For an increasing number of Australian homeowners, creating a home that is both self-sufficient and ecologically sustainable is a high priority. This is the result of a combination of a deeper understanding of the negative impact that traditional energy and resource production has on the environment and the ever-increasing cost of electricity and water. One of the simplest ways to create a more sustainable home is to install a rainwater collection tank to harvest water for your home's use.

The success of platforms such as Etsy, Big Cartel and DaWanda has made at-home arts and crafts--once thought of as little more than a hobby for bored housewives--into a thriving cottage industry, allowing people from all over the world to get their products and their talents out there where they belong. One of the most popular avenues is jewellery making, but very few of these talented craftspeople look into the most traditional form of jewellery there is: metalwork.

If you are looking to purchase a diamond engagement ring for your fiancee, you may be trying to decide between a solitaire ring which contains a single diamond and one that includes a cluster of diamonds. Below is a guide to everything you need to know about cluster diamonds and how they differ from solitaire diamonds: The Carat When you are shopping for diamonds, you may come across the term carat.

Electronic waste, popularly referred to by many people as e-waste, is waste that is generated from electronic products that are no longer being used, are inoperative or have simply become obsolete. This type of waste presents a big problem because it may contain hazardous substances, such as lead, asbestos and mercury that shouldn't be released into the environment. Thankfully, there are many e-waste recycling centres in Australia to ensure the waste is disposed of in an environmentally safe manner.

When you are halfway up a ladder attempting to drill a hole or tighten a screw, the last thing you need is long cords getting in the way of your progress Not only can cords be inconvenient, but they can be dangerous too. Fortunately, a solution is available in the form of cordless power equipment. You may already have a small handheld rechargeable screwdriver or a similar tool, but what about the more robust and powerful cordless power equipment?

When securing a boat to a pontoon or jetty, it's easy to think grabbing one or two lines and tying them with any knot that feels secure will do the job. And perhaps it will, a lot of the time. But there are good reasons that this isn't common practice, and certainly isn't recommended. The lines on a boat are there for a reason, and knots have evolved over time to ensure vessels are as secure as possible.

A significant construction project requires the input of a large number of different individuals or organisations. Fundamentally, you need to determine if you can construct the building safely and within budget and in many respects whether the entire project will be worthwhile and cost efficient. Part of the research will involve analysing the viability of the structure of the building itself. Because this is so important, you need to ensure that you choose a structural engineering company that will analyse all the various elements and provides you with the support that can be completely relied upon.