Cool our cities, cool our streets – ecoPOPs from $3800 + GST – how & why to buy

ecoPOPS outside Council’s Information Centre, King George Square   To order in NSW, Qld and Victoria, please contact:                             Marianna  Verlage                            0407 270 138 mariannaverlage@gmail.com       The story of ecoPOPs in Fremantle, WA Today we put up two ecoPOPS in the streets in the centre... Read More

What’s a good sewage system?

A beaut question lobbed into my inbox this week and here it is: ‘Hi Michael, First up let me tell you how much I have enjoyed your book.  It is a permanent coffee table fixture in our home at present as we are planning a new house and endeavouring to implement many of the same principles you have adopted.  Infact it has been so popular on the coffee table that three guests... Read More

Sustainable house using bamboo in Bali

Here’s some good news about a sustainable house in Bali that’s used bamboo in several ways.  Here’s how I heard about it from the owner, Michael Huffman: Hello Michael I met you while hiking in the Blue Mountains in 1991 or 1992. I read Sustainable House and was hooked on building something some day based on your principles. I eventually decided to build in Bali... Read More

Bee killer pesticides banned in Europe

Some good news for bee lovers:  bee killing pesticides have been banned today across European Countries for the next two years; read it here: pesticide banned. . . . . go the bees ….. bzzzzzzz Michael  Read More

Urban farming adds life to your life

Chooks in Sarah’s garden When we grow plants or nurture bees and wildlife something grows in ourselves. I thought of this when I received this lovely email from Sarah Townsend, who came with her partner and did an Urban Farm Working Tour here: “Hi Michael, Just a quick note.  I attended your Urban Farming tour in February.  It was so inspiring and has really had a... Read More

Seattle’s new park is an urban farm for all

Seattle city in the US is building a new park that will be filled with edible plants, and everything from pears to herbs will be free for the taking. The story of this inspiring example of how to create an urban farm for all is here, Michael  Read More

Narara ecovillage raises funds without banks

Yesterday I had a coffee with Lyndall Parris, one of the Directors involved with the new Narara Ecovillage. Lyndall would be pleased to hear from anyone interested in finding out more about this residential development near Gosford, just north of Sydney.Her contact details are: lyndall@nararaecovillage.com and 0419 279 711. nararaecovillage.com…Here are some points I... Read More

Special international tour and dinner at Sydney’s Sustainable House

The specialist touring company, AFAR, is offering US and other overseas folk a special tour of Sydney in the week commencing Sunday 6 May 2013. The itinerary includes special tours and experiences of buildings, architecture, restaurants, streets, museums and some of Sydney’s special spaces.  Travellers will roam from Wendy Whiteley’s garden, to the Mint at night, Janet... Read More

Sydney Standard article and video about bookshop conversation

The Sydney Standard was at the Berkelouw conversation with Costa and I last Tuesday and the article and a video is published today here.   The Berkelouw Bookshop in Oxford Street, Sydney, is one of the more civilised, civilising and well-lit bookshops around.  With beautiful timber floors, tall windows, high ceilings and timber shelving and desks it’s a relaxing place... Read More

How to make a leaky drain

As the first video in our new local series, How to make an urban farm, this first one, How to make a leaky drain, kicks off with some funny moments from one of our wonderful urban farmers, Thais.   “You don’t want a leaky water bottle, you don’t want a leaky tap . . . but you do want this lovely leaky drain”, says Thais.   See Thais go for water... Read More