We acknowledge the people of the Gomerrigal-Tongarra clan, the First Peoples of St Clair where Under the Choko Tree is located and we live and work. I respect and acknowledge their Elders, past, present and emerging.

(Photo: Jim Sweeney)

If you are looking to live more sustainably at home this site is for you!

We have lived in western Sydney (Australia), for over over 40 years and for 35 years or more of it have been attempting to live a self reliant/sustainable lifestyle with varying degrees of success. It is a continuing journey rather than a destination to be reached. Along the way we have been able to glean a bit of information about how one can live more sustainably in a suburban setting with a small backyard and some income. The purpose of this site is to share that hard won experience with any poor soul who is prepared to listen (or in this case, read). So come on in and have a wander around, you may just find something of use! We also have lots of forms, plans and  presentations to help you live more sustainably which you can download free here.

We now also have 35 free eBooks on how to live a more sustainable and resilient life, including subjects like food growing, managing your water and energy, improving biodiversity, cultivating community in your area and lots more. You can find them all here in a single file,  arranged by subject, with a description of each eBook followed by a link to it.

Oh, yes, the title of the site - “Under the Choko Tree” with a subtitle of “Sustainable Living in the Suburbs”. The choko (sechium edule) is a real survival food, prolific and easy to grow, with multiple uses (although they can be a bit bland unless spiced up, unlike this site!). They do, of course, grow on vines not trees but we have an old orange tree which the choko vines grow up every year and this has been christened the choko tree. Thus the choko provides sort of a symbol for the intent of this site.

Our site now has 842 articles for your viewing pleasure, Enjoy!

We have a 5 star rating system at the top of each and every article, so if you like an article give it a 5 star rating and if you don't give it the rating you think it deserves!

Nev & Linda

Remember Folks - This site is a work in progress, so come often and see what we've been up to! We update the site with a new article every week.

Under the Choko Tree now has its own YouTube Channel. Why not tune in to see what we have been up to and like, comment or subscribe!

While you are at it, why not check out our Under the Choko Tree Facebook Group

*NEW* Are you a permaculture person living in an urban/suburban environment? If so, you might be interesed in our new Facebook group - Permaculture in the 'Burbs