Environmental Tip # 7

Cooling in Summer - the most cost effective and environmentally friendly  way to cool your home (aside from opening windows and hanging wet towels in front of them) is ceiling fans. The humble old ceiling fan does not actually reduce the temperature of a room, but due to the air circulation and the hot air being forced upwards in the newly created draught, the room feels cooler.

Environmental Tip # 6

Buy Bamboo! It's a renewable resource and can be used for just about anything that wood can! It can also be made into fabric. For more info about the many uses of bamboo check out: http://www.greenlivingtips.com/articles/191/1/Uses-of-Bamboo.html

Environmental Tip # 5

Avoid halogen lights! They are a major fire hazard - see http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/content/2007/s1965485.htm for a story on the perils of halogen downlights. Whilst aesthetically pleasing, they use huge amounts of energy and create a lot of heat. For replacement options you could consider LED (light emitting diode) downlights or CFL (compact fluorescent lights) downlights. They consume far less energy than their halogen cousins.

Environmental Tip # 4

Start composting! It's a great way to get rid of your vegie peels, egg shells and heaps more! Plus you can use your nutrient rich compost on your garden, it'll love you for it. See http://www.ehow.com/how_137794_set-compost-system.html for a step by step guide to start your own compost system.

Environmental Tip # 3

Have your home draught proofed. It's inexpensive and helps immensely in the summer months to keep the hot air out, and in winter to keep the warm air in. Draught proofing could mean having gaps and cracks filled or door and windows sealed. It also stops whatever cooling device (air conditioner, fans etc) from working overtime and having all the cool air sucked outside through gaps in the building structure. Anywhere there are spider webs is a good indication that there is a draught present.

Environmental Tip # 2

Switch your shower head to a water saving shower rose. These can be obtained free of charge from many councils and bathroom supply stores. See http://www.savewater.com.au/programs-and-events/showerhead-exchange for more details.

Environmental Tip # 1

Utilise the grey water from your washing machine to water your plants and garden. This allows you to keep your garden alive over summer, without breaking water restrictions. Always ensure you use 'green' washing powder to save from poisoning your plants.