Sometime ago I’d read with delight but also disbelief that China had 120+ million electric bikes in use. Currently travelling through the region I no longer doubt this figure. The roads everywhere are constantly filled with them and to the complete domination over petrol alternatives. The rapid uptake resulting from bans on motorbikes in most major cities.
Energy Efficient Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans provide extremely efficient alternatives to cooling (in comparison to air conditioners). A new range of ultra efficient DC motors and innovative blade designs are pushing this a step further. Many fans can be used in reverse mode to help push warm air back down from the ceiling.
Sustainable (mostly wooden) Sunglasses
Even the most unlikely of every day items such as sunglasses can be made using sustainable practices. Timber is the most common material but plant based acetate (think plastic not made from oil) options are also available. Many of the companies are passionate about sustainability offering recycling and social good commitments.
Natural & Organic Deodorants
I’ve hunted out a range of natural and organic deodorants to try. All of the products listed are Australian made and available to purchase online. The difference between these deodorants and those more commonly used is that they generally don’t contain:
Organic and Natural Sunscreens
Why is this important?
Concerns have been raised about generic sunscreens due to:
- Pollution of the environment, primarily from the colouring and fragrance compounds
- Some sunscreens block UVB (causes burning) whilst not blocking UVA (causes mellanoma) hence increasing the amount of exposure received to UVA as the natural warning signals are removed.
- There are contentious views around the potentially harmful effects on our health of: nano particles (titanium dioxide, zinc oxide) and oxybenzone.
Organic Farm Stays
You might be new to organic food and want to learn how it works, or eager to show your children where your food comes from. Maybe you’re a city dweller that just needs a break. There’s no shortage of farmstay’s, but you’ll find a different experience on an organic property that’s attached to the motivations of it’s owners. Farming organically isn’t easy, and almost always comes from a deep sense of commitment and passion for the environment that will come through in every aspect of your stay.
Permaculture Courses
A listing of all organisations across Australia that are currently providing permaculture courses. Use the table headings to sort alphabetically or by location.
Electric Motorbikes
There are currently two vendors of electric motorbikes in Australia, Zero and Brammo.
Reusable takeaway coffee cups
The waste paper from take away coffee cups is both very large and largely unnecessary. We’ve found some great alternatives, all available in Australia either online or in your local coffee shop. At home you can reduce the impact from your coffee habit with a number of eco-friendly coffee machine alternatives.
Australian Sustainability Twitter Accounts
Twitter handles to follow for all things sustainability and climate change? Have we missed any? Let us know.