Blog

Trying to live a sustainable life means, in part, trying to utilise the renewable resources around us – often in place of the fossil fuels to which we have become accustomed.

Living in the Southern Hemisphere means the north glass of a house is one of the warmest places in winter and one of the lightest places in summer. The north side of the house is where we want to live all year round.  With correct eave width,  the glass is shaded in summer and the winter sun can warm through the glass as it arcs through the sky at a lower angle. It is one of the most fundamental ideas of passive solar gain.  One of the easiest ways to keep heating costs down in winter and cooling costs down in summer is to orient our houses in congruence with the path of the sun.

So I called this blog, “The North Glass” because I’m focusing on trying to live a more sustainable life, in congruence with the resources available and the environment around me.  I believe if we get the fundamentals right, the rest will follow as we consciously try to live in a way that has less impact on the planet and provides us with the  things we need.

I read a study recently that said on average, Australians are now showing signs of deficiency of Vitamin D.  The sun is a great source of Vitamin D and while we need to be careful in summer, spending some time outside everyday, during the safe hours, can boost our Vitamin D – no pills, no potions required.  Just get outside and get active for a while. And when its just too cold to go outside, stand by the north glass and soak up the warmth and light from there.  Its fundamental to our wellbeing and comfort.