Creating a Model Eco Home: A Sustainable Living Example on NSW's Mid North Coast

Creating a home that supports the environment and fosters self-sufficiency is no longer a distant dream. In the hinterland of the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, a unique eco house project is setting a practical example for sustainable living. This project, sponsored by Our Land Our Water Our Future Inc, demonstrates how a residential property on a 1100 m² block can work towards embracing ecological responsibility while supporting community and building community values.

A Vision Rooted in Sustainability and Community

Our Land Our Water Our Future's vision focuses on uniting and empowering individuals and groups to work together for a better world. This eco house project embodies our mission by showcasing practical steps toward:

• Protecting air, water, land, and future generations

• Encouraging unity and local economies

• Promoting local food production and self-sufficiency

• Supporting health, wellbeing, and voluntary simplicity

• Embracing nature and natural laws through education and reflection

  
  

This home is more than a building; it is a living example of how people can reduce their environmental footprint while improving quality of life.

Sustainable Features of the Eco House

The house incorporates several key systems that work together to reduce reliance on external resources and minimise waste.

Growing Food Locally

The garden surrounding the house is designed to produce a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The garden uses organic methods, composting kitchen scraps and garden waste to enrich the soil naturally.

Making Food Locally

Local food production reduces the need for store-bought produce, cutting down on packaging waste and transport emissions.

Water Catchment and Reuse

Water conservation is critical on the Mid North Coast, where droughts can affect supply. This home collects rainwater from the roof, storing it in tanks for use in toilets and washing. This system reduces dependence on mains water and lowers water bills. The water is filtered and managed carefully to ensure safety and efficiency.

AA Septic Wormfarm System

Instead of a traditional septic system, the house uses an AA Septic wormfarm system. This eco-friendly approach treats wastewater naturally using worms and microbes, breaking down waste into nutrient-rich compost. This method protects local waterways from pollution and supports the garden’s health by recycling nutrients.

Solar Power System

The house is equipped with solar panels that generate electricity for daily use. This renewable energy source reduces greenhouse gas emissions and lowers electricity costs. Excess power will eventually be stored in batteries or fed back into the grid, supporting the wider community’s energy needs.

Hydronic Water Heating

The house is also equipped with evacuated tubes on the roof to heat the gravity fed hot water system, this is also reinforced by a fireplace wetback system when there is insufficient sunlight in winter. The internal walls of the property also have copper pipes behind clay walls keeping the property warm a cosy all year round with very minimal expense.

Living the Mission: Self-Sufficiency and Resilience

This eco house is a practical example of how self-sufficiency and resilience can be achieved in a residential setting. By producing food, managing water, and generating power on-site, the home reduces vulnerability to external shocks such as price rises or supply disruptions.

The project also encourages voluntary simplicity, focusing on what is necessary and valuable rather than excess consumption. This approach nurtures wellbeing by connecting residents with nature and fostering a sense of purpose and reflection.

Education and Community Impact

Our Land Our Water Our Future Inc uses this house as an example for people to learn about sustainable living practices first hand. This educational role supports our mission to empower individuals and groups to work together for ecological and social justice. It also helps build a local culture that values sustainability and resilience.

Practical Takeaways for Your Own Home

While this project benefits from dedicated sponsorship and space, many of its features can be adapted to smaller properties or different budgets:

• Start a small vegetable garden or herb patch to grow some of your own food.

• Install rainwater tanks to collect water for non-drinking and/or drinking uses.

• Consider self sustaining eco-friendly wastewater treatment options if available.

• Invest in solar panels and batteries or explore community solar schemes.

• Practice voluntary simplicity by reducing waste and consumption.

• Help build community and localise economy.

  
  

Even small steps can contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle and inspire others in your community.