Michael Mobbs
Make a more natural nature strip

Here’s a simple, low cost , low tech design which keeps rain water where it falls to make a self-watering nature strip.

Let’s put nature into the ‘nature’ strips of our cities. It’s easy.

Make a more natural nature strip
Michael Mobbs
23 years off grid for water in the centre of ...

What does the data tell us about living off-grid for water in the heart of Sydney?

Analysis of water quantity by an American intern in Sydney, Jillian Meehan.

23 years off grid for water in the centre of Sydney - what the data says
Michael Mobbs
Aircon for on and off-grid houses

Here’s how to have aircon and be on or offgrid for electricity. Cool!

Aircon for on and off-grid houses

Green energy

Sydney City Council garbage contract

Here is Sydney City’s garbage contract for those interested in the truth about how food and other ‘waste’ is regarded and dealt with by local councils across Australia.

The contract is similar to contracts made by other Australian councils.

To obtain a copy of your local council contract you may exercise your rights under Freedom of Information laws.

The contract is in several parts.

Different parts of the contract are in seven (7) documents so there’s lots of reading if you’re interested:

Summed up, the contract allows the council to contract out all garbage services.

Future blogs will analyse the financial and environmental impact of contracts made by Australian local councils.

Until then, there’s lots of reading here!


Buying group solar

We started out with the goal to obtain a discount on solar systems by buying in bulk. Our aim was to have 30 households sign up with the one supplier to achieve a negotiated 15-20% discount on all components and installation of a solar system. The project began with a meeting at Michaels house that involved a presentation, much discussion, and a few bottles of wine. 

Of fridges, solar power and getting the most out of them

Yesterday’s tour of Sydney’s Sustainable House was packed both with people and the interesting stories and questions they asked.  One email has come in from one of people on the tour, Peter, and here it is as it’s got useful information about using solar panels efficiently and meeting the energy demands of that gas guzzler, the fridge.