Transition Streets: Building Stronger, Greener Neighborhoods Through Community Action

Discover how Transition Streets empowers neighbors to take practical climate action while building stronger, more connected communities.

In this session, Mary Stringer, Tom Danby, and Guy Erlacher-Downing explore how the Transition Streets model brings small groups of neighbors together to reduce carbon emissions, conserve water, minimize waste, lower household costs, and strengthen local resilience. Using a simple, accessible handbook, participants support one another in making meaningful lifestyle changes that benefit both people and the planet.

From improving home energy efficiency and installing rainwater systems to composting, sharing tools, swapping recipes, and building lasting friendships, Transition Streets demonstrates how collective local action can create thriving neighborhoods.

Whether you’re part of a Transition initiative, a community group, or simply want to inspire change where you live, this session offers practical ideas and proven approaches for turning your street into a more connected, resilient, and sustainable place.

Speakers

• Mary Stringer is a co-founder of Transition Australia and Transition Banyule. A longtime community organizer and facilitator of The Work That Reconnects, she is passionate about supporting grassroots action, Inner Transition, and community resilience.
• Tom Danby has been involved with Transition since 2012 through urban food forest and sustainability projects in Australia. He helped develop the online version of Transition Streets and brings extensive experience in community engagement and environmental education.
• Guy Erlacher-Downing is the Coordinator of Transition Town Totnes, the community where the global Transition movement began. Living in an off-grid permaculture cooperative, Guy continues to support innovative local projects that strengthen resilience, food systems, and community action.

This session is ideal for community organizers, Transition groups, sustainability practitioners, neighborhood leaders, and anyone looking for practical ways to build resilient, low-carbon communities through local collaboration.