Possessions and Purpose
THREE NEAT THINGS
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ISSUE 041 | 1 August 2023
Hi friends!
Our blower door test this week by Anthony Jenkin of Outlier gave a miserable result that I was fully expecting. Our 1890s weatherboard cottage is changing the entire air within it about twice an hour. Not surprising with a really old house and a cheap extension by the previous owners, and pretty indicative of most of the houses we probably live in. Anthony also dropped off a prototype air quality sensor, and I'm interested in seeing the data that comes through. If energy and climate don't make us act to improve our houses, then health sure will!
Did you hear the good news that the Victorian Government announced last Friday? All new homes in the state will go all-electric from next year, and all new public buildings yet to reach the design stage must make the switch to be all-electric. The gas we use to cook and heat our homes is a dirty, polluting fossil fuel that’s unsafe for our health, and the health of our planet, so this is great news!
Going electric is also good for our wallets - Renew has released a report detailing price rises in home energy across all capital cities between 2022-24, showing that homes connected to gas will be hit the hardest. Below are a few findings, and click here to read more:
Both electricity and gas tariffs are set to rise, but it’s homes that use gas that face the biggest bill increases.
Their findings show that households using gas could face bill increases of up to $1900 over the next two years.
Efficient all-electric homes with solar will have more limited increases of $550 to $741.
All-electric homes with solar can already cut about 75% off energy bills, but rising tariffs mean the gap between all-electric and gas will grow even more.
By 2024, a household in Melbourne will save more than $2700 a year by switching from gas to all-electric.
Food for thought…
Marnie x
1
12,795 possessions! The woman who photographed every single thing she owns.
Image courtesy of Barbara Iweins
I came across this article in the Guardian, and it really made me think….how many possessions do you think you have in your house?
I'm really drawn to a more minimalist life. I mean, the less things you have, the less room they take up in your head. And the more free you feel. Buy once, buy well, buy less. It's a work in progress for us all.
2
Solar panels and landlords
Image courtesy of Who Gives A Crap
Who Gives a Crap (where I get my toilet paper, tissues and paper towel from), convinced their landlord to install solar on their Melbourne warehouse (not only that, but they spelled out WE GIVE A CRAP in panels!).
They've put together a couple of neat resources to help you on your solar journey if you don't own the space you rent. Like a nifty 5-step guide to installing solar panels, and a letter to send to your landlord.
3
People with Purpose $10K grant
I use INIKA Organic makeup and some skincare, and I recently came across their People with Purpose initiative. It's a $10k grant to invest in their cause - to recognise, support and celebrate our unsung community heroes who are doing incredible things in sustainability, environmental protection or animal welfare.
If your purpose aligns with the INIKA Organic values, or if you know an eco-warrior or animal rights activist who could benefit from this grant, you can apply or nominate for the 2023 People with Purpose grant below (closing 9 August).
