The use of treated timber is banned outright in Europe, Japan and even Indonesia, with tight regulations on its use on playgrounds across the Tasman. So why are we still using it carte blanche? PAUL THOMPSON HEALTHY HOMES Radiata pine (Pinus … Read more
Chemical cleaners can have big impacts on the health of your septic tank and create huge costs in municipal systems too. Septic tanks link discarded water from the kitchen, bathroom and laundry, harness the power of naturally-occurring microorganisms to decompose … Read more
With power prices on a steady upward march, there’s an easy way of figuring out what appliances are the the stingiest on the juice. Talk about bubble-wrap building insulation and hybrid cars is hogging the headlines, and shrill debates over … Read more
What are the best options for heating your home, both for your family and the planet? Those of us who have spent time skiing in the snow-clad mountains on a sunny winter’s day will have experienced something quite surprising: sitting … Read more
The water we use in our homes is now metered and charged for across Auckland and in other cities. With the average household in Auckland spending $750 a year for their water/ wastewater bill, we have a perfect reason to … Read more
Room by room, you can transform your own home to become more liveable and far healthier, both to the occupants and the environment. Over the next 10 months Element embarks on a step-by-step guide to a great home. You’ve taken … Read more
Let’s look at our housing health if we want to resolve the problems with indoor air quality and New Zealand’s chronic respiratory ills. New Zealand now has a robust body of national evidence about the health benefits of warmer, drier homes … Read more
Despite best efforts to cut down on water usage in the home, a new Australian study has found our biggest contribution to water waste is as consumers of clothing, food and electricity. When purchased by people within a household, they contribute a massive 94 … Read more
With the cost of heating your hot water making up two-thirds of your electricity bill, hot water heat pumps are a great option. As the co-owner of a thinly insulated weatherboard home with a young family, heating and its cost … Read more
People with an eye to making their homes run more efficiently would do well to get to the inaugural Clean Energy Expo. The Inaugural NZ Clean Energy Expo takes place at the NZ Clean Energy Centre (NZCEC) in Taupo from … Read more