Rebates to Fall in Value

Solar Hot Water Rebates Set to Fall in Value

The falling Australian dollar and the rise in metal prices will mean a small increase in the cost of Conergy solar hot water systems from 1st Nov ‘08. The REC (Renewable Energy Certificates) rebate is also falling in value and this is unlikely to rise to the values reached in June & July of this year. So if you are in need of a top quality solar hot water system, get in now and save, as we still have stock at old prices.

In Feb 2010 it will become illegal to replace an electric hot water system with anything other than solar or gas, so many people are taking advantage now of the generous rebates currently available. Once it is mandatory to replace electric systems it is unlikely that there will be any rebates available.

As oil prices & the overseas demand for Australia gas increase the price will increase also. On a 2 panel roof mounted Conergy solar Hot water system you can receive rebates of up to $ 2,300 and your water will be heated free from the sun.

Sign of the Times

We were always told not to put all our eggs in one basket, but it seems that everything we own is controlled by the stockmarket. Whether it be your mortgage, superannuation, savings, anything at all. The price of food is rising along with everything else and most people are concerned about how far a dollar can stretch.

Most housing blocks are 1/4 acre which was always enough area to grow a vegetable garden, a few fruit trees, keep a few chooks and still have enough room for the family to play a game of cricket. However our priorities have changed. The house got bigger and we added a pool and we forgot what was really important. Food! As we are reminded of ‘the great depression’ , the hardships of unemployment and the escalating cost of food we need to remember what our backyard can be used for. A packet of seeds can grow about 30 tomato bushes producing many kilos of fruit for just $ 3 . Maybe our thoughts need to concentrate on what really matters; the basic necessities of our existence; food , water and shelter rather than plasma TV’s and the latest high speed laptop computer. Even in a high rise apartment you can grow a few vegetables in a box on the balcony. It’s fresher and you can keep it organic too.

Composting Makes Sense

The Queensland state government have a rebate of 50 % or up to $ 50 on the purchase of a compost bin or a worm farm. The rebate is only being offered until the 17th Dec this year, so if you haven’t taken advantage of this, get in quick.

Composting uses waste organic material from your home and will turn it into a nutrient rich soil conditioner. Compost improves the quality of your soil while also improving it’s water holding capacity. Your garden soil will be biologically alive, reducing your requirements for fertilizers and improving plant growth.

Food scraps and other organic material make up about 70% of your garbage and by composting it you will reduce odour problems in your garbage bin. A good compost bin does not smell, so let us show you how to do this is done.

If you compost your organic waste you will also be reducing your carbon footprint and reducing the need for landfill sites.

Compost bins start from $ 46 and you get $ 23 back from the government.

Self Sufficiency

"Self Sufficiency" - new book by Isabell Shipard

Isabell Shipard, one of Australia's most knowledgable and sought after authorities on herbs and author of the acclaimed books How can I use Herbs in my daily life? and How can I grow and use Sprouts as living food? says:

"For many years I taught Herb Courses, covering many edible plants, and included a segment on survival foods and the importance of self-sufficiency for possible hard times. People often expressed that I should put this information into a book.
With the economic squeeze in Australia, and severe drought experienced over large areas of farmland, just what will the future hold for average Australian families? Everyone is experiencing the pressure, as food, fuel and the cost of living has dramatically risen in price. In this 21st century we are seeing major disasters that are disrupting peoples lives in so many areas of the world. We must all be more conscious of ways to reduce, recycle, repair and reuse items and consider how we can all tread more softly on Planet Earth."

"What I desire is that all who read this book will be inspired and motivated to take action for the benefit of the planet."

We believe the book, How can I be prepared with Self-Sufficiency and Survival Foods? will be a valuable reference manual for every person and family. This book offers encouragement about the importance of being as self-sufficient as one is able and an action plan to help you 'ride the storms'. Isabell shows us how to be prepared with a step-by-step emergency management plan for food provisions and essential supplies. If you have thought about setting up a
 

Babies Going Green

Just a few years ago over 95% of babies were dressed in disposable nappies. Fortunately this trend is reversing as mothers become more aware of the chemical toxins in these nappies and their lack of biodegradability.

Did you know that it can take up to 500 years for a disposable nappy to breakdown and most babies will use around 8,000 of them in the first 2 & 1/2 years of life? We cut down 1 billion trees worldwide every year to make nappies. Disposables also contain chlorine, formaldehyde, solvents, heavy metals, sodium polyacrylate (liquid absorbers) and synthetic chemical based fragrances.

If you are buying a disposable nappy, make sure that it is ‘chemical-free’ and check on it’s biodegradability.

There are many cute, trendy washable nappy options available today which do not require fathers to have a degree in nappy origami!

We carry a range a chemical free nappies which are highly biodegradable, plus pea pods and cloth nappies.

Our baby care corner also carries a broad range of skin care products, nappy liners, baby wipes, washable aqua nappies, glass & stainless steel baby bottles, latex teats and dummies, and much more.
 

Rainwater Tank Rebate

There has been renewed interest in the rainwater tank rebate since the Cairns Regional Council announced that Cairns residents will be paying for all of their water usage.

The rebate of $ 1,500 offered by the Department of Natural Resources now requires that the tank is connected to either your washing machine or toilet, but the water can also be used in the garden or to top up the water in your pool.

A 5,000 litre tank will cost $ 1,199 and you can construct a tank base for about $ 200. You still have $ 100 toward the cost of your plumber running a pipe from the tank to a tap in your laundry or toilet. Most people would only be out of pocket about $ 200-$300. The tank will offset your water bill and add value to your home too.

The minimum size required is 3,000 litres. Enviromart Australia offer bother round and slim-line tanks.

Tank rebates will expire on 30th June 2009.