In 1996 he pioneered the conversion of his inner Sydney terrace into a sustainable house, which is disconnected from mains water and sewerage and electricity, and is powered by solar energy and rain water.
For the past 22 years, with three to four people, the house energy and water bills have been less than $300 a year. Details are in two books, Sustainable House, and, Sustainable Food.
Michael offers four-day intensive courses to anyone wishing to achieve low bills living.