The Mitchells’ proof is in the power bills

By Bridget Cook
THE home of Jack and Margaret Mitchell proves that sustainable living can be achieved through simple changes around the house.
The Pakenham residents, and new members of the Gazette’s Green Army, have adopted several methods in their home and garden to do their bit for the environment.
Mr Mitchell said the couple recorded both rainfall and their water consumption each month, and in 2008 cut back their average daily to 97.5 litres per person, a considerable reduction on the 155 litres recommended by the Victorian Government.
This reduction in water usage is a result of measures including the installation of a 2000-litre water tank for both household and garden purposes, the planting of native Australian plants that require no water, re-using laundry rinse water on the garden and the fitting of water-saving showerheads.
However, changes in their household are not limited to water saving, with several methods implemented to reduce their greenhouse emissions.
Mr Mitchell said the oven was rarely turned on for just a single purpose, energy saving light globes have been fitted, their central heating never exceeded 20 degrees and they used a clothes airer instead of an electric dryer.