News Bulletin
This week in the news...
... Government drops insulation from bonus scheme; the best home loans on the market; and a hundred and one ways to enjoy Autumn leaves…
Insulation rebate dropped
The Federal Government has announced that it will not proceed with the insulation component of the Renewable Energy Bonus Scheme (REBS), following advice received from Dr Allan Hawke in his Review of the Administration of the Home Insulation Program.
The insulation component of the REBS was due to commence on 1 June 2010. The Solar Hot Water Rebate component will proceed as previously announced.
No deposit, no loan
The days of borrowing the total value of a new home are all but gone, with most lenders now insisting borrowers share the loan risk by contributing more equity upfront, according to a new report.
Paint it eco-nomical
Consumers and builders can now have environmentally preferable paints on their project at no extra cost, according to GreenPainters, Australia's national sustainable painting program.
GreenPainters Managing Director Daniel Wurm says the number of manufacturers producing certified low-VOC and natural paint products has increased to the point where they have become competitively priced.
When Autumn leaves fall...
Autumn - a time of crisp air alternating with warm sunshine, and trees emblazoned with the brilliance of red and gold. But what to do when the colours come off the trees onto the lawns and footpaths?
Definite no-nos are burning, blowing them into the gutter, or putting them in the garbage bin.
Putting the children to work
A Chinese man has overcome the age-old problem of getting your housemates to do chores. International news sources are currently talking about Wu Yulu, a 49-year-old farmer from the outskirts of Beijing, who has become well known for his homemade robots.
Made from scrap materials, the some 47 robots - affectionately referred to by Wu as his children - perform a number of duties, such as painting pictures, lighting cigarettes and pouring tea. He is due to appear at the Shanghai World expo this year, which runs between May and October.
To sail the seven zee's
Beds are often likened to vessels that take you on journeys to far off places.
New Zealand designer David Trubridge seems to have captured all the magic and beauty of a child's imagination and brought it elegantly into real life with Float, an eco-friendly bed that would turn the owl and the pussycat as green as their boat with envy.