While the goal is to reduce ecological footprints, save dollars and share practical ways of improving their lives, people are also finding common ground and forming friendships.

Transition Streets Canberra has arrived, backed by the ACT government and a few planet-aware organisations.

Jodie Pipkorn, executive officer of SEE-Change, said the international movement aimed "to 'transition' communities towards a low-carbon, socially-just, healthier and happier future".

She added the ideal outcome would be "more enriching and more gentle on the earth than the way most of us live today".

The program helps people to respond to the challenges of climate change, resource depletion, human health and environmental degradation.

Daniel Ong is among those who have signed up to be street champions and put the initial word out there.

"We're all pretty excited," he said.

"Everyone is interested in saving money."

Mr Ong has connections with both SEE-Change and Communities @ Work, partners in the enterprise.

For him, the nexus is that he works primarily in social research and community development.

"The chance to meet my neighbours is an added bonus," he said.

"Knocking on doors is not everyone's cup of tea but we're armed with initial dialogue and some material."

When people choose to begin the project in their neighbourhood, they register with SEE-Change and receive a toolkit of practical resources to support them.

Fellow street champion Cindy Steensby was involved in developing the program's workbook for Canberra.

The pamphlets focus on topics like water, energy, food, transport and waste or consumption, which serve as the basis for discussion over six months.

"Each street will be a little bit different, I suppose," Mrs Steensby said.

The project is not limited to streets; a community could be a townhouse complex or a section of a neighbourhood.

Each group of about 10 households chooses actions that will be fun to do together.

"Any kind of sustainability measure can be discussed," said Mr Ong.

Though the street champions start the transition process, Mrs Steensby said they were "not meant to run the show" but to "help everyone else do their bit".

She is passionate about "connecting with your food", supporting local farmers and discovering practical solutions such as bulk buying.

"The talks are about sustainability but they're building community," Mrs Steensby said.

For more details, visit www.see-change.org.au/transition-streets-canberra.