Welcome to The Blueprint

Welcome to The Blueprint, a publication dedicated to documenting local solutions for global problems.

Apr 10

January 2026

Can smart greenhouses bring back food production in cities?

By Vera Xia - Lecturer in Design and Urban Technology, University of Sydney

Jan 28

How smart home materials can shield us from extreme heat and cut energy bills all year

Heatwaves have caused more deaths in Australia than any natural disaster combined, but smart materials can make homes more resistant, and save lives.

Jan 9

From frog saunas to butterfly puddles: 8 ways to turn your homes into a wildlife refuge

Native animals can make excellent neighbours. Blue banded bees pollinate our vegetable gardens. Microbats eat up to 1,200 mosquitoes a night.

Jan 5

November 2025

A Climate Risk and Adaptation Plan for the Mountains

Blue Mountains residents were invited to Springwood to consult and suggest ideas for a Community Climate Risk and Adaptation Plan (Photo: Gabiann Marin)

Nov 19, 2025

Legalising Human Composting as a Sustainable Death Care Option in NSW

The ‘Laying In’ process at the Recompose funeral home in Seattle (Image: supplied)

Nov 19, 2025

August 2025

Another World is Possible

Kindlehill students learn how to reduce erosion at the Planetary Health Centre: view the video here

Aug 28, 2025

Turning Sawdust into Gold: How a Blue Mountains Carpenter is Heating Homes and Reducing Waste

Briquettes made from sawdust at Against The Grain (Photo: Saskia Everingham)

Aug 28, 2025

The Community Builders Who Have Our Backs

Wentworth Falls Food Hall owner, Sereen Dirani with Rotary member, Allan Byrnes.

Aug 28, 2025

Taking Action to Prevent Nuclear War

The blast from the 1954 nuclear weapons test on Bikini Atoll (Image: Public Domain; US Dept of Energy)

Aug 28, 2025

Katoomba Op Shops, Vintage Clothing & Antique Stores

Sal Isaksen, owner of SalOn in Katoomba, is also a sustainable stylist and wardrobe consultant.

Aug 7, 2025

July 2025

The world’s second largest freshwater crayfish was once plentiful in Australia’s longest river – we’re bringing it back

By Nick Whiterod, University of Adelaide and Sylvia Zukowski, University of Adelaide

Jul 25, 2025