Matters Journal

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Matters Journal

A print and digital publication exploring the intersection between new frontiers in design, business, science, technology and social impact.

Matters Journal is an initiative by Local Peoples.

09/09/2026

Desert roads just got a lot friendlier for electric vehicles!

Michael Jantzen’s High Desert Charging Station is designed to harness the power of the relentless sun, providing solar-powered charging for up to 16 EVs, even in the most remote, sun-soaked locations. This innovative structure not only keeps you moving but also gives back to the grid when there’s extra energy.

Curious how this futuristic station is changing the way we travel through the desert? Read more >https://t.ly/Cctan

18/08/2026

What if your car could power more than just your commute? Your electric vehicle isn't just a way to get around. It's a giant battery on wheels.

And here's the wild part: since most cars sit parked 95% of the time, all those idle EV batteries could help power the entire grid.

Think about it. Millions of parked cars working together as a "virtual power plant," replacing dirty fossil fuel plants and keeping the lights on with clean energy.

The future of transportation isn't just about where we're going. It's about what we can power along the way.

🔗 Read more > https://t.ly/c2CTR

13/08/2026

What will we actually be eating in the future? That’s the question experts tackled at a recent RMIT panel in Melbourne, titled 'Provocations: What will we eat in the future?'

And the answer might surprise you. Turns out, the future of food isn’t about lab-grown everything or futuristic tech. It could be about looking backward. Indigenous knowledge.

Local farmers’ markets. Reconnecting with where our food actually comes from.

As our writer Alexi Freeman, who attended the event, puts it: “To ensure a sustainable way of eating, we may not need to reinvent the wheel - but we may need to remember how to turn it.” Curious what else came out of the RMIT conversation? Read more > https://t.ly/44DyM

12/08/2026

See how the University of Toronto’s Koffler Scientific Reserve is redefining research spaces, blending sustainability, innovation, and stunning design in the heart of Ontario’s Oak Ridges Moraine. Dive into the story of a net-zero facility that inspires both learning and environmental stewardship. Read more at https://t.ly/G8rl4

06/08/2026

California is leading the way in water conservation. The first-ever solar-covered canal in the Central Valley is now complete, thanks to Project Nexus. This innovative pilot project is set to save water, reduce costs, and generate renewable energy for our communities. Want to learn how this groundbreaking initiative could shape the future? Read more > https://t.ly/KPxSW

05/08/2026

Discover Feldheim, the German village leading the way in renewable energy. By harnessing wind, solar, and biogas, Feldheim has shielded its residents from rising energy costs, even during global crises. A true model for sustainable living and energy independence. Watch the video > https://t.ly/iUJ7Q

01/07/2026

ICYMI: Melbourne’s Purpose Precinct is redefining how social enterprises can drive both commercial success and community impact. With 90 ventures showcased at Queen Victoria Market, the hub - founded by STREAT and Good Cycles- turns food waste into new products and sparks innovation through the Moving Feast Kitchen.

Hudson Brown explores how growing government and public support is boosting the economic value of social enterprises, with Queensland even integrating them into Olympic planning for 2032. Read the full story > https://n9.cl/hdsi4d

17/06/2026

As communities face increasingly complex challenges, how can design help us navigate uncertainty?

Speaking at the University of Melbourne, Snøhetta co-founder Kjetil Trædal Thorsen argues that architecture should create possibilities rather than fixed answers.

Drawing on projects from around the world, he explores how collaboration, culture and openness can shape more resilient futures.

This week on Local Peoples, discover a compelling vision for architecture's evolving role. > https://t.ly/MypTy

📸 Image by EDT Studio

10/06/2026

“I love being a tree-hugger.” At the Melbourne Writers Festival 2026, Dr. Bob Brown reclaimed the term while tracing a centuries-long tradition of environmental courage.

From historic acts of sacrifice to modern campaigns protecting Tasmania’s forests, he connects past and present in a compelling call to action.

Read Alexi Freeman's recap of Dr. Brown's fireside chat at the Melbourne Writers Festival and the lessons that continue to shape his activism today, on Matters Journal > https://n9.cl/jv7nt4

02/06/2026

Mabo Day on June 3 marks the anniversary of the landmark High Court decision that recognised the land rights of Indigenous Australians.

Named after Eddie Mabo, whose advocacy led to this historic change, the day honors the enduring connection of Torres Strait Islander peoples to their land and the significance of the Native Title Act.

Though Eddie Mabo did not live to see the outcome of his efforts, his legacy continues to shape Australia’s understanding of justice and Indigenous rights.
Read more > https://t.ly/IyCh0

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