Renewable energy, lowering emissions and generally protecting the environment might be on the minds of many Australians as we head further into 2016, but if you ask many voters, not everyone is convinced.

As ever, climate change is an issue in the political arena and on the street, but does the average Aussie really care about climate change?

According to a 2014 Lowy poll, the answer is: yes. Surveying people's thoughts on climate change, the poll found that 45% of Australians believed it was imperative that we take action now "whatever the cost."

Since 2014, the attitudes towards climate change have become more acute and the latest survey backs up this assumption. In fact, when it comes to energy, we've seen a major shift in services and, therefore, attitudes across the country over the last two years.

As well as home-focused tools designed to lower energy bills and help the environment, Australia is now a target for international companies with a green focus.

At the start of 2016, it was reported that there are almost 600 Model S Teslas in Australia. While that might not be a staggering figure, at around $120,000 each, it's fair to say that more Aussies are now willing to invest some serious cash in a car that's both impressive to drive and good for the environment.

Whilst electric cars such as the Tesla are not yet mainstream choices in Australia, the benefits of electric vehicle ownership are clear. From lower operating costs, to better air quality, to reducing noise pollution, there’s a lot to like about electric vehicles.

Hurdles to electric car adoption in Australia are being minimised. There have been improvements to infrastructure such as charging stations, government subsidies, vehicle ranges and lower initial prices for electric cars.

As a further testament to the growing love for Tesla, its home battery, called the Powerwall, is now making its way across the country. Offering a 6.4kWh energy storage capacity and updates via Wi-Fi, the battery connects to solar panels to store the energy generated, for use in the home at the optimum time.

Another example of Australia's move towards smart technology that's both cost effective and environmentally friendly, is the use of transport such as the Mogobike. Essentially an electric scooter, the Mogobike can be recharged using a USB port and is currently available to Aussies through Amazon.

The Power is in Your Hands

Powershop, a subsidiary of Meridian Energy, is one of an emerging group of "cleaner energy" companies. Through a combination of carbon offsetting, wind farms, and smart usage tools, this power company is doing its best to have a positive impact on the environment.

The company offers consumers a range of products that make it easier to track, manage and, importantly, reduce their energy consumption.

Harnessing the power of smart meters and smartphones, Powershop's smartphone app and usage tools are able to give you real-time updates on your energy usage, weekly reports that show your increase/decrease in usage as well as a simple billing system.

In fact, products such as these are not only helping Australians lower their energy bills, but it has the positive flow-on effect of being good for the planet.

Indeed, with over 100,000 customers worldwide having access to Powershop’s smart usage tools, it's a testament to the growing concerns many have when it comes to climate change.

Green Tech Outside of the Home

Although opinions are always going to be split when it comes to the role of the government and environmental concerns, that doesn't mean the average person on the street can't take matters into their own hands.

Whether or not those in charge are doing something or nothing, there are plenty of ways for individuals to contribute to an environmental evolution.

Indeed, with the likes of Powershop, Tesla, Mogobike and beyond offering cleaner, greener and more efficient energy and transport solutions, the power is now in every Australian's hands.

That's something we should all be willing to take advantage of.