Michael Mobbs
Make a more natural nature strip

Here’s a simple, low cost , low tech design which keeps rain water where it falls to make a self-watering nature strip.

Let’s put nature into the ‘nature’ strips of our cities. It’s easy.

Make a more natural nature strip
Michael Mobbs
23 years off grid for water in the centre of ...

What does the data tell us about living off-grid for water in the heart of Sydney?

Analysis of water quantity by an American intern in Sydney, Jillian Meehan.

23 years off grid for water in the centre of Sydney - what the data says
Michael Mobbs
Aircon for on and off-grid houses

Here’s how to have aircon and be on or offgrid for electricity. Cool!

Aircon for on and off-grid houses

The 3 Myths That Prop Up The Fossil Fuel Industry

The 3 Myths That Prop Up The Fossil Fuel Industry

TIME Magazine has just published an op-ed by Ani Dasgupta on the three myths propagated by the fossil fuel industry that are designed to scare governments from doing the right thing. Ani writes that at COP28 our leaders must call their bluff and strike a deal to rapidly shift away from fossil fuels, and offers a roadmap for rich countries to lead, starting with three critical actions. 

Public gardening on a playground in Germany

Public gardening on a playground in Germany

From Germany, Kristina writes about public gardening there.

Living for years in Sydney and gardening alongside Michael I was inspired by the Chippendale street verge gardens. Anyone can enjoy the beauty of flowering nasturtiums, pick a few fresh herbs and chat to neighbours about the newest plants growing. And if you like to garden along, you get some exercise out in fresh air, connecting to nature. So why couldn’t we do this in Germany?

"FOGO": failure or success?

"FOGO": failure or success?

“ I appreciate that the Inner West Council is taking action against the growing problem of food and garden organics, but is this the best option for Australia or even Earth?“

And the garbage collector gets paid twice; once by the ratepayer via council, again by the ratepayer when they buy compost (if the waste is turned into compost).

Renee Patricio, U.S. intern with Sustainable House, compares U.S. and Australian food waste solutions.

With a primary focus on data analysis, Renee’s assessment is data-driven and, sorry, Oz, but local councils and state governments here in Oz seem to be controlled by, and delivering truckloads of money to, garbage collectors.

Climate pollution from rebuilding 68 city parks

Climate pollution from rebuilding 68 city parks

Kyle Day, interning with Sustainable House, quantifies climate pollution from rebuilding parks.

“Untracked, unreported pollution resulting from rebuilding parks is polluting and damaging ours and Earth’s climate. By questioning the necessity of rebuilding the parks and exploring alternative approaches, we can strive for a greener and more sustainable future for our city.”