We have tried hard to make our project sympathetic to the environment. We have included a number of resource saving systems into our plans. These include photovoltaic solar panels from BP Solar for electricity production that we feed back into the grid, vacuum tube solar hot water from Apricus , on-site water storage and grey water reticulation. We have also tried to use building materials that either use by products from other industries, such as the Boral cement blocks and the Hebel Power Panel or come from renewable resources such as the compressed bamboo flooring from Style Plantation or the laminated veneer timber beams that came from Carter Holt Harvey . In the garden we intend to use as many plants that are native to the area as possible to encourage the local birds to make this place their sanctuary. There is a great population of rosellas , Australian king parrots , lorikeets and black cockatoos that inhabit the area.

I have just received an email from my friend Alan Stewart who has helped me with my education in web and blog development, that his wife Deb has just started an new blog called Sustainable Living Wise . Deb is an Australian wildlife tragic and the Stewart’s home in suburban Brisbane has become an impromptu sanctuary to a vast range of birds and animals who have come off second best after interactions with us humans.

Deb also refers to herself as a sustainable living nut and has come up with the cute logo for her blog, Sustainable Living Wise you see below.

Debs site is all about  information and tips on sustainable development, green living, renewable energy and permaculture. It looks to me like a site that will be full of practical tips on how make sustainable living part of your everyday lifestyle. Check it out at www.sustainablelivingwise.com