Ever wondered why it's so hard to stick with regenerative change, even when you know it makes life happier and healthier?

So have we.

Living Lightly Locally is a free research and education program exploring barriers and enablers to long-term positive change at home and beyond.

​You’ll explore 10 core impact areas — from wellbeing and garden to waste, water and energy — alongside other locals navigating similar changes, while contributing to university-led research informing better policy.

How the program works

Sparking positive change from grassroots to government

Many sustainability programs focus on individual habits, which is a great place to start. Living Lightly Locally goes further by connecting your personal actions with broader real-world systemic change.

At home

Learn practical, doable shifts to reduce energy use and align with your life with sustainable values.​

In your community

Gain confidence, skills and connections to take local action and build neighbourhood resilience.​

Within government policy

Your stories, learnings and insights will help university researchers develop better policy recommendations.

Our impact so far:

• 50+ participants have reduced energy use and household impacts since 2021; selling cars, downsizing homes and making regenerative daily shifts.

• 12 months of grassroots action and learning, supporting lasting behaviour change for living regeneratively within planetary boundaries.

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• Multiple local initiatives launched, from a 4,500-member local trails social media group to local collection points for hard-to-recycle items and plans for a new community climate refuge.

 

• 3 years of university research informed by real stories of change, helping shape future-focused energy and climate policy.

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Who this free program is designed for

The 2026 program is available for people in four South Australian council areas: Alexandrina, Mount Gambier, Mitcham and Mount Barker.

The 12-month program is best suited to:

• Curious, community-minded adults.
• People feeling the weight of the climate crisis and wanting to act.
• Those who value learning alongside others, in real-world settings.
• Anyone wanting to change; no prior sustainability experience needed.

Find out if you're eligible

Learn alongside passionate local experts and global change-makers

Led by Adelaide University’s Keri and James Hopeward, Living Lightly Locally explores what regenerative change looks like in real life, and what helps people stick with it over time.
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The program draws on permaculture, citizen science and systems thinking. It’s supported by a team of university researchers and leading global voices such as Helena Norberg-Hodge and Damon Gameau.

Meet the facilitators

Proudly supported by

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​Informative, enjoyable and thought-provoking. At times, it took me out of my comfort zone by challenging my current behaviours and beliefs."

​— Julie, participant, Mount Barker Council area

Recommended for those wishing to learn more about themselves, their connection to community and nature, and humans' addiction to consumption ... within a supportive environment."

​— Ali, participant, Mount Barker Council area

Keen to gain the skills and connections to tackle global challenges locally?

Join the free Living Lightly Locally program and learn how to make meaningful changes in your daily life, while contributing to university-led policy research.

​Because thriving, resilient and regenerative communities start at home.

Learn more & apply