Aug 1, 2026 | Lighter Footprints Events, State climate policy, State election
Every voter deserves accurate information about each candidate’s climate policies This November, so much is at stake Subsidies to change over to clean, efficient electric appliances Large scale renewables build out A commitment to move away from expensive,...
Jul 19, 2026 | Carbon markets, Clean Energy, Climate Policy, Electric vehicle, Lighter Footprints Events
Going electric improves exports and increases resilience Right now we are experiencing how vital it is for Australia to have a resilient energy system. Australia has world-beating renewables resources. Dr Monique Ryan MP along with financial analyst Tim Buckley,...
May 9, 2026 | Electrification, Heat pump hot water, Lighter Footprints Events
Electrify your hot water for real savings! Have you wondered how to save money on your energy bills and where to start? Switching to heat pump hot water is a fantastic option – better for your hip pocket as well as the planet, with an even bigger savings bonus...
Feb 8, 2026 | Biodiversity, Environmental protection, Forests, Lighter Footprints Events
Forests are a vital part of Earth’s well being If you’re reading this blog, you’re probably already a forest lover – and for good reasons! Forests are beautiful and awe-inspiring landscapes, which lower our blood pressure and promote feelings of peace and...
Jun 29, 2025 | Electric vehicle, Electrification, Home battery, Lighter Footprints Events, Solar
“90% off your bills” says Chris Bowen With the solar and the right tariff, home batteries can really drop electricity bills. And the good news is that the government is pumping an extra $5bn into the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, due to its runaway...
Apr 9, 2025 | Federal election, Lighter Footprints Events, Meeting with MPs, Vote Climate
Kooyong Candidates Forum Blog Under three banners ‘Engage’, ‘Influence’ and ‘Advocate’, the Convenor of Lighter Footprints, Jenny Smithers, welcomed the large audience in the Hawthorn Town Hall to the Kooyong Candidates Forum. This event has become a much-anticipated...
Mar 7, 2025 | Clean Energy, Climate Policy, Lighter Footprints Events, Nuclear
Held for the first time in the Malvern Town Hall, the Lighter Footprints annual energy transition event featuring Simon Holmes à Court and Ric Brazzale was a big success. The 400 attendees were treated to an inviting array of community organisation stalls, an engaging...
Mar 1, 2025 | Communicating climate change, Family activity, Lighter Footprints Events, Volunteering
“For the Kids”. So true at the Ashburton Festival – climate volunteers getting out there for kids, families turning up with kids. This is why we step up and talk of all the good things that climate action can bring to communities, and listen deeply...
May 1, 2024 | Clean Energy, Electric vehicle, Electrification, Energy Efficiency, EV, Gas, Lighter Footprints Events, Solar
On 17th April 2024, we held a public meeting at the Balwyn Park Centre to discuss what changes are likely between now and 2030 in our homes and our neighbourhoods. Three knowledgeable speakers addressed the issues followed by a lively Q and A session. You can watch...
Oct 16, 2023 | Climate Damage, Forests, Lighter Footprints Events, Logging
Our 27th September public meeting at the Balwyn Park Centre was a standing room only event. You can view the event here. We welcomed a capacity crowd and listened intently to the three passionate forest defenders; Professor David Lindenmayer from ANU with Sue McKinnon...
Sep 25, 2023 | Forests, Lighter Footprints Events, Lighter Footprints Working Groups
Family forest adventure and Greater Glider spotlighting On Saturday 16th September Lighter Footprints, Boroondara ACF and Kinglake Friends of the Forest hosted our first Family Forest event. It was a most wonderful event. We had over 60 participants ranging in age...
Sep 19, 2023 | Energy Efficiency, Lighter Footprints Events
Learn more about being cooler in summer and warmer in winter Lighter Footprints members were delighted to welcome two experienced industry speakers talking about increasing home comfort (and lowering energy bills) through draught proofing and insulation. A big thanks...
Jun 14, 2023 | Clean Energy, Electrification, Gas, Lighter Footprints Events
On May 24th Lighter Footprints was delighted to welcome home energy expert Tim Forcey and public health physician Dr Genevieve Cowie to our meeting on electrification. The summary below has blue links in bold to the full video presentation chapter points. You can...
Mar 14, 2023 | Clean Energy, Electric vehicle, Gas, Lighter Footprints Events, Offshore wind
Annual Energy Update 2023 with Simon Holmes à Court It’s been a momentous year in 2022. In Australia, we are close to fossils/renewables crossover, Victoria’s electricity is now 40% clean, and in the US a Tesla Model 3 is now cheaper to drive away than the...
Jul 3, 2022 | Clean Energy, Climate Policy, Lighter Footprints Events, Offshore wind
Lighter Footprints: June 29th on Offshore Wind We were fortunate to have Naomi Campbell, the Development Director of Star of the South and Pat Simons, Yes2Renewables Coordinator speaking at our June 29th event on offshore wind. You can listen to our speakers again on...
Mar 2, 2022 | Clean Energy, Climate change, Climate Policy, EV, Lighter Footprints Events
Australia is so well positioned to transition rapidly to clean energy, with vast potential to rapidly clean up our manufacturing and value add clean energy in decarbonised exports. Our energy system is becoming more resilient and distributed, and households are likely...
Sep 7, 2021 | Lighter Footprints Events, Local government, Meeting with MPs, Taking Action
Boroondara passes the Climate Action Plan and a Climate Emergency Declaration Boroondara’s new Climate Action Plan was unanimously passed by Boroondara Councillors on 27th September. The briefing notes note community-wide emissions reduction targets of 60% by 2030,...
Aug 1, 2021 | Climate change and health, Gas, Lighter Footprints Events, Taking Action
July’s meeting looked at Australia’s relationship with fossil gas at two scales, firstly, at a mega scale, looking at national and Victorian gas expansion plans with Friends of the Earth legendary campaigner Cam Walker, and secondly in our own backyard...
Jul 7, 2021 | Climate Emergency, Climate Policy, Communicating climate change, Lighter Footprints Events
At our June 30 meeting, we were pleased and privileged to have Greg Hannan from CitiPower/United Energy and Chris Wallin from the Yarra Energy Foundation (YEF) addressing the role of community batteries and Yarra’s current community battery project. A recording...
Jun 1, 2021 | Climate psychology, Communicating climate change, Lighter Footprints Events, Meeting with MPs
Lighter Footprints Co-Convenor Mick Nolan was very pleased that we were all finally able to meet together in person. “It was so good to get out to the Guide Hall and speak to people face to face.” “The C4C event was a buzz!” said Alison Wright,...
May 19, 2021 | Climate psychology, Communicating climate change, Lighter Footprints Events, Positive message
Are you a bit nervous about talking about climate to friends and workmates, especially to those who seem to be doubtful, worried or disengaged? Climate for Change (C4C) have been pioneering an award winning conversation format that really works. We met at The Marwal...
May 12, 2021 | Communicating climate change, Lighter Footprints Events, Taking Action
Music for climate at the Gasometer Hotel A packed Gaso Hotel was treated to 5 very impressive performers last Thursday night. The night was billed as an Earth Fest benefit with proceeds going to climate action group, Lighter Footprints. What a night! We review the 5...
May 9, 2021 | Climate Emergency, Climate Policy, Communicating climate change, Denial, Environmental law, Gas, Lighter Footprints Events, Paris commitment
At our April 28 meeting, we were pleased and privileged to have Glen Klatovsky from Climate Action Network Australia (CANA) and Richie Merzian from The Australia Institute (TAI) addressing climate targets and tariffs shortly after the Biden Climate summit. Check out...
May 4, 2021 | Lighter Footprints Events
It’s on this Thursday 6th May – doors open at the iconic Gasometer Hotel, Collingwood at 7pm, with a stunning lineup of some of Melbourne’s best young talent, in a benefit concert to support local climate action. We are delighted to invite you to...
Apr 16, 2021 | Gas, Lighter Footprints Events, Taking Action
An event wrap-up:- for further info, please contact Mick Nolan or David Strang (‘Energy Transition Group’) At our March 25 meeting, we were pleased and privileged to have Tony Wood from the Grattan Institute and Bruce Mountain from the Victorian...
