Feed in and reap the benefits

I get a lot of questions about why solar power is so expensive and when it will get cheaper. There are so many people who want to install solar power but are 'scared' off by the price tag. There is some important news that means solar power is going to become a lot cheaper and will be subsidised by the government.

Canberra is moving towards becoming the nation's solar capital with the introduction of a feed in tariff. So I thought I would take this opportunity to explain about feed in tariff's and how they will affect solar power in Australia. So here goes:

When we use electricity, we are charged according to a usage tariff or cost per kWh e.g. 14c/kWh. Most energy providers currently pay the same rate to customers that have a solar photovoltaic system for electricity fed back into the mains grid. The principle of so-called feed-in tariffs is that energy providers pay a premium rate for electricity generated from renewable sources.

There are currently feed-in tariff regulations in place in more than 40 countries around the world. Although the idea originated in the United States, it has been used most successfully in Europe and is finally being introduced in Australia .

Australia has among the best solar resources in the world yet take-up of solar is lagging way behind other developed countries. This is largely due to the abundance of cheap fossil fuels available locally and artificially low energy prices. Conversely, the solar industry in Germany has been a huge success thanks to feed-in tariffs.

Due to the feed in tariff in Germany over 1,500MW of solar power was installed in a five-year period. By comparison, Australia has just 7MW of grid connect solar capacity – less than 0.5% of that in Germany! There are now more than 1.3 million in operation. Australia has the potential to become a solar nation, and it is the introduction of feed in tariffs will lead the way.

In Australia there is currently a feed-in tariff in South Australia of 2:1 since October 2006. Although this was a landmark initiative, the tariff is disappointing since it only applies to excess electricity fed to the grid and not total production. In reality, this means that very few homeowners will see any benefit.

However in May 2007, the ACT announced its intention introduce a 3.88:1 tariff on gross renewable energy production. This mean that for every dollar spent on electricity in the territory, solar system owners will be paid almost four times as much for feeding the same amount of electricity back into the grid. This is of the order of feed-in tariffs already in place in Germany and Spain, and would transform the solar industry in Australia.

The intention to introduce a feed-in tariff for renewable energy has also been announced in Victoria and in Queensland (July 2007), although both states are yet to propose the rate.

Watch this space!!

It is an exciting time for solar power in Australia!

Check out Todae's solar power packages! 

Cheers,

Lee.

www.todae.com.au

Earth Hour

Hi All,

Well I guess it's that time of year again...Earth Hour. When Sydney and in fact this year the world take the mantra of Bob Marley and 'Turn The Light Down Low.' Well We actually turns the lights off.

It is amazing to see the amount of people and companies that get involved in this fantastic event.

We at Todae think that everyone can make a real and lasting impact if we take the enthusiasm from Earth Hour and continue to make an effort throughout the year. It does not have to be living a-naturale, but simple and easy changes that make a lasting difference.

Of course at Todae we are turning off our lights, but we have decided to go one step further. In conjuction with The Sun-Herald we are offering every reader of The Sun-Herald a $10 Eco Voucher to our online store www.todae.com.au. 

You can use the voucher for any of our eco products and it is great opportunity to get some fantastic eco products to lead you on your way down eco lane!

Pick up a copy of The Sun-Herald this Sunday for your Todae Eco Voucher.

Until Next Time.

Landon

www.todae.com.au  

Composting Made Easy

When you think of composting, what words spring to mind....messy...smelly...hassle...? Nope.

Think coz you live in an apartment you can’t do it? Nope.

Think coz you’re not a vegetarian and eat meat morning noon and night you don’t need to responsibly dispose of your waste? Nope again.

So your asking me what is this wonderfully invention that makes composting so easy. 

Let me introduce you to the Bokashi Bucket. This wonderful creation is to accommodate the above mentioned, so that you can be responsible and turn your household waste (and contribution to landfill) into a nourishing juice for the garden, or even to clean out your pipes and drains, if you don’t have a garden. This handy little bucket will take your food scraps and when a sprinkling of the Bokashi Mix (translates as fermented organic matter) is sprinkled on top, it will magically turn them into a juice, and the food into a disposable goop that will break down in the earth in around 4-6 weeks, creating nutrient rich soil for your veggi patch and or nature strip.

This little bin is a wonderful way to reduce the waste you contribute to landfill everyday, it takes meat, citrus and onions. It’s made from 100% recycled plastic in black and white and a groovy tan with green lid. It stores neatly under the kitchen sink, just make sure you keep the bokashi mix bag sealed tight, otherwise the possums might come and eat it all up!

And that my friend's is the Bokashi Bucket. I lmay ook at it everyday but I never get tired of its sight :)

Until Next Time.

Simi

www.todae.com.au

Bottled Water VS Tap Water

Hello,

We all need water to live, with the human body being around 60-70% water. Water is refreshing, nourishing and thirst quenching and bottled water has become the latest fashion accessory. In 2006 Australians drank over 252 million litres at a cost of $385 million – a staggering figure and the market is growing by at least 10% per year. So why are we drinking so much bottled water when we literally have it on tap?

Water is essential for life, as humans we need an average of 2.3L/day and the young, fitness conscious are the greatest consumers of bottled water in Australia. There is one definite thing that bottled water has over tap water – the marketing spin. The idea of drinking spring water or rain water is extremely enticing and attractive (it just seems healthy and natural) but we always seem to forget tap water is actually rain water!

We often get asked about bottled water vs tap water and there are a lot of misconceptions and beliefs about whether bottled water is better for you. Here are some of the facts:

• Often people claim bottled water tastes better than tap water, however in tests done in Australia found that most people cannot taste the difference and often identified tap water as better tasting. Australia has one of the highest standards of tap water in the world, so our tap water quality is excellent.
• Both tap and bottled water need to adhere to strict regulations on the amount of substances incurring e.g. lead. So they are equally as safe.
• By law any bottled water labelled ‘spring water’ must state the source, but what is not clearer is if it is bottled at the source (it can be transported to a bottling plant, far away from the source).
• Bottled water does not contain fluoride, tap water does. Fluoride is important in preventing tooth decay (which is currently on the rise in 14-15 year olds).
• It takes about one litre of oil to produce 5 litres of bottled water and annual production of bottled water in Australia creates 60,000 tonnes of carbon emissions (equal to the emissions of 13,000 cars). Also 55% of water bottles go to landfill.
• Tap water is from rain and dams, which can be replenished, whereas bottled water is from ground water which is a finite resource.
• For all the doom and gloom about bottled water it is getting better, with production processes becoming more efficient to reduce their environmental impact. Despite this bottled water is not a sustainable way of hydrating ourselves, tap water is.

So here are our thoughts on the matter:

• Drink tap water when you can. Install a ‘on tap’ water filter or use a filtering jug, so all the impurities are removed. This will often taste better than bottled water and be much cheaper!
• Refill bottles; don’t just buy a new one. Carry a bottle with you when you’re on the go (whether you’re going to gym, a movie or out for coffee) and refill it with tap water. This way you are re-using the bottle but you will still have water to keep you hydrated. Not only will keep you hydrated but save you money!
• Recycle bottles. Most bottled water is bought and consumed outside the home and so is thrown away due to lack of recycling facilities. If you buy bottled water and there aren’t any recycling bins around put it in your bag and re-use it, or recycle it when you get home.
• If you are going to purchase bottled water, buy larger bottles (700mL instead of 300mL). This means less energy, resources and emissions went into creating the bottle in relation to the amount of water the bottle holds.

At the todae office we have filtered water. So we have a constant supply of fresh, tasty and healthy H2O and when we are on the go we refill & re-use water bottles.

We all need to drink water; and a few simple changes can make a dramatic effect on the way our water consumption impacts the environment. Try some of the changes above and you won’t ever go back (I have been drinking filtered tap water for over 15 years and I love it).

Til Next Time,

Landon :)

www.todae.com.au

*All facts and figures supplied by the Qantas Inflight Magazine. 

Time Flies When You're Having Fun...

Wow,

What a year it has been and my word has it flown past! I can remember thinking on January 1st 2007 that this year was going to be a 'green' year, and it certainly has been.

It's been a year that the Australian of the Year was a environmental scientist Tim Flannery, whose book The Weather Makers is a must read for all ages. It was also a year in which Australia's awareness of environmental issues increased which has finally led to the ratification of Kyoto. Al Gore received the Nobel Peace Prize to cap off an amazing year for the former American vice-present as well.

It certainly has been a year where 'green' has become the new black and it is amazing the response we have seen as people are more aware and committed to helping to reduce their environmental footprint. It has been a extremely busy and fulfilling year and we can only hope that next year is even better.

The Todae Team would like to thank everyone for an amazing year and wishing you all the best for Christmas and the New Year!

Until Next Year,

Doz & The Todae Team

www.todae.com.au

Green Gifts

Well, it seems the impending season of giving and receiving is upon us once more and as for most of us this cycle is a continuous one, let's ensure the same idea carries over to the actual gifts involved.

When it comes to the gift-hunt, keep in mind a lasting, enduring gesture. Stop for one second and consider the affect on the environment of the gift and its packaging. Try to purchase gifts that are more sustainable and leave a lasting impression on your family and friends.

When purchasing something new, try to ensure it is sourced locally, with minimal packaging. Products with recycled or renewable content are much more considerate - to the environment of course, but also as a gift. With more and more eco-friendly gifts available there is one to suit every taste and every style.

If the consumer world fails you, or even if it doesn't, nothing beats a hand made gift when it comes to individual and personalised giving. Thanks to your handy work and creativity, this will certainly score highly with all - especially your Nan or that special someone you really need to impress before that new years party... yep, that one.

Think about the same sorts of things when it comes to wrapping your gifts.

Use recycled paper and string instead of sticky tape. If you're the kind who will just end up in knots, biodegradable tape is now available.

For as many gifts as there will be in circulation there is likely that twice as many cards will be inundating our postal service and letter boxes.

When it comes to gift cards keep the same principles in mind. If it's not a keeper, make sure it goes into the recycling bin or is offered to Planet Ark. It is estimated that 100 million cards will be posted within Australia this year. Seven Million of these were recycled through the Planet Ark program through Australia post last year. This nation wide effort resulted in saving 1650 trees, 242 barrels of oil 398 000 kW of energy and reduced land fill by 388 m3. Since the program started 600 million have been recycled and 115 000 trees have been saved.

If thinking about a hand made effort for everyone on that list makes you tired, there are alternatives available; 100% post consumer recycled cards, printed with vegetable ink and even the gift + card in one = seeded plantable card.

Keep these things in mind when you do tackle the gift-hunt. Buy locally. Buy recycled. Support charity shops. Look for fair trade alternatives. Make your own! Keep the season green.

Check out our online store for awesome green gifts

'Til Next Time,

Carmel

www.todae.com.au

A Peaceful Smile In A Crazy Day

Well in the ups and downs of day to day business its nice to take some time out and acknowledge the good things you do. And what better way to do this than some positive feedback from a customer. I was working away when into my inbox lands this email:

"Hi mate. Hope all is well. My little rooftop unit passed the three megawatt hour mark for the year this week. I think thats pretty good. The first 12 panels went on last December and the final two went on in February. It seems to be ticking along well. This week it averaged 12kwh a day. By for now, Paul."

I sat back and stoped what I was doing for a moment. The first thought that popped into my mind was “3 Megawatt Hours. That’s 3,000 KwH’s. – Wow, we made a real contribution”
I then went on to dream about every house producing 3 MwH’s of energy every year. I wonder. And in this brief recess within my crazy day, everything just clicked into place. Thanks Paul

'Til Next Time

Danin

www.todae.com.au

Todae Goes Solar

On Friday 9th of November, Todae installed a 660w solar power system on the roof top of our Glebe office. The system is designed to help power the Todae Glebe Store with clean, green and renewable solar power.

The system is another commitment by the Todae team to supporting the renewable energy industry and another step to help reduce our community’s impact on the environment. When the Todae Store isn’t using the solar power it goes into the grid and is used by surrounding buildings (which helps to reduce their carbon footprint).

The Todae team were extremely excited by the solar power and some of us even took the opportunity to get up onto the roof admire the view and the glorious new solar set-up (see picture).

To date (14/11/07) the system has already produced over 20KwH. Over the life of the system it will reduce carbon emissions by 40 tonnes which is the equivalent to eliminating the emissions of over 38,000kms of driving over the next 10 years! The installation of our new solar system means that Todae is now CARBON POSITIVE (we remove more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than we emit).

We are so proud of the newest member of our team and we are continually checking the inverter to monitor the systems output. The two latest catch phrases around the office are “how much power is it creating now?” and “how much carbon has it saved now?”

You can come and check out the working solar system at our Glebe Store at 83 Glebe Point Rd.

We have more information on solar power and solar power systems on our website.

Now is a great time to invest in solar power, the cleanest and most viable renewable energy form. Take the first step and join Todae in the solar power revolution.

Until Next Time,

Signing Off.

Doz

www.todae.com.au

The Origins of Palm Oil

Gday,

Palm Oil is found in many products in the supermarket from face creams to margarine. Despite giving a smooth texture, the extraction & production of Palm Oil has an extremely deterimental impact on the environment. Palm Oil planations are replacing a large amount of ecologically valuable forests.

This is severely affecting the local inhabitants of the Indonesian forests including the endangered Oranutang. Palm Oil is used in 1 in 10 products you buy from the supermarket. The supermarkets that stock this ingredient in their products unfortunately do not know where their palm oil is sourced from. 90% of the world’s palm oil exports come from the oil palm plantations of Malaysia and Indonesia, which is the only remaining habitat of the endangered Oranutans.

Palm oil is found in bread, crackers, chips, margarine and cereals, aswell as personal care and beauty products such as soap and lipstick. There are some products which use palm oil, from sustainable forests. So without feeling helpless , we do have some power with where we direct our money. By supporting with awareness that which is sustainable we can see more of that of which we wish to see. You can bet your bottom dollar where our money goes is what we will see more of. We have a range of environmentally friendly body care products free from Palm Oil.

Do your bit and don’t support the purchase of these products, unless you know where the palm oil is sourced from. Eco store is just one brand that while it uses palm oil, but it is from areas that are sustainable and not threatening the lives of these precious creatures. Doing your research in knowing what you’re buying makes all the difference.

For a range of environmentally friendly products check out our website www.todae.com.au

Til Next Time,

Pix.

www.todae.com.au

The 11th Hour

Hi Everyone,

Welcome to the official blog of the Todae team. Each week you will be hearing from behind the scenes from all of us at Todae.

This is the first blog entry for us at the Todae team and its a happy start with a group excursion to the movies to check out Leonardo Dicaprio’s latest flick "The 11th Hour".

We were all impressed to see Leo using his good looks, boyish charm and talents in the direction of raising awareness in a startling, informative and encouraging feature film doco on the state of our natural environment, where he utilised a few other talents as he created, produced and narrated the film. Go Leo!

The film starts with some startling visuals to get your attention for what the film is about - the very grave problems we face as a collective such as Global Warming, deforestation, mass species extinction, and depletion of the oceans’ habitats. Whilst The visuals are pretty frightening and statistics startling, there is a message of hope as the film covers potential solutions we have available to us.

The film states clearly we have the technology in place to reduce our living footprint by 90%. We have the technology in place to live here on earth for another 5 billion years to come if we make the right choices individually and collectively, it encourages that by individually living our dreams we can figure out what our bit is and ultimately collectively make a difference - “What a great time to be alive, because this generation gets to completely change this world”

Taking our own message for what it means to us how we can make our own small changes in our lives, whether its changing your houses lighting , being a more dedicated recycler, becoming vegetarian, or get your house powered with solar or wind. There are films, books and information out there to help us realise how we can make a difference, it's just a matter of realising how you can start to make a difference. Depending on our choices our future can be very bright!

This is definitely an important film to see. Its not just the 11th hour, its 11 hours and 59 minutes, go check it out!

Til next time

The Todae Team :)

www.todae.com.au