MODERNIZATION
ROCKING SUSTAINABLE LIVING
INDIGO SHIRE, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA
Photo: Off-Grid Living Festival
Want to start making sustainable choices but are unsure where to begin? There is a festival for that in Indigo Shire in Australia, or you can look nearby for events and festivals that can be one-stop shops for inspiration. You might also find a little more music and fun than you expect.
What's
changing
A recent survey from Southern Cross University found that 77% of Australians and Americans want to learn how they can live more sustainably. Luckily, learning how to minimize carbon footprints does not have to be boring.
What's already
possible
In Chiltern, Victoria, the Off-Grid Living Festival is taking the intimidation out of making greener choices by creating an educational atmosphere that is interesting, fun and approachable for all.
Seizing
the opportunity
Every year, the festival and campout sets up in Chiltern and invites anyone to join and learn about sustainable living. Participants range from those living off-grid in rural areas to city dwellers hoping to minimize their carbon footprints. Exhibitors throughout the grounds represent off-grid energy, electrification, homesteading, sustainable building, handicrafts, gardening, farming, wellness, community and slow fashion. Musicians perform on solar-powered stages. Attendees snack at waste-free food trucks, hear educational talks in tents or hang out at the nearby off-grid campsite.
Standout
tactic
The festival hosts green-thinking competitions for school-age students. In 2024, the festival encouraged high school students to submit ideas for harnessing human power for energy in a “Pedal Power” competition.
How
it helps
More than 9,000 people attended the 2024 festival. The weekend included over 100 workshops and featured more than 260 exhibitors.
Diving
deeper
How can sustainable living festivals ensure they remain focused on education and genuine sustainability rather than becoming overly commercialized and product-focused as they grow in popularity?
Increasing
impact
Off-grid festivals are popping up in different countries. Continuing to spread the events and incorporating hands-on projects to be completed by attendees can translate theory into practice to the benefit of the hosting community.
Traveling
better
Travel is inherently carbon intensive. Whether you are taking a mini-break or an annual vacation, consider ways to minimize your impact by staying longer in one place, reconsidering how you travel to the destination, and supporting businesses that are working to make their community and the world a better place.
