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User Guide - One Small Step x ANU

Getting Started with One Small Step x ANU

A quick guide to help you build sustainable habits with the ANU community

What is One Small Step x ANU?

One Small Step x ANU is a web-based platform that helps you take practical, everyday actions to reduce your environmental impact - at home, on campus or wherever you are.

Think of it as a behaviour change buddy with a green heart. You'll find hundreds of small, achievable sustainability challenges designed to help you live lighter and build better habits.

This platform is supported by ANU Green, your campus environmental sustainability operations team, to make it easier for staff and students to take action, one small step at a time.

How to Sign Up

This is not the same as the public One Small Step app in the App Store or Google Play.

You need to sign up through the ANU-only version at the link below:

Already have a One Small Step account from the public version? You'll need to create a new one for ANU.

Exploring the Platform

Once logged in, you'll find five main tabs on the left-hand menu:

Organisation

See what ANU is doing to become more sustainable, check announcements, and explore the leaderboard.
Warning: may cause envy, admiration, or inspiration.

Teams

You can create or join teams if you want — even if you're not competing. Some people use them just to stay connected with friends, colleagues, or interest groups.
Join the winning team? Sure. Just don't take all the credit.

Challenges

This is where the action happens. Browse, search, or filter by category (e.g. "On Campus", "Staff", "Homeowners") to find something that suits you.
Some challenges may be harder than others. But hey — no pain, no gain.

Events

See upcoming sustainability-related events on campus or in Canberra. You can even suggest your own.
Note: no fossil fuel parties, litter parades, or water-wasting contests allowed.

Profile

Click your name in the bottom left corner to update your name, role, photo, or privacy settings.
You're in control. We're not here to stalk you. Much.

Tips for Personal Use

You don't have to join a team or enter any competitions to get value out of One Small Step. Here's how to make it work for you:

Start small

Pick 1–2 challenges you know you can do this week. Mark each step as complete as you go — and celebrate the win!

Use filters to your advantage

Look for tags like:

  • Residential Colleges – designed for hall residents
  • Staff – for actions relevant to workplaces and offices
  • On Campus – focused on things you can do right here at ANU
  • Renters / Homeowners – helps tailor home-based actions to your living setup

Find local inspiration

We're working to update all challenges with ANU- and ACT-specific info. For example:

  • Food organics stations at Marie Reay and Fulton Muir
  • The ANU Kitchen Garden – a community garden and worm farmers
  • ACT's FOGO bin system and bulk waste recycling
  • Be Bin Smart and Carbon Smart tips

If you spot something we should add (or correct!), email us at anugreen@anu.edu.au.

Do I need to submit photos?

Nope! If you're using the platform for personal purposes, feel free to upload photos, but marking the challenge complete is not required.

Uploading photos or progress means your One Small Step peers can get inspiration from your actions. They also make your profile feed more fun and help you reflect on your journey over time.

If you are participating in the ANU Green Awards (August – October 2025), then submitting photos as evidence is necessary to verify your points. See more about the ANU Green Awards on our website.

Accessibility and Alternatives

All challenges include advice for accessibility and alternatives in case you're unable to complete the main version. Look for this in the final step of each challenge. We’re committed to making sustainability action inclusive and flexible for everyone. Please let us know if you have any alternative solutions to address the challenges.

FAQs

  • Can I use this if I live off campus?
    Yes! Many challenges are designed for any home or lifestyle, including renters, students, staff, etc.
  • What if I forget to finish a challenge?
    No stress. Your progress is saved, and you can pick it back up anytime.
  • Do I need to upload photos?
    Only if you want to. It's completely optional unless you're competing in the ANU Green Awards.
  • Is this private?
    Yes. You can choose to make your profile public or keep it private. Only other ANU participants can see public profiles.

Quick Links

ANU staff or student? Join the ANU Green Network.​

Stay up to date on sustainability at ANU!​