With the cost of energy rising, and the cost of solar technologies falling, there has never been a better time to think about solar! A solar hot water system could save up to 90 per cent of your hot water energy costs, while installing solar electricity could earn money generating solar power in your home or business.

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Our Energy Future is a free energy advice service to help you reduce bills and install solar hot water and power.

Buying fresh fruit and vegetables on a regular basis is a great way to eat healthier and reduce food waste. Fruit and veggie gift boxes make a great gift and support local farmers and not-for-profit community groups, by buying fresh produce in bulk and cutting out the time and cost of transport, storage and display.

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Food boxes can be purchased through Ooooby, Rhubarb Food Co-op and Thoughtful Foods.

Water is one of our most precious resources, but is often taken for granted. Simply fixing leaky taps and installing water saving appliances can save over 20,000 litres a year, through programs such as WaterFix. Or you could install a rainwater tank for your home and garden, and live where the grass is always greener. 

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Businesses can also save resources and money with a water use assessment through the Sustainable Business Program.

Native Australian flora (plants) and fauna (animals) come in all shapes and sizes. From a kangaroo paw in a pot to a trip to a National Park, nature can make a great gift. Native plants often need very little water, and attract birds into the garden, creating backyard habitat stepping stones for wildlife. 

They say once you know how to ride a bike, you never forget. Cycling is a great way to enjoy the environment and get healthy without the gym fees. You can choose to cycle to the shops or taking your bike to the beach. Why not consider a bicycle, or a cycling skills or bike maintenance workshop as a gift?

Chickens are often overlooked when it comes to pets, but backyard chickens can keep you in eggs for years, and will take care of your food scraps. You can even Rent-a-Chook for 6 weeks, with chickens, a coop and instructions included. 

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Considering bees? Urban beekeepers can support honeybees or native bees which have no sting. Urban Beehive and the Amateur Beekeepers Association can help.

Compost may not seem like an exciting gift, but a gardener knows the value of a healthy, rich soil. Composting and wormfarming takes your unwanted food scraps and recycles them into nutrients for your flowers and veggies. Join the Compost Revolution and you can save 80% by completing a quick online quiz. 

A goat, an ambulance, a school book, even a toilet! Anything can be a gift when given to those in need. Giving a charity card is a great way to add real value to your gift, at a range of affordable prices. 

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Organisations with charity gifts include Oxfam, Care Australia, World Vision and UNICEF.