Renew Magazine

Fact-based and human-interest stories about building climate and energy resilience in your home and community. All the latest in sustainable issues and technology, as well as useful how-tos for reducing your footprint and contributing to a more resilient future.

Renew Magazine

ISSUE 164

Policy Update

About Renew

UP FRONT

China's renewable energy systems just keep getting bigger

PRODUCTS

Big fans, but not soon enough? • Aircraft engine manufacturer Rolls Royce recently announced an impressive new engine aimed at reducing emissions and fuel use.

Bridging the divide • The Earthworker Cooperative has brought together two unlikely bedfellows-workers and environmentalists-to help transform Australia's energy market. We speak with Dan Musil and Colin Long about how they're doing it.

What are the advantages of a co-operative approach to renewable energy?

Is a floating solar boom about to begin? • Rob McCann investigates.

Can your dog save the planet? • Daniel Simons looks into the environmental impacts of our beloved pets, and gets to know Bardee, Australia's largest insect breeding, fertiliser and protein producer.

The future of packaging • Packaging comes with just about everything we consume, with far-reaching implications for us and the planet. Jane Hone asks how we can get a handle on it.

The days of the new school yard • Renew's Lori Dalton goes around the country to show us the critical role schools can play in building climate resilience.

Sustainability programs around Australia

Looking after renters • With rents and energy costs surging, it's time to mandate minimum energy-efficiency standards for rentals, writes James King.

Getting off Gas

Gas and our health • Dr Ben Ewald uncovers the health effects of gas in the home.

Making the switch

Getting “wok hei” on induction • Corinne Ang tells us about the role Australia's Asian population can play in the climate movement (hint: it involves dinner parties).

Bringing everyone along in the energy transition • Renew's policy and advocacy manager Rob McLeod and sustainability researcher Rachel Goldlust explain the government policies helping make the transition off gas possible, and outline what's still needed to get everyone over the line.

Sarah Wilson on quitting gas • Renowned journalist, New York Times bestselling author and founder of the I Quit Sugar movement, Sarah Wilson wants everyone to know that she too is getting off gas. In this interview with Fiona Gray, she explains why.

Choosing home appliances • Renew's Rachel Goldlust unpacks your options for electric appliances around the home.

Getting off gas FAQs

Cooking electrically-a guide to ditching gas in the kitchen • While cooking only constitutes about 5% of a home's energy use, it is often the one area that keeps a home connected to the gas network. In this guide, Lance Turner looks at getting off gas by removing that last gas appliance-the gas stove.

Quick selection tips

Electrical connection requirements

Electric scooters making their mark • Jeffrey Lee updates us on Australia's e-scooter industry, and why there is a growing (positive and negative) interest around it.

Deleting the genset • If you have the need for the occasional use of a generator, then why not replace it with a much cleaner battery backup system instead? Lance Turner explains how.

Biofuel vs battery • John Hermans gives his opinion on the best power source for electric vehicles.

Tractor talk • Alan Pears asks, where to with tractor drivetrains?

Energy matters • Alan Pears brings us the latest news and analysis from the energy sector.

Ask our experts • We...