We’ve been hearing a lot lately about getting off gas. It’s expensive, it’s an indoor pollutant and as electricity from the grid gets cleaner (in terms of its carbon emissions, thanks to reduced production from coal and increased production from renewables like solar) gas isn’t the dream fuel it used to be.

Here are some resources to help you find out more about why and how to get off gas, and news of some events coming up later this month to help you work out a detailed plan of action.

This March MRSG Sustainable Homes Action Group is presenting the “Project Showcase”, an exhibition of projects Macedon Ranges householders have undertaken to make their homes more thermally comfortable, cheaper to run and more energy-efficient, and of work-from-home spaces that are reducing the need to commute.

(Image: Sam Clarke via Unsplash)

The Power Saving Bonus is back, bigger than before! This year’s offer is a $250 payment for comparing energy offers using Victorian Energy Compare.

You don’t need to change plans to be eligible, just to compare plans - it only takes 5-10 minutes, and you may find a cheaper plan, to boot!

(Image: Andre Taissin via Unsplash)

Calling all members keen to chat with others about building and renovating experiences in the Macedon Ranges. and interested in creating a forum for exchange!

(Image: Redd via Unsplash)

The 6th edition of home sustainability guide “Your Home” has recently been released. In addition to the softcover book and website familiar to its current fan-base, a limited edition hardback version of the book has been published.

Over $3000 has been raised for the Malmsbury CFA and Kyneton Caring Community Foodbank by selling fabric masks sewn by Sustainable Malmsbury volunteers at the Malmsbury Bakery.

Hot on the heels of the Neighbourhood House’s solar installation, we’re set to resume work on draughtproofing and secondary glazing works planned earlier this year.

Thanks to grants from Bank Australia and Central Victoria Greenhouse Alliance/MASH and local leg-work from MRSG’s Sustainable Malmsbury action group the Malmsbury Fire Brigade will no longer have to worry about power outages during the bushfire season.

Malmsbury’s Community Produce Swap will coincide with the monthly Malmsbury Farmers Market.

Malmsbury’s November trifecta! The Community Produce Swap and monthly Malmsbury Farmers Market coincided with the annual Malmsbury Village Fayre. All to the soundtrack of the Zingara music festival!

Do you listen to podcasts? Here are some of the Waste Group’s faves. Let us know yours!

Thanks to everyone who stopped to chat with the volunteers from Sustainable Homes Action Group and Go Renewable Energy Group at the Woodend Community Farmers’ Market on Saturday 7th October.

We were exploring the level of interest in electrifying home heating and hot water and the obstacles to electrification.

Not sure what “net zero emissions” means? Want to know how you can impact climate change?

Project Drawdown has produced an excellent series of 6 videos, ranging from 10-25 minutes, explaining where we can have the most impact on climate.

This is a thought-provoking series, highly recommended for anyone starting out on the road to sustainability.