We can cut our energy use at the same time as making our houses and the appliances within them more efficient.
What's happening

New energy guide can help save money

By looking at our energy use, we can not only save money, but help limit future climate harm.

Cast iron has a comparatively low environmental impact and can last a lifetime.
Organic homes

Be aware of toxic kitchenware

Jessamy Miller reports on what to watch out for when choosing cookware so that your pick is better for you and the planet.

The garden at Charnwood consists of 45 individual plots.
Inspirational gardeners

A growing community

This group of community gardens has been going for more than 50 years. Simon Webster asks what's their secret to success.

Persimmons are a great tree to grow and provide a bounty of fruit in autumn.
Organic life

Plant for a changing climate

We need to plan, and plant, for the changing climate so that we can ensure our gardens are filled with bountiful harvests in the future. These tips from our horticultural experts will help.

Rainbow lorikeet.
Organic life

The beauty and benefits of bird song

Bird song, even in the inner city we can hear a warble or two from the surrounding trees and bushes that brings a smile, especially when those kookaburras start laughing. But they don't just add colour and beauty, they are also good for our mental wellbeing according to recent research, writes Leanne Croker.

You don't need chemicals to clean your bathroom.
Organic homes

How to detox your bathroom

The bathroom is a good place to start when you want to live a greener life, writes Jessamy Miller.

You can help keep track of local frog populations, like this Motorbike frog.
Community

Become a citizen scientist

Looking for a holiday activity that you can do in your own backyard or local area? Try helping out researchers by becoming a citizen scientist.

Peter Cundall's The Practical Australian Gardener was a favourite book of many.
Book reviews

Your favourite gardening books

We ran a competition back in 2021 with the question: ‘What is your favourite gardening, nature or food book and why’. Here’s what you said!

Jensen enjoys his time in the Wayside Chapel rooftop garden.
Inspirational gardeners

Gardening above the fray

The Wayside Chapel rooftop garden is an oasis above the busy city, providing a quiet haven for those who need it, writes Leanne Croker.

Penny Woodward in her garden.
Our planet

Plant your garden for the planet

Penny Woodward, who has written for OG for over 15 years and been the horticultural editor for seven, knows gardeners can make a difference.

Wine is finished off in a bottle at Delinquente Wine.
Organic homes

What is a pet-nat wine?

Max Allen explores the raw, rustic and in vogue pet-nat wines and the winemakers bringing them to life.

Many young farmers are now turning to the land to create positive change.
Organic life

Cultivating our future farmers

Positive change is happening in agriculture, and organisations such as Young Farmers Connect are there to help, writes Tara Luca.