Two Australian suburban families – the Edwards and the Shepherd's – find out what life would be like when their energy and water supplies are suddenly turned off; their rubbish bins locked and their vehicles clamped. After twenty-four hours, one eco hotspot will be returned to each family and a consumption level will be set, based on what scientists say will help save the planet.

For twenty-four hours both families have lived without energy, water, transport or waste removal, and now, Glenn arrives to turn their water hotspot back on and set a sustainable reduction level. With the water challenge in place, it's time for Eco Coach Tanya Ha to start her coaching and she quickly zeros in on the families' un-eco behaviour.

After living in darkness for a week, the Edwards family finally pass the water challenge and their energy hotspot is returned. Relieved and upbeat, they move on to the next hotspot challenge - a sixty percent reduction in their energy use.

This week, the Shepherd family face their toughest trial yet. The transport challenge is underway, and for university student Jesse, giving up his car is a huge sacrifice. Over at the Edwards household, the transport challenge rules spark debate.

The families have just two days to go and nerves are starting to fray. Have the Shepherds taken too big a risk putting their kids in control? Over at the Edwards home, Spike has taken a leaf out of Cam's eco book and he too has drawn up a master plan.