| Recent years have seen people become increasingly | | | | Properly installed insulation can keep your home |
| environmentally conscious. Green products, packaging | | | | warmer in winter and cooler in summer, also saving |
| and cars are becoming common place. So to is the | | | | you on bills. If you are living in an older home it is |
| green home. Living in a green home is not only good | | | | likely that there is room for improvement in your |
| for the environment, but also your hip pocket. Homes | | | | insulation. Don't let Labor's failed roof scheme put you |
| built with environmental stability in mind have lower | | | | off. |
| utility and running costs. | | | | 3. Double-paned windows |
| New homes are now required to have a 6 star | | | | While many new homes have double-paned windows |
| energy rating in Victoria, and many new estates have | | | | it is rare in an older home. Like insulation, they can |
| features like recycled water available. However, you | | | | help keep the air temperature constant. |
| don't have to buy a new home to be green, there | | | | 4. Light Bulbs |
| are many things you can do in your current home to | | | | Energy efficient light bulbs are now the only kind |
| help the environment. | | | | available, but many people still have the old style in |
| 1. Water Tanks | | | | their home. Consider making the switch. If the bright |
| Even as water restrictions are being lifted, having a | | | | light is overwhelming then consider having light shades |
| water tank installed can be handy. Whether you are | | | | fitted in your home. |
| using grey water or collecting rain water from your | | | | 5. Appliances |
| roof, using collected water for the garden or washing | | | | Make sure your appliances have the highest possible |
| the car relieves the burden on reservoir water. | | | | energy rating. Also look at how much water they are |
| 2. Insulation | | | | using. |