Household energy efficiency:
- pelmets - 2009
- exterior wall insulation - 2007
- HERS rating - 2007
- droughts
- windows - gooped gaps around window frames and added - 2005
- doors - could do more - 2005
- double glazing
- plastic double glazing on most windows - 2007
- bubble wrap on some windows - 2007
- Changed to front loading clothes washer - 2007
- LED spotlights outside - 2007
- Small solar PV system - 2005
- kitchen extractor fan - 2006
- solar hot water - 2006
- Negawatt home energy audit - 2005
- distributed heating
- 2KW heat pump (5KW heating) in lounge - 2004
- 2KW oil column heater in Adams room - 2004
- 2KW fan heater in office - 2004
- 2KW fan heater in bathroom (wall mounted) - existing
- nothing in main bedroom
- underfloor vapour barrier - 2004
- underfloor insulation - 2004
- insulated all hot water pipes - 2004
- ceiling insulation (two layers R4 + R1)except extension - 2004
- hot water cylinder wrap - 2004
- CFL lights inside - 2004
- curtains (double layer) - 2004
- bath extractor fan - existing
Water:
- 4,000 litres of rain water collection tanks for use on garden in summer - 2007
- low flow shower
- reduced size of toilet cistern with 2 litre milk bottle - 2006
- drip tape on most of the vege plots - 2007
Home waste processing:
- Bokashi composting of cooked food "waste"
- Compost bins for all uncooked vege "waste"
- Shred paper and small cardboard for adding to compost
- Reusing plastic containers as lunch boxes etc
Home food production:
- Growing veges in no-dig plots in back yard and on driveway
- Small fruit trees in front yard
- lemons
- apple
- fijoia
- ??? something else
- Some collection of urea for use on fruit trees
Transport:
- sold car - 2005
- car share with a friend who lives 5 mins cycle away
- commute to work by bicycle, buses and trains
Stuff:
- Trying to buy second hand as much as possible
- Trying to use our existing stuff for as long as possible
- Using "old" computers
- Avoid buying clothes, buy 2nd hand when possible
Community:
- Started community garden
- Community pot-luck dinners
To do:
- Heat recovery ventilation - not yet
- grape vine over a pergola on west side
- Add thermal mass?
- Added more fruit trees, apple and feijoa - 2009
- Convert front lawn to no-dig vege plots
- Add drip tape to all vege plots
- Eat vegetarian more often
- Have more community events (cheap/local entertainment)