that in the recycling after Easter. If you're really keen, make a huge one by adding your family's wrappers - or by keeping it going all year round.
PS. Coincidentally, as I write this, the recycling truck is making its way up my street.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Who do I suggest?
Recently a number of people have been telling me they are looking at solar and asking things like "Any suggestions as to which companies to look at?" So here's what I've been saying.
Ingenero do solar panel leasing. As the up-front cost of panels is a psychological barrier to people, they lease solar panels to you. They design it so the savings you make are more than the lease payments. They are also the people behind the EveryRooftop initiative.
The Solar Guys seem to be at the leading edge. They have started promoting solar-battery combinations, so that the excess power you produce during the day can be stored for your use that night (saving you 30c/kWh) rather than getting fed into the grid for something around 8c/kWh (depending on your energy company).
Energy Matters seem to really have their heart in it. Their newsletter features renewable energy news from around the world, and a forum for people to discuss energy topics. For the tech-lovers, part of their process is to do an instant initial assessment by checking out your roof on Google Maps (for roof space, orientation etc). They have also featured on my blog with How Sunny Is Your City? and Solar Increases Home Value.
Local Power are, not surprisingly, Brisbane people. I personally know one of their main guys (Rob) and respect his integrity and energy knowledge. He also owns a Nissan Leaf which I have had a ride in.
PS. This is not an exhaustive list. If you are looking at someone else, they might also be great. These are just the ones that I feel I know enough about to put them on my suggestion list. One of my friends who asked me for suggestions, ended up going with another company recommended by his Dad.
UPDATE: I have since found out that Ingenero and the Solar Guys have closed. But there are still other good companies helping people save heaps on electricity.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
A Solar Win for an At-Home Dad
A good friend is looking at getting solar. He works from home and has a kid. I said that solar these days is especially good for his situation, as the more of the solar power you can use directly in your home, the greater the saving.
To explain, I did the maths (like on my Solar Maths page). This is the system he's looking at:
For $8,184 his 6kW system should generate about 9072 kWh a year. That would be a saving of between $1,270 and $2,667 per year, depending on how much is for his own use. Or to put it another way - a 15.5 to 32.5% return on his money. Much better than paying it off the mortgage.
I surprised even myself when I did these calculations. The prices of panels are just so good now. It inspired me to update my Solar Maths page with today's panel prices.
PS. Just to clarify, household solar power goes to the home first (a saving of 29.4 cents per unit) and any excess is then fed into the grid (the credit you receive for this can vary but is often around 14-16 cents). Hence the variation in the amount of savings, and hence my comment about the savings being higher for people (like my friend) who are consuming electricity during the daytime hours.
To explain, I did the maths (like on my Solar Maths page). This is the system he's looking at:
For $8,184 his 6kW system should generate about 9072 kWh a year. That would be a saving of between $1,270 and $2,667 per year, depending on how much is for his own use. Or to put it another way - a 15.5 to 32.5% return on his money. Much better than paying it off the mortgage.
I surprised even myself when I did these calculations. The prices of panels are just so good now. It inspired me to update my Solar Maths page with today's panel prices.
PS. Just to clarify, household solar power goes to the home first (a saving of 29.4 cents per unit) and any excess is then fed into the grid (the credit you receive for this can vary but is often around 14-16 cents). Hence the variation in the amount of savings, and hence my comment about the savings being higher for people (like my friend) who are consuming electricity during the daytime hours.
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Save 75% on fuel - Go electric
Recently, I showed the increasing sales of electric vehicles. I guess one of the reasons is the savings on fuel costs.
This stat is from America, and would vary slightly from one location to another. But it's still a massive saving.
This stat is from America, and would vary slightly from one location to another. But it's still a massive saving.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Ideas For Christmas
I love Christmas time. But it's sad that it can generate so much waste.
Australian Ethical have 10 tips to make less Christmas waste. Apparently the average person spend about $1000 each Christmas. It'd be great if that is creating things and memories that will stick with us - rather than items that will be landfill by the new year.
Planet Ark also have their 12 Do's of Christmas, which I wrote about last year. If you're interested, yes the last pair of those rechargeable batteries are still going. 1 camera. 8 years. Haven't had to buy a battery for it yet.
Australian Ethical have 10 tips to make less Christmas waste. Apparently the average person spend about $1000 each Christmas. It'd be great if that is creating things and memories that will stick with us - rather than items that will be landfill by the new year.
Planet Ark also have their 12 Do's of Christmas, which I wrote about last year. If you're interested, yes the last pair of those rechargeable batteries are still going. 1 camera. 8 years. Haven't had to buy a battery for it yet.
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