Sustainable Insight

The Philosophy of Sustainable Design by Jason McLennan

The Philosophy of Sustainable Design is about encouraging planners, architects, developers, builders and others to critically reflect on their practices, and to point them in other directions.

In this book the author, Jason McLennan provides his five principles of sustainable design which include respect for the wisdom of natural systems, respect for people, respect for place, respect for the cycle of life, and respect for energy and natural resources.

The book offers an easy-to-read, comprehensive explanation of sustainability (not an easy a task), as well as an historical account of the 'green design' movement from the 1970s to the present day, with a focus almost exclusively on the North American market. And while it gives detailed accounts of many of the alternative technologies being used in sustainable building design (solar, grey water systems, passive heating and cooling, and so on), and practical tips on how to 'green' a business, it is not a 'how-to' book. Neither is it the kind of philosophy book that one would read from start to finish, following a carefully woven argument.

This book is a valuable starting point for anyone involved in the building industry on a journey to learn how they can build more responsibly.

For more information or to purchase this book go to www.carbonmarket.com.au

Easy Organic Gardening and Moon Planting by Lyn Bagnall

Here is an essential reference book for all Australian gardeners who care about their family's health and the environment.

Organic gardening is the principle of leaving your patch of earth in a better condition than you found it by working with nature rather than against it. A practicable and better alternative to chemical-dependant and environmentally unsustainable cultivation practices, organic gardening minimises soil damage, and results in fewer contaminated waterways and poison-resistant pests, and more nutritious food.

Written for Australian gardeners by a certified organic farmer and gardener, Easy Organic Gardening and Moon Planting is an indispensable reference to organic cultivation methods, combined with a moon-planting guide, to help gardeners to work with the cycles of nature. Included is an easy-to-follow moon-planting routine for all aspects of gardening, with a listing of the best planting, harvesting, and pruning days from 2006 to 2013,

For more information or to purchase this book go to www.carbonmarket.com.au

Compost by Ken Thompson

Making compost isn't just simple and satisfying, it will save you spending money on expensive soil conditioners and mulches.

There's no need for fancy gadgets. Discover how to build a simple bin, find the best tools for the job, and learn what type of mix is perfect for the size of your garden.

From what's hot to rot to bins and wormeries, discover how to transform your refuse into fertiliser that'll keep your flowers and plants blooming.

For more information or to purchase this book go to www.carbonmarket.com.au

Green House Plans

Green House Plans showcases some of the most sensitively-conceived, innovative, and eco-friendly home designs ever brought together in one publication. At a glance anyone contemplating building a natural home can now see what Australia's leading 'green' designers and architects are producing. In this book, 20 of Australia's leading eco-friendly architects and designers present real-life examples of their green house plans. You can study the plans or contact the authors for more detailed help to build your own stylish, affordable, and individual home.

For more information or to purchase this book go to www.carbonmarket.com.au

The New Complete Book of Self-Sufficiency

The new edition of this enduring classic from the founding father of modern self-sufficiency, John Seymour, is still the key reference to living off the land.

Covering all the practicals from ploughing fields to milking cows as well as information on how to create an urban organic garden and harness natural energy, this is perfect for anyone aspiring to the self-sufficient lifestyle.

Packed with Seymour's tried-and-tested tips and invaluable nuggets of advice, discover how to reap the harvest, respect the land, stay healthy and waste nothing.

For more information or to purchase this book go to www.carbonmarket.com.au