Season 2, Ep 6: The POWER is YOURS!
So we’ve had this energy crisis. We’ve got this climate crisis. Now what?
Look, we know what we want and it’s not that complicated: power that works for all of us — clean, safe, affordable and equitable. So how did we get into this mess, and what can we do about it besides nervously wait for our next energy bill to strike?
On today’s episode, Lily and Millie defy the techno jargon and dive into solutions that are more exciting than just remembering to turn the lights off. We’ve got a generational opportunity here to reshape what our energy looks like, in order to deliver multiple benefits at multiple levels.
We also hear a great listener question from Tracy in Sydney, whom rightly points out that, “‘If investment in a sustainable future for our earth isn’t a public good, I don’t know what is!’” Be like Tracy and leave a message for the show (number’s below).
It’s a surprisingly good chat about a topic that frankly didn’t excite either of our co-hosts, but ends with a rousing cheer for Captain Planet. The power is YOURS!
Show notes
Things we mention:
Solar farms on sheep farms improving wool quality! (What in the wool??)
“The clean energy revolution isn’t just a techno-fix – it’s about capturing hearts and minds,” co-written by energy reseacher Dr Hedda Ransan-Cooper
Different models of renewable power ownership and storage:
First Nations Clean Energy — community-owned renewable power projects on Country, keeping jobs local and delivering shared benefits
Grong Grong solar farm — Australian-first crowdsourced solar farm (invest from $250)
Community/neighbourhood batteries — and the Yarra Energy Foundation
Cooperative Power — cooperatively-owned energy retailer focused on affordable power and investment in clean energy to address climate change and inequality
Solar Share — local community-owned solar farm
Good advocacy (just a few cited examples, not exhaustive list)
Renewable Albury Wodonga Helen Haines MP and Indi show how reinvigorating democracy has so many flow on effects!
Campaign to get solar panels on every school (incorrectly attributed to The Parenthood, it’s actually run by Australian Parents for Climate Action)
Voices for Power campaign winning financial support and greater solar fairness in Western Sydney
Things you can do
Consider solar panels for your home if that’s an option for you.
Change energy providers, maybe cooperatively-owned, green power? (Government comparison site here.)
Get vocal — talk to your MP, to others in your community, write to your local paper.
Invest! Check out organisations you can support financially.
Engage with good advocacy in this space.
Mind the basics to reduce energy waste.
Remember the awesomeness of Captain Planet.
Things we’d also love you to do:
Still with us? Amazing.
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