News
Housing debate misguided
The question of housing affordability is a furphy, says Alan Pears, a consultant and academic at the forefront of the energy debate in Australia. “We’ve got a seriously misguided debate going on at the moment about housing affordability with some saying we can’t afford sustainable features in new homes…
Current Print Edition
ECO 9 - out now
ECO is a free publication. We have a team of volunteers in associated member groups who endeavour to provide copies for collection to every newsagent & corner store on the Sunshine Coast. We also leave copies in a full range of waiting rooms, salons, coffee shops & reception areas, as well as libraries.
About this edition
In Issue 9 of ECO we explore sustainable housing. National media has been reporting on the so called housing crisis, but it seems that the debate is misguided. Alan Pears discusses this issue with Ann White in our lead story. Also inside this edition we present some great advice on how you can make your house more sustainable. Whether you are building or renovating there is sure to be something here for you. We're happy to also introduce some new topics for our regular pieces. John Burrows discusses some of the great sights around the Coast in 'Eco explorations' and Jo Turner starts her new 'Life.etc' column on sustainable design. Don't forget to take a look at our recent book review and sustainable business columns as well. We hope you enjoy ECO 9.
For future suggestions on themes of upcoming editions please email the Editor on the 'Contact Us' page
Featured Articles
Sustainable housing a mustAs our houses grow bigger, so do our ecological footprints. A change is now urgent…
Affordable eco-housesAnn White takes a look at three different building companies and weighs up their eco-credentials…
Decentralised water and sewerageNew housing developments need not link to centralised water and sewerage systems, writes Ann White…
Water wise on the Gold CoastIt might come as a surprise for many that part of the Gold Coast is leading the way in planning for environmental sustainability, writes Brian Rickards…
Living smart homes generates changeAnn White writes on how signing up to the Living Smart Homes Project has proved a catalyst for deep changes…
Interview
Up close with Andrew McNamara MPIn the job just six months, Andrew McNamara, Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, is enthusiastic about wrestling what he calls the “crouching tiger of climate change”…
Wildlife
Bird feeder dangersA wildlife expert believes bird feeders are just another name for public toilets in our back yards, reports Donna Anthony…
Life etc
Design for climateJo Turner gives three very basic starting points for good passive design in your house …
Schools
Students delight in their gardensAs a follow up to our story in the last edition of ECO teacher Leonie Shanahan asks students from four local schools their thoughts on permaculture…
Local Issues
Traveston Dam: the folly continuesIan Mackay provides an update on the controversial Traveston Dam proposal…
Eco explorations
Glasshouse MountainsThe Glasshouses,writes John Burrows, is the impressive collection of peaks jutting up from the coastal plain west of the Pumicestone Passage. They have plenty to offer if you’re after an outdoor experience…
