Author of Sustainable House Michael Mobbs modified his home and made lifestyle changes with the aim of reducing his carbon footprint.
It started in 1996 when he disconnected the water mains and sewerage pipe of his Chippendale home for a three-month kitchen and bathroom renovation.
"I used to whinge about the government until I realised it was me who was turning the light switch and the shower on," Mr Mobbs said.
"And I was motivated by engineers who said living sustainably couldn't be done. I wanted to prove them wrong."
The former environmental lawyer uses the sun and rain for water and energy and for the past 14 years has used his own recycled sewage water to wash clothes, flush toilets and irrigate the garden.
He has two chickens for eggs, native Australian stingless bees for honey and grows a range of fruits and herbs, which he encourages his neighbours to help themselves to.
Mr Mobbs said one of the simplest changes people can make to start caring for the environment is was getting a water-efficient shower head.
‘‘You use less hot water, reducing your energy and water bill at once,’’ he said.
‘‘Another things is to buy from local farmers to reduce pollution.’’
■ Michael Mobbs will give a free talk on sustainability in the home at the Max Webber Library, Blacktown, at 6pm on April 27. Click here to book.
Watch a video with Mr Mobbs and small tour his house here.