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Change Clothes Crumlin (CCC) exploded on to the Dublin fashion scene in 2022. Set up by Mary & Oileán, they aim to make sure pre-loved clothing is affordable, fashionable and fun - while also empowering and educating the community on why it's important to rethink our fashion model. Check out their website for more or follow them on Instagram @changeclothescrumlin.

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[04:00] Mary introduces herself and her journey into sustainability
[10:40] All the work CCC does
[13:30] Workshops
[15:10] Clothes banks
[24:15] Gender and clothes repair
[26:40] Tips for setting up a swap shop
[34:00] Fighting classism in the pre-loved fashion scene
[37:10] What changes need to happen from top down
[38:30] How to support the work & future of Change Clothes Crumlin
[44:45] Imagining the future

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Aoibhínn Nevin Ginnetty is currently an intern at Plan International Ireland which focuses on empowering children's rights across the globe, with a focus on gender equality. Have a listen as she shares her journey into politics and activism, and shares tips for encouraging other young people to get involved with environmental and societal action. Stay up to date with her campaign on Instagram via @sustainablysmart.plan or her personal account @aoibhwave.

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Timestamps:

[03:40] Aoibhínn introduces herself
[08:50] Why hasn’t politics been serving adequate climate action?
[10:30] The underrepresented youth in Irish politics
[13:15] Aoibhínn’s experience at COP
[16:55] Advice for encouraging young people in our lives to get politically active
[18:10] Who Plan are
[23:30] Why is gender equality linked with climate justice
[26:40] Lessons learned
[31:40] Aoibhínn’s other ‘leaves’ for people to add to their book
[36:00] Imagining the future

Also mentioned:

Eco Unesco

CEDAW - Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women

Beat The Clock Video

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Sam Bishop is the CEO of Neighbourhood Network which runs the wonderful Street Feast event due to take place this 25th & 26th of May. We’ll delve into the importance of bringing communities together in public spaces and how that helps create a climate just future. There are so many great initiatives to follow on socials but you can find them all via Neighbourhood Network's website or via their Instagram @neighbourhoodnetworkirl or @streetfeast.

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[01:15] Plea for Kildare Wildlife Rescue oiled birds crisis
[05:45] Sam introduces himself
[10:10] The positive impacts of stronger communities
[14:35] What street feasts is
[22:50] Tips for lowering the environmental impact of street feasts
[24:50] Any stand out moments / stories from Street Feasts
[26:30] What Neighbourhood Network’s aims are
[30:15] How Another Love Story festival combines community, arts, and climate
[35:15] Extra suggestions – cycling
[39:05] Vision for the future

Also Mentioned:

Green Sod Ireland land trust
WWOOF
CAT Centre for Alternative Technologies
Home Together

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I am so lucky to be able to create this podcast and I'm beyond grateful to you, the listener, not to mention all the wonderful guests who have taught us all so much. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

A special thanks to those who have contributed on Buy Me A Coffee or Patreon. It's been a lifeline at the beginning of every season. Thank you!

Timestamps:

[02:00] Thank you mam!
[04:15] Codie’s leaf – join ISSN, listen to Patrick Kirwan’s episode, follow @rockbrookgreenschool
[11:00] John Barry – democratizing college syllabus (learning about fast fashion), join a union, Left Bloc Media, ABC’s of Green Politics podcast , follow @profjohnbarry on X
[21:30] Stephen’s changes thanks to Niamh’s episode & how he’s rewilding
[23:30] Livia’s experience thanks to Joanna O’Dowd’s episode on clothes repair
[25:30] Pat’s work inspired by Bohemian’s Football Club
[26:45] Lavie’s leaf suggestion to support Riley for eco-friendly period products for individuals and businesses
[30:45] Caitlin’s clip from a Fairtrade / Friends of the Earth Cuppa for Climate event. Follow her on @wastelesswanderess
[36:05] Cian Prenderville’s, of Rupture Media, leaf! Book recommendation All We Want Is The Earth by Patrick Bresnihan
[41:15] Suggestions for guests from Aoife & Adam on music & war
[43:15] Aoife’s realisation that every action counts (see her vlog on YouTube)
[47:40] Draw for the hamper & exciting announcements!
[50:00] My advice for you if you want to start a podcast or community initiative.
[53:40] My gratitude plus a poem for you

Also mentioned:

Jiminy.ie eco toy store

Climate Alarm Clock Podcast

Eco Unesco, Plan International, NYCI for young people

From What Is to What If by Rob Hopkins on the power of imagination

Zero Waste Home by Bea Johnson book

Sustainable Life School with Diane & Nat

Litter pickup study by NORCE

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WhatsApp me a voice-note, or e-mail a message to bookofleavespodcast@gmail.com for episode 100 before April 25th!

Welcome back to Book of Leaves! I'm delighted to be coming out of a 3 month hibernation joined by Jana from Kildare Wildlife Rescue no less. As we're fully into Spring, there'll be a huge increase in wildlife calls and rescues needed, so there's no better time to learn how we can help their efforts. Visit their website for more info and don't forget to send a video of any wildlife you find to info@kwr.ie for assistance!

You can follow them on Facebook, Instagram @Kildarewildliferescue, or X @WildlifeKildare.

[00:15] Quick catch up with Ceara
[06:50] Jana introduces herself and her journey
[12:50] The training available within the wildlife rehabilitation community in Ireland
[14:55] How KWR came about
[17:20] What are the main cases of injured wildlife
[19:20] The main causes of those cases
[22:40] Preventing wildlife attacks from domestic cats
[26:30] Preventing the spread of diseases in garden birds
[29:50] Helping our mammals
[34:10] The truth about seagulls (they're not doing as well as people think)
[38:30] How to tell if an ‘abandoned’ animal is really abandoned and needs your help
[41:50] How to rescue wildlife outside of KWR’s location
[49:10] How to volunteer with and help KWR (e-mail volunteer@kwr.ie)
[52:15] Jana’s favourite moments from wildlife volunteering & most difficult animals to hand rear
[58:10] How Jana manages her mental health having to sometimes face animal cruelty and upsetting rescue cases

We also mentioned:

Irish Wildlife Trust
Birdwatch Ireland
Seal Rescue Ireland
Hedgehog Rescue
Bat Rehabilitation
Grey Abbey Veterinary hospital

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Tom Butler, together with his wife Pam, run an organisation called Astræa, through which they inspire people to think, act, and live in harmony with the planet and each other. They grow food on a small organic farm, host classes, sell books and much more. At their root, they are two people using their time on the planet to create positive change. It was a pleasure to chat to Tom and learn of his fascinating story. My mind was whirring with inspiration through this chat, I'm sure yours will too! You can find their website here or stay up to date with them on Instagram @BreatheThinkFlow.

[05:50] Tom introduces himself and his story / leaving the high life.

[17:50] Moving to Carlow

[20:10] Knowing your ancestors

[25:40] Astræa

[31:50] Feast Upon The Earth timescape book & exhibition.

[47:20] The meaning of ‘Breathe, think, flow’

Books mentioned:

The Serpent and the Goddess

Feast Upon The Earth

Humankind

From What Is to What If

Donate to UNICEF

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Bohemian Football Club (BFC) is the first football club in the world to set up a climate action committee and they’ve been doing a stellar job of it. I interviewed two of the people on the team, Sean McCabe and Leo McConnell to get the inside scoop on how they’ve been working. You can follow them on Instagram as @bfcdublin_clico or Facebook.

[05:05] Sean & Leo introduce themselves

[10:10] When and why did BFC incorporate climate action

[12:00] What does that climate action look like

[14:15] Why BFC doesn’t focus on carbon emissions generated on match days

[19:00] The impact on fans’ mindsets they’ve had so far

[20:20] Tips for other sports clubs and club members on incorporating climate action

[21:50] What help they need to grow their community spaces

[27:10] Other tips for people to take on to live more kindly to the planet

[32:00] Imagining the future

Donate to UNICEF

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Note from March 1st 2024 - we recorded this interview in November 2023. If you are wondering why Naomi doesn't refer to what's happening in Gaza as a g3noc!de, it's because things hadn't escalated as far as they have today. She now refers to it as a "Level 9 Extermination risk gen0cide". Language is important. Thank you for listening and please keep up the fight for a ceasefire.

"We are at war. The line is drawn between the people and the polluters."

Naomi Ní Shíocháin is a sustainability scientist whose main area of research is the 'Planetary Polycrisis' that exist, from climate to health to war. Facing this every day in her home life as well as work life, she has built a resilience that many of us lack - and rightly so because humans are not meant to experience the current ongoing tragedies. In this chat, Naomi shares some tools that has helped her own resilience, as well as giving is an aural hug. Naomi can be followed on LinkedIn, and Instagram @naominishiochain.

Trigger warning: Suicide mentioned in the time stamp below.

[04:30] Interview begins with an introduction from Naomi.
[09:05] Naomi recounts getting caught in the Californian fires in 2018.
[12:35] TW. The personal war we experience admits this planetary polycrisis. TW.
[26:05] What brings Naomi joy.
[30:30] Why we talk about ending war when we talk about having climate justice
[40:30] What can we as individuals can do to help
[45:25] How war affects emissions and biodiversity
[55:05] Imagining the future

"The depth of the truth we speak is the depth of the solutions that we can find to all of this"

The New Climate War by Prof. Michael Mann

Bright New World by Cindy Forde

Donate to UNICEF

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It was such an honour to chat to Anja Murray who many of you may know from being the presenter of Eco Eye. She also is a writer (Wild Embrace & a weekly column with the Irish Examiner), a radio show host (Naturefile with RTE Lyfric FM) on top of having worked in policy in the NGO sector for many years. You can follow her on Instagram @miseanja & X @miseanja. I hope you enjoy taking a leaf out of her book and find the wonder in nature.

[02:40] Anja begins by introducing herself
[04:15] What motivated Anja to get active
[07:40] What working in policy & advocacy is like
[14:45] Why decision makers are so reluctant and how can we change that
[18:10] How Anja began working in broadcasting
[23:45] Why she wrote her book and the importance of connecting to the wonder of nature
[35:10] Three legged stool metaphor: action, knowledge, wonder
[38:45] Tips for spending time in nature
[52:15] Imagining the future

Also mentioned:

Eco Eye

Naturefile

Wild Embrace

Birdsong identifying app - Merlin

Donate to UNICEF

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I've heard of skip diving and second hand shopping, but salvage yards were not something I knew even existed in Ireland until Harry got in touch about the work he does. Euro Salve has been running for 25 years, based in Kilkenny. A wonderland of treasures, high quality timber, garden furniture, you name it! Giving these items a new lease of life and diverting them from landfill is a lovely way to live more kindly on the planet. Follow Euro Salve on Instagram @kilkennyarchitecturalsalvage, TikTok @kilkennyarchsalvage, Pinterest or Facebook.

[03:05] Harry introduces himself

[06:45] What is a salvage yard?

[09:55] The impacts of the fast furniture industry

[15:30]Difference between vintage stores and a salvage yard

[19:05] How people can sell items to Euro Salve

[31:25] Visiting the yard – opening times and walking up

[24:10] Interesting & strange items that have passed through

Donate to UNICEF

(National Tour Ceara is doing: click here! )

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Sophia McConnon is a youth activist I saw speaking at a climate conference over the summer. She was raising awareness of the detrimental effects mining has had on her community, which began with a large sinkhole that destroyed the local GAA playing field, community centre, and 3 surrounding fields. New mines are constantly being explored across the country, but Sophia and the rest of Magheracloone Against Mining are trying to keep communities and our environments safe. Support them on 'X' @MiningAgainst and Instagram @magheracloone_against_mining or Facebook.

[05:25] Sophia introduces herself

[06:35] The sinkhole

[12:40] What the relationship between the community and the mining group is like

[18:05] What are their aims and what’s been happening since they started as well as advice for other groups

[21:05] What non locals can do to help the Magheracloone community

[23:15] How landowners can prevent mining under their land

[24:55] Was this the main inspiration for Sophia to become and activist or did she have a relationship to the environment before?

[29:05] Tips for older activists when interacting with youth activists, & mental health

[35:55] Imagining the future

CAIM – Communities against the injustices of mining

Drumgossatt/Knocknacran Residents Group Facebook

Donate to UNICEF

(National Tour Ceara is doing: click here! )

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If you’ve ever attended a protest for human or animal rights, chances are Laura has been in the crowd every single time. An activist since her teens, they have a wealth of experience and compassion they primarily use to drive the campaigns of NARA (National Animal Rights Association). Their most pressing campaign at the moment is the one to ban hare coursing which we cover in detail. Keep up to date with NARA on Instagram, on X and Facebook by searching @naracampaigns.

[04:20] Laura’s journey into activism
[08:20] The link between animal and human exploitation.
[10:45] How anger can benefit activism
[14:20] What Laura thinks is needed between vegan and non vegan environmentalists
[22:05] NARA’s Campaign to end hare coursing
[28:00] Why is hare coursing also an environmental issue?
[33:40] How landowners can stop coursing on their land
[34:55] What can the public do to help this campaign?
[39:30] When do we expect the bill to be in the Dáil?
[41:40] Laura’s imagining of the future

Nature Rising

Dublin Vegfest

(National Tour Ceara is doing: click here! )

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I've been wanting to cover Doughnut Economics (DE) since I heard of Kate Raworth who coined the theory. Economics is NOT my strong point, so I was delighted to meet Roisin Markham at an even in Cloughjordan Eco Village who has - almost accidentally - become one of the reps for DE in Ireland. She's also a brilliant visual artist and all around amazing, generous individual. Stay up to date with her on @creativedynamix on socials

[03:25] Interview begins

[04:15] Owning ‘I’m a climate activist’

[06:55] Who inspired Róisín’s connection with the Earth

[10:25] Getting in to Doughnut Economics & what it means

[18:45] Systems thinking explained

[22:55] Being agnostic about growth

[26:15] Circular economics fitting in to DE

[30:55] How IDEN is engaging and educate communities

[36:25] Other ‘leaves’ Roisin has for listeners: advocating for climate in the job you’re already doing

[45:45] Roisin’s favourite things about the future

Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st-Century Economist by Kate Raworth

DEAL - Doughnut Economics Action Lab - people can sign up

National Doughnuts

Good Life Leeds Study

Ireland's Doughnut

IDEN Irish Doughnut Economics Network - it has a sign up link on the front page

Profile on DEAL

Getting started page; has links for more information

Work on Climate - run by ex-Google employees

Hurd app - input data on your company's climate action

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Darragh Wynne is a climate activist and host of the Climate Alarm Clock podcast, which you would have heard me chat about before. It’s a wonderful climate news podcast, based in Ireland and definitely worth checking out. You can find it wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with them on ‘X’ @theclimatealarm or Instagram @climatealarmclock.

I had a lovely time hearing Darragh’s story and talking through how we can improve climate communications. Below is a list of everything covered!

[06:15] Interview begins

[14:00] Tips for people who feel alone in the climate movement

[18:00] The COVID Alarm Clock podcast

[19:55] How the media have improved and what they can do better

[26:25] Darragh’s tips on managing his mental health while reporting on climate news

[29:45] How to communicate the need for climate action outside of the climate bubble

[33:40] Ripple effects experienced in his activism

[41:45] Darragh’s favourite thing about the future

(National Tour Ceara is doing: click here! )

Hometree

Climate Alarm Clock

Carbon Neutral Lent Podcast

15th September Climate Psychology Conference

26th September Climate Café

3rd November in NUIG the role of universities

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Light pollution can often be overlooked as harmful to the environment as it’s taught to result in aesthetic consequences. Thankfully there are people like Georgia from Friends of Mayo Dark Skies working hard to not only educate people, but implement changes at local and national levels to ‘light right’. Keep up to date with their work on Twitter @MayoDarkSkies Facebook or Instagram @MayoDarkSkies or find all you need to know on www.darksky.ie or www.mayodarkskypark.ie. Annual festival information is available on www.mayodarkskyfestival.ie

[04:10] Georgia introduces herself and her path into the Dark Sky movement

[07:55] What’s the problem with light pollution?

[09:50] Statistics of street lighting in Ireland & lives they affect

[11:55] Why moths etc are attracted to lights

[13:15] The colour of lights matters

[16:20] Light pollution culprits & countries that are improving light regulation

[21:25] How Newport in Mayo improved their lighting

[26:10] What can community members do in the garden and at home to improve lighting

Galloway Dark Sky Park in Scotland

Essex part night lighting scheme

Marnie Ogg dark sky Australia

Lightpollutionmap.info

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Jessica Dunne is an activist I met at the recent Mary Robinson Climate Conference. She has put thousands of hours into campaigning for a just future across various groups such as Fridays For Future and Young Friends of the Earth. I wanted to interview her for advice on people (young or old) looking to join the movement, and also discuss the importance of having a unified front! You can follow her on Twitter @UpNorthsCold or Instagram @UpNorthItGetsCold

[06:50] Jessica’s inspiration for being aware of the climate emergency
[10:30] How Jessica keeps momentum on activism & recruiting more people
[14:10] Her experience of not being valued as a young activist
[20:10] Mary Robinson climate conference experience & having a unified front
[36:45] Favourite protest moments
[39:40] Solidarity vs allyship

Also Mentioned:

ISSN

Young Friends of the Earth

Fridays for Future

What White People Can Do Next by Emma Dabiri

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Eddie Mitchell has been a prominent activist in Ireland, contributing to the ban on fracking here and now devoting a lot of his time to extractivism in the country. He'll also be participating at this year's Climate Camp in August (9th-12th) which I'd encourage you to go to! Stay up to date with Eddy's activism by following him on Twitter @WestyEddy.

[04:20] Eddie introduces himself & path into environmental activism
[08:50] How Eddie feels about the threat of fracked gas being allowed back into the country.
[10:30] The various groups Eddie volunteers with: Save Leitrim
[14:25] Treasure Leitrim – gold mining
[17:20] CAIM - Communities against the injustices of mining
[19:40] Critical Minerals Regulation
[27:55] Climate Camp www.climatecampireland.ie/

Also mentioned:

Johnny McElligott - Safety before Shannon LNG

Futureproof Clare

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Joanna O'Dowd has one of those shining accounts on Instagram that's not only full of practical sustainable tips, but lots of positivity, needed now more than ever! The runs sewing classes in Cork and can be followed on Instagram @joannasfeelingcrafty and YouTube.

[07:40] Joanna introduces herself
[15:25] Why Joanna doesn’t like the term zero waste.
[18:50] How sewing & mending came back into Joanna’s life
[26:55] SHEIN’s recent PR stunt and how Joanna felt about it
[22:15] Joanna’s classes leading to creativity
[34:50] Tips for making your wardrobe last and loving your clothes
[46:40] Tips for sewing repairs
[49:20] Sourcing fabric in an eco friendly way

Also mentioned:

Everything is Figuroutable – book.
Kindfolk children’s upcycled clothes
Domestika
Skillshare
Fabric Romance – sustainable fabric shop

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Whether or not you have participated in gardening (community or otherwise), this episode is bound to be inspirational for you. If you're in Cork, check out the various organisations Maria is involved with. Otherwise, search your locality for a food policy council, SHEP branch or community garden. The latter you can always set up yourself! Make sure to stay up to date with Togher Community Garden on Facebook, Twitter @GardenTogher or Instagram @TogherCommunityGarden.

[04:20] Maria's introduces herself
[07:20] What is SHEP, Cork Food Policy Council & Green Spaces for Health
[10:50] Turning a graveyard into a community garden
[18:10] Their tree nursery & how to create your own
[22:30] How to find land for tree nurseries
[26:35] What is a community garden and how do they differ from allotments? Togher garden as the example.
[34:20] Stories Maria has that demonstrate the ripple effect of the garden
[38:55] *Maria’s favourite community gardening tips
[46:20] Dealing with pests organically
[49:30] A seed library & keeping it wild
[54:05] Maria’s imagination of the future

Also Mentioned:

Joanna Macy

Rob Hopkins

Ashleigh Ellis - Artist Dying Fabric

Trees Please

Tidy Towns

The Solidarity Garden – for people living in Direct Provision

Seedsavers in Clare

Brown Envelope Seeds Company

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With 62% of people in Ireland being regular drinkers of coffee, a bean we can't grow in Ireland, how can we make our consumption more sustainable? Alejandro, the man behind Ethical Origin, uses his Columbian roots to our advantage, and connects Ireland directly to coffee farmers.

[03:25] Alejandro introduces himself

[08:25] Ethical Origin. What’s it all about?

[11:25] A look into the issues coffee & chocolate farmers face

[15:55] How the cocaine industry affects people in Columbia

[22:25] The importance of roasted at origin

[23:45] Other tips for people who want to consume coffee ethically

[26:25] Stories from farmers since Ethical Origin started

Also mentioned:

Water Movement in Columbia

Fairtrade

Kildare's Picnic In The Park day, Sunday the 18th of June '23

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@tryingtobegreensince2016 is an Instagram account run by teacher Ide. She constantly shares the most thoughtful eco alternatives for absolutely everything. Like me, she's no expert on environmentalism, but you don't have to be to make a difference! She has generated so much advice over the years, I'm only delighted to have her share some insights and tips on Book of Leaves. Have a listen!

[03:20] Ide introduces herself

[06:05] What it was like to buy nothing for a year

[09:20] Sourcing furniture second hand

[13:20] Green hacks for getting food and reducing food waste

[17:35] Dumpster diving in Ireland

[21:10] How to scope out dumpsters for diving

[22:40] Ide’s sustainable fashion tips, including a capsule wardrobe

[26:10] How Ide nourishes her mental health

[31:05] What it’s like trying to be zero waste in Ide’s work setting of teaching

[34:20] Sustainable socks and underwear

[40:00] Ide’s Fairphone – a modular phone that you can repair

[42:00] Eco travel tips

[45:20] Ide’s favourite thing about the future & final tips

Also Mentioned:

Depop
Olio
Adverts
Donedeal
Patagonia
Dedoles
Rockay Running sport socks

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‘Save the paper!’ is something we hear so often, but every email, every website loaded and attachment sent, has a carbon footprint. This waste is often tucked away in data centres and thus out of sight, out of mind. Gerry McGovern has been working with the internet since the 90s and is here to remind us that digital is very much physical. From waste produced by our electronic goods to what needs to change systemically to reduce our data use, Gerry is an absolute wealth of knowledge. Make sure to get a copy of his latest book World Wide Waste, or check out his podcast of the same name.

[02:00] Gerry introduces himself
[04:30] E-waste and data waste explained
[09:30] Why tech devices are not made to be recycled
[17:00] How companies and groups can stop contributing to child labour and e-waste
[21:00] What’s the story with data centres?
[29:30] Measures we can take to reduce our data use and energy consumption
[34:25] When Ceara met a group of data centre staff from Meta.
[41:00] Ireland as a mining friendly country

Also mentioned:

Right to Repair

Yes to Life, No to Mining

Fairphone eco-friendly modular phone company

Framework – modular design computer

CAIM Anti mining group

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I only came across the amazing work of Sea Shepherd Ireland recently, despite them being around for years and doing absolutely amazing work! I hope you enjoy hearing country director Emma Tuite's beautiful story in how her love for the sea and its creatures developed, alongside the importance of Ireland in protecting our marine areas. Sea Shepherd are always on the look for volunteers, so get in touch with them if you'd like to know more! You can stay up to date with their campaigns on Instagram @seashepherdireland, Twitter @seashepherd_ie and Facebook.

[04:30] How Emma fell in love with the sea and all its inhabitants
[11:20] Crossing paths with Sea Shepherd for the first time
[13:45] The Cove documentary
[16:15] What Sea Shepherd do
[24:45] Ireland’s responsibility as an island, and the species in our waters
[31:20] Problems facing the ocean, particularly super trawlers & MPAs (Marine Protected Areas)
[34:55] How Sea Shepherd intervene unethical fishing & whaling practices works
[40:30] How to get involved & support Sea Shepherd
[49:55] Emma’s favourite thing about the future

Click here for an article about the campaign to stop the trade of shark fins in Europe. We'll find out by July 11th 2023 what the outcome will be.

Resources mentioned:

Watch The Cove documentary
Whale Wars
Blackfish
Rachel Brooks art
Chasing The Thunder
Faroe Islands Campaign
Fair Seas Ireland
Irish Wildlife Trust
Podcasts: Ecolution & Birdwatch Ireland

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Book of Leaves is baaaack! How I've missed ye. Have a listen to episode 80 to hear about what I'm up to, and some travel diaries for you. Having visited Asia for the first time a few weeks ago, I gathered a few travel tips as leaves you can add to to your book. In two weeks, I'll be back with our usual interview format. In the meantime, here's all the topics I cover:

[04:45] Upcoming event at Cúirt International Literature Festival
[06:30] Eco travel tips #1 Don’t underestimate the SIZE of Southeast Asia
[10:00] Offsetting travel (Onsets.org)
[11:15] Sleeper buses and trains ARE THE BEST!
[13:50] Water – avoiding plastic, not getting sick and mental health
[17:00] Eating plant based (is not as hard as you think)
[27:20] Singapore reaction

Links for you:

Vita
Onsets.org
HappyCow
Wwoof
Climate Alarm Clock
Climate Ambassador Programme & Podcast

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If you haven't heard of forest bathing before, well you're in for a treat! And no, you can keep your kit on and leave the bathrobe at home. Forest bathing is about bathing your senses in the surrounds of a forest. The mental and physical health benefits of this are astonishing and of course, it strengthens your relationship and awareness of nature. As we head into 2023, I thought there's no nicer leaf to finish out the season on than to spend more time in nature, so I asked the woman who brought me on one of my first forest bathing trips: Cat from Forest Bathing Wicklow! I hope you enjoyed this chat as much as I did. You can follow Cat on Instagram @forestbathingwicklow.

We chatted about:

[05:40] How the landscape differs between The Netherlands and Ireland.

[07:20] What is forest bathing?

[14:30] Other elements involved such as poetry and tea ceremonies.

[19:00] Optimal time spent forest bathing & health benefits.

[24:35] The pace of forest bathing.

[28:30] How certification to be a forest bathing guide works.

[30:50] Some of Cat's favourite moments that have happened on her forest bathing journey.

[38:20] Other eco tips from Cat

[43:40] Random questions!

Also mentioned:

Shinrin-Yoku book by Dr. Qing Li

Nadúr for forest bathing training & events

Becky Helmsley poet - Breathe poem

The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben

Unpacked zero waste shop in Kildare

Climate Love Ireland

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When I put the call out for suggestions of who I should interview on the podcast, Laragh McCann recommended interviewing her old school friend Fiona Byrne Ryan, who packed up her house and job to live in a tent in North Minnesota with her husband and son. How could I not! Fiona and her husband Brandon have been documenting their journey of what it's like to just be on and with the earth. They're about to start documenting the stories of indigenous communities too, so make sure you stay up to date with them on Instagram @wearebradonandfiona and YouTube, and keep an eye on UnHeardEarth.org for when that project takes off!

[05:40] The transition to living in a tent.
[14:30] Sharing indigenous stories.
[21:35] What was surprised or challenged them when the first embarked on a nomadic lifestyle.
[26:00] Could you live in a tent in Ireland?
[29:35] Tips for people looking to live more nomadically off the land.
[32:25] Unheard Earth - documenting indigenous communities.
[37:05] Random Questions!

Also Mentioned:

A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle
Anam Cara - Spiritual Wisdom from the Celtic World by John O'Donohue

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Just when I think I know all the essential information around Ireland’s woodlands, I learn that we have rainforests! Eoghan Daltun is on a mission to re-wild a neglected farm and lucky for us, he wrote about about the journey so far, so that we can have in on his learnings. Make sure to follow own on Twitter or Instagram @IrishRainforest for more facts and leaves to add to your book!

[02:45] Introduction from Eoghan & the farm he is rewilding.
[07:30] “Invasive species” & how he managed them.
[09:00] Reintroducing wolves or lynx back into Ireland.
[17:45] What Ireland’s landscape looked like before agriculture.
[21:30] How people can support Irish woodlands.
[24:00] Favourite forest facts.
[33:15] The misconception with Ivy.

Also mentioned:

The Native Woodland Scheme
The Irish Wildlife Trust
Native Woodland Trust

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The wellness industry can be very hypocritical. On one hand it encourages it to be good to ourselves, while on the other it perpetuates harmful beauty standards or uses materials that exploit animals and the planet. Stefanie from Glow Circle is an amazing example of how you can break tradition and use the power of plants to create eco friendly, vegan products, and promote a wellness culture that doesn't exploit anyone. Check out www.glowcircle.ie or follow them on Instagram @glowcirlce_

[04:40] Stefanie's introduction.

[07:20] Keeping a sense of wonder

[11:15] How Glow Circle came about. – Stefanie’s powerful birth story.

[16:40] Skincare begins.

[19:20] How the wellness industry is often not eco friendly.

[24:05] Using self care to build resilience for the climate movement.

[28:50] Examples of what various ailments plants are brilliant for.

[34:25] How candles can be unsustainable.

[42:20] Other markets Stef has coming up: RDS Gifted

[44:50] The future, & random questions!

Also mentioned:

Kale & Coco

Gifted RDS

Seaspiracy

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Only this year did I get to meet and work with Maeve for the first time, on a youth led climate project called Rising Tide (which is definitely worth checking out). Having known of her brilliant human rights and environmental activism through art for a long time, I'm only DElighted to finally have her on the show. You can check out her website here, where there's also a contact page, or follow her on Twitter @maevestone.

[06:30] How Maeve went down a path of activism.
[09:40] Change of Address & Direct Provision.
[14:30] Defining artivism and her favourite examples.
[20:40] Ireland’s role as storytellers in the climate movement.
[24:35] Maeve’s suggestions on how we can be more inclusive.
[30:40] 'How Do We Start?' book, and curiosity.
[33:40] Stone Circle Jewellery.
[45:10] Sustainable tips.
[51:40] Random question: teleportation & fast travel

Also mentioned:

Waking the Feminists
Ice Watch artivism example
AN GHAEILGE AGUS AN ÉICEOLAÍOCHT (IRISH AND ECOLOGY) book by Michael Cronin
32 Words for Field by Manchán Magan
The Accidental Activist show by Diane O'Connor
& Time To Act protest this Friday 11/11/22 at 12pm, leaving from Trinity College!

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I came to know Caitríona through Extinction Rebellion. She has been showing up to protests since she was a child, and organising them since she was in her teens! She is an activist who advocated anti war, animal rights, Repealing the 8th, and of course the environment. She is now a member of Connecting Cabra & The Dóthain Collective, as well as being a recent graduate of the DCU Masters in Climate Change programme. You can follow her on Twitter @KennyCaitriona.

We covered:

[04:30] What inspired Caitriona to be the change she wanted to see.

[06:50] Connecting Cabra – what’s involved & how it started.

[13:40] Advice for anyone wanting to start a community group.

[14:35] DCU Masters in Climate Change

[21:00] How the climate movement can’t be discriminatory to marginalised groups such as disabled & working class communities.

[30:50] Framing climate action in a positive light.

[35:15] Tips for saving money that are also more eco friendly!

[40:10] Her favourite protest memories.

[43:00] Random questions

Also mentioned:

Energy Master Plan

Bloomin' Crumlin

Ringsend Sustainable Energy Community

Ecolution

Environmental Justice in Ireland report

Commuinity Supported Agriculture (CSA)

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Common Knowledge is a new non-profit community based in County Clare, whose goal is to facilitate the sharing of skills we have almost lost over the years. From building a home works with nature as opposed to against, making ropes from scratch, or dyeing your own clothes with natural dyes, there's nothing this community isn't open to sharing! Check out their website, donate to their fundraiser, and stay up to date on Instagram and Twitter @common_k_.

[05:35] What Earthships are.

[13:20] Rekindle Festival

[18:30] Wasted wool

[23:10] How Common Knowledge started

[29:15] What else is involved that isn’t necessarily related to building your own home

[34:30] Empowering women

[43:10] Random Questions!

Also mentioned:

HomeTree

4Hands Food Studio

Concern's FREE CopOn festival

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A film student turned gardener, Connor Howlett is now based in Inchicore where he works as a gardener for Stillgarden Distillery. Why and how would a distillery use various gardens and organise foraging adventures? Well you'll just have to listen to find out! You can stay up to date with Connor on Instagram @thegardenerder, but don't forget to also follow @stillgarden_socialbotanists and @stillgardendistillery to keep up with their innovations and community projects!

[06:30] How Connor got into gardening.
[10:20] The work he does for Stillgarden.
[13:25] How Stillgarden approaches distilling differently.
[16:45] Using by-products differently.
[21:25] How the social botanist programme started.
[25:30] The benefits Connor experienced of community gardening.
[32:30] Ways in which people living in apartments can grow food.
[37:00] Foraging tips & resources.
[44:20] Final takeaway: peatfree compost & random questions!

Also mentioned:

Rascals Brewery

Pocket Forests

Culture Near You

Community Gardens Ireland

Wildfooduk.com

Quick Cuppa Herbal by Fiann Ó'Nualláin

RTÉ Programme Faoi Bhláth

The Imposter Documentary

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[06:30] How Connor got into gardening.
[10:20] The work he does for Stillgarden.
[13:25] How Stillgarden approaches distilling differently.
[16:45] Using by-products differently.
[21:25] How the social botanist programme started.
[25:30] The benefits Connor experienced of community gardening.
[32:30] Ways in which people living in apartments can grow food.
[37:00] Foraging tips & resources.
[44:20] Final takeaway: peatfree compost & random questions!

Also mentioned:

Rascals Brewery

Pocket Forests

Culture Near You

Community Gardens Ireland

Wildfooduk.com

Quick Cuppa Herbal by Fiann Ó'Nualláin

RTÉ Programme Faoi Bhláth

The Imposter Documentary

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[06:30] How Connor got into gardening.
[10:20] The work he does for Stillgarden.
[13:25] How Stillgarden approaches distilling differently.
[16:45] Using by-products differently.
[21:25] How the social botanist programme started.
[25:30] The benefits Connor experienced of community gardening.
[32:30] Ways in which people living in apartments can grow food.
[37:00] Foraging tips & resources.
[44:20] Final takeaway: peatfree compost & random questions!

Also mentioned:

Rascals Brewery

Pocket Forests

Culture Near You

Community Gardens Ireland

Wildfooduk.com

Quick Cuppa Herbal by Fiann Ó'Nualláin

RTÉ Programme Faoi Bhláth

The Imposter Documentary

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This interview is with website designer and ethical activist JR Doyle of Kindly JR. Not only is she a wonderful person to work with, but I have learned so much from her since we connected on social media, and even more so in this interview. Whether you subscribe to all the emails, or you have a website of your own, I'm sure there'll be a leaf or two you can take away from JR's book. Don't forget to follow her on Instagram @kindlyjr_ or Facebook, and make sure to check out her website for more tips!

[03:55] What inspired her to become eco conscious.
[10:00] How JR’s journey into tech came about
[21:10] The environmental impact the internet has, and how.
[24:30] What changes people can make to their own online habits for them to have a lower impact.
[31:20] Reducing the carbon footprint of your website.
[37:10] Data centres
[43:10] Random Questions

Also mentioned:

Voice Ireland
Kildare Local Enterprise Office (LEO)

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[03:55] What inspired her to become eco conscious.
[10:00] How JR’s journey into tech came about
[21:10] The environmental impact the internet has, and how.
[24:30] What changes people can make to their own online habits for them to have a lower impact.
[31:20] Reducing the carbon footprint of your website.
[37:10] Data centres
[43:10] Random Questions

Also mentioned:

Voice Ireland
Kildare Local Enterprise Office (LEO)

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[03:55] What inspired her to become eco conscious.
[10:00] How JR’s journey into tech came about
[21:10] The environmental impact the internet has, and how.
[24:30] What changes people can make to their own online habits for them to have a lower impact.
[31:20] Reducing the carbon footprint of your website.
[37:10] Data centres
[43:10] Random Questions

Also mentioned:

Voice Ireland
Kildare Local Enterprise Office (LEO)

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Evelyn Suttle joins me for episode 70 to chat veganism, civil resistance, food security in Ireland, and Eco Feminism. With ties to so many groups that are striving to make the world a better place, Evelyn is a wonderful source of inspiration, whether you're a seasoned activist, or new to the movement. You can find all resources mentioned in below, but make sure to stay up to date with @Veghuns.

[05:20] A little bit about Evelyn.

[15:10] How Veghuns came about.

[19:20] How activism manifests for Evelyn, & her favourite part of it.

[25:05] Eco Farm Ireland.

[32:50] Animal Rebellion Ireland.

[35:35] Why we need civil disobedience.

[40:20] Tips for people who have yet to dip their toe into civil resistance or activism.

[45:40] Evelyn’s writing on Feminist Animal Studies Application (Votes Fur Women)

Also mentioned:

Vegmums

Zac’s episode

Animal Rebellion

Extinction Rebellion

Sli Eile

Galway Feminist Collective

NARA

Vegfest

Corey Lee Wren’s Animals In Irish Society Book or Podcast

Caliban and the Witch by Silvia Federici

Kildare Wildlife Rescue

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[05:20] A little bit about Evelyn.

[15:10] How Veghuns came about.

[19:20] How activism manifests for Evelyn, & her favourite part of it.

[25:05] Eco Farm Ireland.

[32:50] Animal Rebellion Ireland.

[35:35] Why we need civil disobedience.

[40:20] Tips for people who have yet to dip their toe into civil resistance or activism.

[45:40] Evelyn’s writing on Feminist Animal Studies Application (Votes Fur Women)

Also mentioned:

Vegmums

Zac’s episode

Animal Rebellion

Extinction Rebellion

Sli Eile

Galway Feminist Collective

NARA

Vegfest

Corey Lee Wren’s Animals In Irish Society Book or Podcast

Caliban and the Witch by Silvia Federici

Kildare Wildlife Rescue

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You may have come across Orla Murphy’s story if you follow Irish climate activist groups, as they spent 5 weeks in prison last year for a direct action at Iveagh House that sparked some controversy. Here, Orla tells of their two actions that resulted in arrest here in Ireland, the ‘justice’ that was served, as well the broken prison system. We end with practical advice and tips that anyone can take. You can reach out to Orla directly on Instagram @orlamurphy_01 or Twitter @orlamurphy_k

[03:00] What inspired Orla to take action over injustices

[06:30] What is Civil Resistance & Civil Disobedience

[08:20] The freedom riders.

[13:15] Orla’s first action where they were arrested.

[20:00] Their Iveagh House action & second arrest.

[29:00] Prison

[38:00] The courtcase & outcome.

[44:40] Why have civil disobedience if our justice system is failing.

Mentioned:

Zac’s Podcast episode

Just Stop Oil

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Diane is a wonderful beacon of joy in the climate movement in Ireland. She weaves activism into all aspects of her life from parenting & running The Sustainable Life School to her stand-up comedy shows. Full of practical tips and many laughs, I hope you enjoy this chat! Don't forget to check out their website and follow @SustainableLifeSchool and @DianeOConnor9 on Instagram for more tips and laughs.

[04:25] Her inspiration for caring for the earth, and getting into comedy.
[08:55] Getting back into activism.
[13:50] How the Sustainable Life School started.
[22:10] Cloth nappies & other eco-parenting tips.
[28:50] Final thoughts & random questions!

Also mentioned:

The Climate Ambassador Programme
Bright Club Ireland - Science Based Comedy Club
Small Changes.
Swedish Stockings.

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Rachel Dempsey has been clued into the environmental crisis since way before it was ‘cool’. She has a fascinating wealth of knowledge she has picked up and shared all across the world and I’m honoured to have been given her time for this interview. She was also the original creator of the Zero Waste Ireland Facebook group that has been mentioned on the podcast so many times before thanks to its helpfulness! Be sure to check out her website and give a follow on Instagram @full_circle_change or Facebook.

[04:30] What it means to be a good ancestor.
[06:35] The Zero Waste Ireland Facebook group
[08:00] The work Rachel does
[11:00] How singing helps with healing.
[15:05] What climate anxiety looks like.
[17:00] How our health system is set up to deal with climate anxiety in people.
[23:30] Tips on becoming resilient.
[28:00] How change happens? Positive stories.
[32:00] Watching for climate anxiety warning signs
[35:20] What workshops & services Rachel provides now
[38:20] A song from Rachel

Mentioned:

The Good Ancestor Podcast
Timi’s interview / Sorcha's interview
Zero Waste Ireland Facebook Group
Capacitar https://capacitar.org/
Climate cafès
Britt Wray: Ted Talk / Generation Dread book
Laura Hartley for workshops on burnout
Songs for the Great Turning
Active Hope book by Joanna Macy
A Field Guide To Climate Anxiety by Sarah Jaquette Ray

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Patrick began an initiative with VOICE Ireland called Picker Pals that started with an unfortunate incident that turned into magic... Make sure to check out www.pickerpalsworld.org to request a pack or check out their resources. They also have a YouTube and can be followed on Facebook, Instagram @pickerpals and Twitter @pickerpalsworld

[04:10] Intro to Patrick.
[06:20] How Picker Pals came about.
[14:50] Why this work is worth doing.
[17:25] What are the most common things you find on cleans, and what are the most unusual?
[18:45] What schoolkids are told about waste and how they react.
[24:20] How people can request a picker pack to their school.
[27:25] The magic of litter picking.
[29:50] Random Questions!

Mentioned:

Ecolution kid's podcast
The Tidy Towns
Clean Coasts
Green Schools
Flossie & The Beach Cleaners
Crumlin Clean Up Group
Client Earth book.
Elements of Change festival with Cultivate

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For episode 65 I chatted to Amy O'Brien whom you may know from The Sustainable Sleepover Podcast (which I definitely recommend checking out if you haven't already!) about her experience as an activism campaigning for social justice from climate issues to women's rights. You can keep up to date with her on Instagram @b_amyo or find her other socials and projects here.

[03.35] Who Amy is!
[06:00]] What instilled a love of nature in Amy.
[10:35] The Sustainable Sleepover Club podcast.
[14:05] Stand out moment of the podast: Episode 4 with Mitsy
[16:45] What it means to listen more.
[20:05] What Amy thinks needs to be done on a systemic as well as individual level to solve the climate crisis.
[23:05] Amy’s experience of being treated differently as a young female activist.
[27:15] What is the National Youth Assembly?
[30:15] Amy’s tips for self care and preventing burn-out.
[34:05] Amy’s favourite protest memory.
[40:05] Random questions!

Also mentioned in the episode:

Comhairle na nÓg.
Spun Out.
Ombudsman for Children Youth Advisory Panel
Fridays for Future
The Future Generations Project by National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI)
I Am Malala book
Feminists Don’t Wear Pink (and Other Lies) by Scarlett Curtis
13th Documentary
Abolition. Feminism. Now. Book by Angela Y. Davis, Gina Dent, Erica R. Meiners, Beth E. Richie

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There’s no better time to give as much help to our pollinators than now. Úna is a wealth of knowledge and the work of the National Biodiversity Data Centre, including the All Ireland Pollinator Plan, is crucial. Stay up to date with their work by signing up to their newsletter or following them on Twitter @BioDataCentre @PollinatorPlan , Instagram @biodatacentre @allirelandpollinatorplan & Facebook.

[04:30] Getting to know Úna.
[06:30] When she realised ecology protection was moving in the wrong direction.
[10:10] How the NBDC works & what kind of data can be collected.
[13:10] What the All Ireland Pollinator Plan is.
[15:30] What pollinators are.
[16:50] The 3 main reasons we need to protect pollinators.
[19:15] The main threats to pollinators.
[20:45] How the changing weather affects them.
[23:10] Solutions! How to help.
[33:00] The issue with honeybees.

Also mentioned:

Explore Your Shore data collection.
A Thousand Mornings by Mary Oliver.
Book of Leaves event on the 18th May 2022.

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For the longest time I've wanted to learn about the hemp industry in Ireland, so I reached out to the Hemp Cooperative who suggested I chat to Freya Bartels, a hemp farmer based in Mayo. This is an area I know nothing about so I hope you'll enjoy learning with me! If you're interested in staying up to date with all things hemp farming, you can follow the co-op on Twitter @hempcooperative , Facebook or Instagram @hemp_cooperative_ireland, or support by becoming a member.

[03:40] Getting to know Freya.
[07:00] Permaculture, food forests, & community box schemes.
[12:55] What hemp is.
[15:15] How it’s grown.
[18:25] How the carbon sequestration of hemp works.
[21:55] The various uses of the varying types of hemp plants.
[26:25] What kind of land the crop needs to grow on.
[29:45] Uses for hemp in our food industry.
[31:05] What is the hemp industry like in Ireland including challenges.
[35:00] First thing you’d say to someone interested in farming hemp.
[37:00] How can people who aren’t farmers help get hemp onto more acres here?
[39:00] How the ‘Misuse of Drugs Act’ is affecting the industry.
[45:45] Random Questions!

Also mentioned:

WWOOFers – a volunteer network
Community Box Schemes

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For the first episode after the break, I want to introduce you to a secondary school teacher, Patrick Kirwan (thank you Codie for the recommendation!). His story is such an inspirational one that I hope you'll be as encouraged as I am by him and share this with as many students and teachers as possible! You can follow Patrick on Twitter @GrowGardeners or the Irish Schools Sustainability Network at @IrishSchSusty.

We covered:

[05:05] When Patrick was inspired to get active.

[10:30] The earliest climate action he incorporated into his work.

[28:05] The role the education system plays in tackling climate change.

[41:50] Irish Schools Sustainability Network (ISSN) & Climate & Nature Summit.

[48:50] The recent IPCC report reactions.

[51:40] Random questions!

Also mentioned:

Kevin O’Sullivan - Irish Times Environmental Editor

Edmund Rice Schools Trust (ERST)

Climate & Nature Summit participants: WWF, Voice, Ecounesco, Concern, Green Schools, Clover Hogan, SEAI

Eoin Dalton - Irish Rainforests

Rachel O’Connor - Principal

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Hello and welcome back to Book of Leaves! I am coming out of my annual podcast hibernation and I cannot wait to see where the year takes us. Who knows who I'll get chatting to or what I'll learn by the end of the year and I'm so excited to have you on this journey with me.

Before I release episode 62, the opening act, I wanted to share an update as to what I've been doing since January and announce what's upcoming for the podcast regarding episodes and also...events! A real life, in person event!

There's a few resources I mention in this episode. I'll link them here so you can find them:

Shinrin-Yoku by Dr Qing Li
Life in Ireland by Conor O'Brien
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
The Sustainable Sleepover Club podcast
Climate Alarm Clock podcast
Tickets to LIVE event with Saoirse Exton & Manchán Magan
Cultivate Elements of Change Festival June 2022

As always, you can support this podcast on Patreon or Buy Me a Coffee, and if you listen on Apple Podcasts, please leave a review x

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For episode 61 and the last in season 3 of the podcast, I interviewed Jane Killingbeck about The Work That Reconnects. Developed by Joanna Macy, in her own words "The Work that Reconnects helps people discover and experience their innate connections with each other and the self-healing powers of the web of life, transforming despair and overwhelm into inspired, collaborative action."

Jane is one of few people who provide workshops on this practice in Ireland and so I was delighted to chat to her. This is a hard time of year, and life, for so many, so I hope you find some tools to strengthen your well-being in this.

You can email Jane at janekillingbeck1@hotmail.com or follow her on Facebook, here.

Thank you for listening for yet another year. The pleasure has been all mine! See you back in April.

[07:30] Jane’s introduction.
[09 :35] Where Jane’s love for nature came from.
[13:05] How she started involvement with The Work That Reconnects.
[17:00] What a council of all beings is and Jane’s first experience of one.
[22:50] Inside a Work That Reconnects Workshop.
[27:25] Gratitude.
[34:45] Individual change & the power of it.
[45:00] Attachment to things & situations.
[47:20] What Jane does when feeling overwhelmed.
[51:20] Ishayas Ascension meditation.
[54:35] Random Questions!

Here is a link to the book Active Hope.

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For episode 60, I chatted to Ahmad Mu'azzam, one of the creators behind Evocco, a food impact tracking app. I reached out to him for an interview after finding the app and their newsletter so helpful and full of solution based tips. This episode is encompasses simple practices we can take on board systemically and individually.

[06:10] Ahmad's introduction.
[09:15] How and when Evocco started.
[13:20] Planetary Boundaries & how the app works.
[16:30] What Ahmad would say to people who don’t think their individual shopping habits make a difference.
[19:50] How the app has been received since public release.
[21:17] Where Ahmad can see his activism work going in future.
[23:40] Tips for instantly reducing your impact when food shopping.
[26:30] What needs to happen systemically for food shopping habits to improve.
[28:40] Random questions!

Click here for my Christmas episodes!

Climate Ambassador Podcast Episode 18 about Food Waste.

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You can hear how much I enjoyed this chat with Flossie Donnelly on all things beach cleaning! The name Jeremy will forever have a new meaning… Stay up to date with her ventures on Instagram @Flossieandthebeachcleaners! and you can find out more about their workshops on their website at www.flossieandthebeachcleaners.com. Don't forget to rate, review, share, and if you can, please support this podcast on Patreon ( https://www.patreon.com/bookofleaves ). More on: http://bookofleavespodcast.com/

[04:30] Getting to know Flossie and how she learned about plastic waste.
[08:10] How the beach cleans started and how often they go.
[10:45] The most common waste items they find.
[11:55] What they do with intact clothes & objects they save.
[16:25] What Flossie thinks needs to change so people aren’t discarding as much waste on the beach.
[19:20] How the name came about.
[22:50] Making environmentalism a core subject in schools.
[26:40] Flossie’s experience of adults treating her or her activism differently because of her age.
[31:05] Some of the more unusual items Flossie has found on cleans!
[36:10] Random Questions.

Don't forget to please to sign and share this petition to make environmentalism a core subject in secondary schools.

To find a clean up community, as well as Flossie you can check out Clean Coasts, Climate Love Ireland, Understory or search the web for ‘local clean up group’. You’ll be surprised as to what’s already near you!

Check out Jiminy or Reuzi for a litter picker. And listen to their episodes too #9 or #8.

RTÉ Flossie Programme.

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Episode 58 has me chat to Laragh McCann, a former model turned activist, film maker, and fellow jack of all trades! She is also the force behind 100% ReLoved and the founder of Climate Love Ireland. You can follow them on Facebook or @climateloveireland and @100percentreloved_ on Instagram.

Some of the topics we covered are:

[07:30] An introduction from Laragh, and her journey from modelling to environmentalism.
[15:35] Climate Love Ireland - what it is and how it came about.
[17:30] 100% ReLoved & learning about the effects of fast fashion.
[25:30] Conversations sparked by the pin.
[28:50] Making your own pin.
[37:00] Random Questions!

Mentioned:

Reuzi & Thriftify as stockists of the pin.
Emma Conway who designed the CLI logo which is used for the 100% ReLoved pin.
Nu Wardrobe.
Grown Clothing.
Ellen MacArthur Foundation - re circular economy.
Brading Sweetgrass Book.

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Past interviewee & marine biologist Ruth Leeney, has made herself quite busy since speaking to her last in June 2020. Have a listen to that episode, 32, here! Now we're here to chat about her upcoming book campaigns, bottom trawling and some of the animals she is working so hard to conserve. You can follow her on Instagram @ruleeney.

[05:30] An intro to Ruth & what she's been up to this past year.
[08:55] Dugongs & the book she's written about them.
[14:25] Her sawfish book she's currently crowdfunding for, & all about sawfish.
[20:15] How their populations are doing now.
[23:50] What’s threatening them.
[30:15] What we can do to help.
[37:35] Seaspiracy reaction.
[41:00] Random Questions!

Before you go, have a look at the links below as some calls to action might tickle your fancy!

Support her kickstarter here.
Check out the new coalition that is Transform Bottom Trawling that Ruth is a part of. They have some really useful info and graphics that you can download and it's available in several languages.
Find the pre-existing book about Dugongs here.
For people interested in learning about sawfishes, they can check out the Sawfish Conservation Society.
This is the summary of a report Ruth worked on regarding bottom trawling and climate change, or if you have the brain power for the full report, you can find that here!
Here's a petition requesting the EU to ban bottom trawling.
Sea Change Ireland, The Irish Wildlife Trust, Sea Shepherd, Extinction Rebellion & Animal Rebellion were all mentioned as groups working to end bottom trawling practices & increase Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Seal Rescue Ireland is another great charity to support and you can also listen to them in a previous Book of Leaves episode, here!

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Episode 56 is with Wicklow-based ecologist Alex Konieczka. One of her many ventures is Understory, a truly zerowaste business where she sells upcycled terrariums among other things. You can follow her on Instagram @understory_ie to keep up to date with the pieces she creates and foraging excursions she plans, or reach out to her via e-mail on alex@understory.ie.

[03:45] An intro from Alex and her relationship with nature.
[09:55] When the issue of climate change dawned on Alex.
[13:05] The work of Understory.
[21:45] How she got into foraging.
[24:05] Her journey to veganism
[26:05] Climate justice project with Eco Unesco.
[24:15] Community work & asking the council for help.
[35:25] Random questions!

Click here for a resource pack Alex made on contacting your council for help!

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Gary Tyrrell works for An Taisce's educational unit as part of the Climate Ambassador Programme. You'll have heard me chat about this programme over the past year as it's one I was accepted onto myself, plus I interviewed a few ambassadors from it! They open applications for the following year usually every September so make sure to check out their website if you're interested in taking part (click here for their application page).

You can stay up to date of various talks and workshops by signing up to their newsletter here or following them on Twitter @climate_ambass, Facebook or Instagram @climateambassador too. Watch back their online events on their YouTube and check out their podcast!

We chatted about:

[04:45] A bit about Gary & his climate activism journey.
[10:35] What the CA Programme is.
[16:25] Examples & statistics of events held.
[20:50] How to apply to be a CA.
[24:35] What Gary's journey to veganism was like.
[29:15] Tips for communicating the climate crisis.
[37:00] Random questions!

Also mentioned:

CA Podcast communication episode.
Inconvenient Truth documentary.
Veganuary.

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Episode 54 is coming from the vaults as I interviewed fellow activist Paul McCormack Cooney a few months ago. Paul is another absolutely wonderful human I got to know through Extinction Rebellion. He recently started a blog called Climate Dad which despite being a work in progress, I definitely recommend checking out! And you can follow Paul on Twitter @PaulMcCC or Instagram @climatedad.ie.

We cover some everyday topics like parenting, but we also touch on the ever-lasting, controversial CETA, a trade agreement you may have heard of… Have a listen and let me know what you think!

[04:15] A bit about Paul & what sparked his eco consciousness.
[10:10] Cool Planet & Extinction Rebellion.
[18:00] Linking Paul’s work in the Pension sector to our climate action perception.
[23:30] Starting his blog, Climate Dad.
[25:35] Talking to his kids about Climate Change.
[31:35] Dealing with burnout.
[34:50] A quick guide to CETA.
[41:30] Random questions!

As mentioned, CETA is a big, complicated topic but I recommend checking out Paul's blogpost on it, and searching and signing all the petitions you can find about it, & emailing TDs.

Also mentioned:

Al Gore Inconvenient Truth.
David Wallace Wells article The Uninhabitable Earth.
YouTube Interview with David Wells and Michael Man.
Shannon LNG.
Greta Saves the World game.
I Am Greta Documentary.
Kiss The Ground Documentary.

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For episode 53 I go back to the basics of environmental issues and talk about the infamous single use polluter: disposable coffee cups. For this, there's none other to talk to other than Sorcha Kavanagh from The Conscious Cup Campaign. This is a programme not just encouraging individuals to bring a reuseable cup, but encouraging cafés and businesses to drive the change forward and lead by example. Follow the Conscious Cup Campaign on Twitter @CCCampaign_Irl or Instagram @consciouscupcampaign.

Stay tuned behind the scenes of this podcast by following on Instagram @Bookofleavespodcast, Twitter @BookofLeavesPod or Facebook. Don't forget to rate, review, share, and if you can, please support this podcast on Patreon ( https://www.patreon.com/bookofleaves ). More on: http://bookofleavespodcast.com/

We cover:

[05:10] How the Conscious Cup Campaign started.
[08:20] Sorcha’s personal journey to being eco-conscious.
[11:50] Disposable cup statistics in Ireland.
[16:25] Where we currently stand regarding reuseable cups and COVID.
[21:45] Advice for customers on how to encourage cafés they frequent to join the campaign.
[28:00] Are compostable cups much better?
[31:55] In the grand scheme of the climate crisis, is having a reuseable cup really going to solve things?
[35:10] Reuseable cup brand/type favourites.
[37:30] Lucy O'Sullivan's 2.4km cycle for Jigsaw & The Conscious Cup Campaign along the Wild Atlantic Way Cycle. Click this link to donate!

Also mentioned:

Zero Waste Ireland Facebook group.
Timi Nicholson.
Elaine Butler.
The Body Shop.
Huskee cup.
The Keepcup.
Stojo Cup.
Gather & Gather – Julia Murray.
ContactlessCoffee
Doughnut Economics by Kate Raworth book recommendation.

Examples of cafés currently accepting reuseables (and many small, independent cafés are too!):

Starbucks
Sprout
Costa
Lolly & Cooks
Butlers

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I can't believe it's taken me until episode 52 to dedicate an interview to trees! Shocking behaviour, but this lovely chat with Orla makes up for it. You can follow Orla on Twitter @NaturallyOrla & don't forget to listen to her podcast The Broad Leaf! You can find out more about The Native Woodland Trust on their website and stay up to date with them on Twitter @NativeWoodTrust.

[04:10] An intro from Orla and her journey to working with woodlands.
[09:15] Who The Native Woodland Trust are and what they do.
[11:20] How people can get involved.
[14:15] Finding local seeds and where to plant (or IF to plant!).
[24:15] The new 'Robot Trees' built in Cork.
[30:55] Ireland’s historic foresty & 'ancient' woodlands.
[37:55] Systemic changes that need to happen to help preserve & restore woodland in Ireland & how farmers/land owners can benefit.
[41:50] CAP.
[44:30] Random questions!

Also Mentioned:

Teagsc for people with large amounts of land.
The Down Survey complete map of Ireland.
Killarney National Park.
Stopping by Woods book by Donal Magner.
Coillte.

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In episode 51 I chatted to artists Eva O'Connor and Hildegard Ryan about using the world of theatre to spark discussion and inspire change. Their theatre company, Sunday's Child, has a play called Afloat, streaming all this month (August 2021) as part of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. I'd advise you to support it and hopefully this discussion will inspire you to make more art, or bring more art into your life!

You can follow Sunday's Child Theatre on Twitter @SundaysCTheatre, Facebook or keep up to date with Eva on Instagram @evaclaireoconnor.

[04:00] A bit about Eva & Hilde and what sparked their eco-consciousness.
[08:20] Their journey to veganism.
[11:40] What Afloat is about.
[13:20] Stand-out climate facts found in researching the play.
[21:45] A piece of art that moved them.
[26:00] Other swaps to be eco conscious & how they manage their climate anxiety.
[29:00] Random questions.

Mentioned:

Extinction Rebellion (Ireland).
Black Lives Matter.
Iphigenia in Splott by Gary Owen - play
The Giant Dark by Sarvat Hasin - Book.
This Is Not A Drill, Extinction Rebellion Handbook.
The End We Start From by Megan Hunter - book.

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Tess is a 17 year old activist with many projects up her sleeve! I got to talk to her about these as well as how the climate crisis is impacting India & what we can, and should, do to help. She is also a fellow Climate Ambassador! You can follow her on Instagram @tessie.ie.hungry. Don't forget to rate, review, share, and if you can, please support this podcast on Patreon ( https://www.patreon.com/bookofleaves ). More on: http://bookofleavespodcast.com/

[04:35] Tess’s introduction and what prompted her to be a climate justice activist.
[07:50] What prompted social justice activism.
[12:10] Examples of how climate change has affected India.
[18:00] How the climate crisis is a gender issue.
[20:40] Tess’s advice for how we can help these communities in India.
[23:50] The Re-Earth initiative & the many other projects Tess works on like Able2Change app & Climate Assembly Eire.
[30:20] What obstacles Tess has met as a young person in the climate movement.
[35:20] How people can get involved with the project she’s involved in.
[38:10] What would you ask of older generations?
[40:20] Random questions!

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For episode 49 I chatted to Sarah Fogarty from Community Power about community-led renewable energy sources. The work this group has done has laid the groundwork to make it easier for communities across Ireland to build and set up their own own grids. It's stellar! I hope you enjoy this solution-based chat. Don't forget to rate, review, share, and if you can, please support this podcast on Patreon ( https://www.patreon.com/bookofleaves ). More on: http://bookofleavespodcast.com/

[04:10] Current fossil fuel usage and cons and pros not mentioned in the interview.
[08:30] Pros & cons of renewables.
[10:15] Nuclear power.
[13:20] Sarah's introduction and background.
[21:15] Renewable & Non-renewable definitions.
[25:30] What is Community Power & how did they start?
[30:45] Can people in rented accommodation make the switch?
[32:40] What can these 5ghz of wind turbines generate?
[36:45] The attitude of not liking them & how community ownership benefits
[40:30] The environmental benefits & cons
[48:40] What needs to be done to achieve a system change that would allow for the growth and accessibility of renewable energy.

Also mentioned:

Friends of the Earth (Ireland)
Rescoop.eu
Food Co-op.
The Cove Documentary.

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Saoirse Exton is a 16 year old climate activist from Limerick who is part of many groups, all trying to make the world a better place, from the Friday's For Future movement to the Irish Second-Level Student's Union. She is a remarkable soul and I can't wait for you to listen to this chat with her, which as you'll hear from the laughs, I thoroughly enjoyed having!

You can follow Saoirse on Twitter @saoirse_exton or Instagram at @saoirse_exton.

Don't forget to rate, review, share, and if you can, please support this podcast on Patreon ( https://www.patreon.com/bookofleaves ). More on: http://bookofleavespodcast.com/

[07:50] Saoirse introduces herself & journey to activism.
[11:05] What is climate justice?
[14:40] Young people not being heard.
[20:00] How Saoirse thinks adults should talk to kids about climate change.
[25:10] Is missing a portion of school on a Friday really the best way to achieve climate action?
[27:45] The kind of support, if any, Saoirse has received from school for climate protests.
[29:45] How do people get involved with Friday’s For Future?
[32:25] Individual versus system change.
[35:10] Her experience with the Climate Ambassador Programme.
[37:25] How does Saoirse feel about the future?
[39:00] Random Questions!

Also worth checking out is the Irish podcast for kids (but I really love it!) on climate change called Ecolution. Saoirse features on episode 26.

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I stumbled across Niamh's story via Earthy Cáilíní on Instagram. Niamh is now working as a vet and began her studies as a meat loving omnivore, to finish them as a vegan, influenced to change by what she saw during her placement. I asked her to come and chat about her story and as animal welfare is something very close to her heart, she was more than happy to come on. It's a heavy episode, but an important one.

Don't forget to rate, review, share, and if you can, please support this podcast on Patreon ( https://www.patreon.com/bookofleaves ). More on: http://bookofleavespodcast.com/

Topics:

[04:20] Environmental impacts of animal agriculture.
[09:30] Niamh introduces herself.
[13:50] The first class in which she began to question things.
[18:50] A pig farm.
[28:50] A sheep farm.
[35:10] Chicken farming.
[44:30] Disease & antibiotics.
[55:00] A dairy farm.
[01:04:00] Religious slaughter in Ireland.
[01:10:40] Slaughterhouse workers.
[01:14:00] How Niamh deals with euthanasia in work.
[01:18:00] Niamh's other eco habits & random questions.

Mentioned:

Book - Attached
Book - Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker.
Episode 104 of Plant Proof with Nicholas Carter - the resources referenced at this link are also worth checking out!
Vegan Calculator.

Calls To Action:

Go Vegan - Sign up to Challenge 22 for free where you'll get nutrition tutoring. If you can't go vegan, try base your diet on as many plant based foods as possible. If you need help or want more suggested resources for this, please get in touch!

Get active with protest groups. We need system and policy change. Message them to get involved!

NARA (National Animal Rights Association) have been doing brilliant work in Ireland from getting fur farming banned to now working on the banning of hare coursing.

Animal Rebellion Ireland (groups exist worldwide too) are calling for a transition to a plant based food system for the sake of the planet as well as animals. As talked about in episode 44 with Zac Lumley, non violent civil disobedience is an extremely effective tactic and that's what ARI are about.

Support investigative journalism like Noteworthy.ie who have specific call-outs for various campaigns.

Donate to, and volunteer for, animal sanctuaries like Eden, Little Ones Microsanctuary, Back Into Daylight and Heartstone Veganic Sanctuary.

Sign petitions, like this one to stop the proposed development of another pig factory farm.

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Eoin McGuinness is behind Crann, an Irish company that sells watches and sunglasses, made from what others would consider to be waste. I hope you enjoy this chat as much as I enjoyed having it! Give them a follow to on Instagram @crann.co.

Don't forget to rate, review, share, and if you can, please support this podcast on Patreon ( https://www.patreon.com/bookofleaves ). More on: http://bookofleavespodcast.com/

[08:20] What sparked Eoin to be eco-conscious.
[20:25] How Crann came about.
[16:20] How the sunglasses and watches are made and where the materials are sourced.
[20:35] Is it upcycling or downcycling? And how are Crann carbon neutral?
[25:50] What's the packaging like?
[28:10] Do you remember your first customers?
[31:10] UV, blue light filtering and lifetime warranties.
[36:30] Random questions!

Mentioned:

Patagonia.
The Native Woodland Trust.
Shop In Ireland Facebook group & Website.

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For episode 45 I interviewed Elaine O'Riordan, the woman behind the Irish Hedgehog survey to chat about, you guessed it, hedgehogs! Have a listen, and don't forget to check out www.irishhedgehogsurvey.com to get involved.

Don't forget to rate, review, share, and if you can, please support this podcast on Patreon ( https://www.patreon.com/bookofleaves ). More on: http://bookofleavespodcast.com/

[02:45] Correction in last week's episode.
[08:30] Get to know Elaine.
[13:00] The first hedgehog encounter for Elaine.
[15:00] Hedgehogs in Ireland breed & population.
[18:00] How they live and spend their time.
[23:00] Why should we survey them.
[30:45] How to participate in the survey.
[33:15] Biggest threats to hedgehogs in Ireland today.
[36:00] Other ways we can help them and what food to leave out for them.
[41:45] What to do if you find an injured hedgehog.
[45:00] Keeping hedgehogs as pets.
[47:30] Random questions!

If you find a sick or injured hedgehog in Ireland, you can call the WRI Wildlife Hospital on 01 6877766 or 0818 877766

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Zac is an activist with a number of climate action groups. Most recently, he and another activist, Orla Murphy, were arrested and imprisoned for a protest at Iveagh House in Dublin. As Orla was still in prison at the time of this recording, I interviewed Zac to hear his story and the place of civil disobedience in the climate justice movement. Orla has since been released on the 22nd of April after spending over a month there. You can still write to Orla at orlaonremand@protonmail.com and hopefully I'll have her on the podcast in future.

If you're interested in getting involved with Extinction Rebellion Ireland, there's a new members meeting happening tomorrow (4th of May 2021, 7pm GMT) that you're welcome to come along to. Hosted by yours truly! Keep an eye out for upcoming events for XRI here, or on your local groups website. And if you son't have a local direct action group, you can set one up!

More on www.bookofleavespodcast.com (don't forget to rate, review, subscribe & share!) x

We covered:

[07:00] Getting to know Zac.
[11:40] When Zac began getting more active in climate action.
[14:05] When Zac went vegan.
[15:20] What is Civil Disobediance?
[20:30] Is destruction of property violent or non violent?
[24:00] The first time Zac got arrested / Kepak protest.
[29:00] Why do people put themselves in a position where they know thwy'll likely be arressted
[34:20] The action on the 19th of March where Zac and Orla were arrested.
[40:10] Zac's experience in prison.
[42:00] Orla's words from prison.
[49:30] Reactions to the protest.
[56:30] How many people do we need partaking in civil disobedience to get the job done?
[01:06:30] Random Questions!

Recommended literature:

Erica Chenoweth & Maria J. Stephan Stefan - Why Civil Resistance Works.
Civil Resistance and Power Politics by Adam Roberts & Timothy Garton Ash.
Gene Sharp (Author, here's a link to his books).

References

1-3 billion people are expected to be forced from homes within the next 50 years. [1]

200+ indigenous land protectors are murdered every year trying to protect their land and water. [2]

We're headed for +4°C of global heating (some publications this year are suggesting +5° and +6°C [3][4]) — +4°C is "incompatible with an organised global community" and likely to be "beyond adaptation". [5]

Island nations call for "1.5 to stay alive" and in 2009 at G77 Lumumba Di-Aping said that the new climate draft trying to limit warming to +2°C was "certain death for Africa". [6][7]

When the Paris Agreement was signed in 2015 (non-binding, remember), countries said they'd try to limit warming to +2°C. However, even if every country met their climate agreements that they set for themselves (NDCs), we're headed for more than +3°C. [8] Despite this, countries aren't even hitting their climate targets! [9]

We've currently warmed the planet somewhere between +1.1°C and +1.3°C. [10] We're currently at an extremely crucial point, as we're in the danger zone at which irreversible climate tipping points could be triggered: some may lie between +1°C and +2°C [11]. Obviously because the risk is so great we have to follow the precautionary principle, meaning that we must absolutely everything we can to halt emissions immediately. Even if we halted greenhouse gas emissions today, heating will continue for decades or even centuries. [4]

[1] https://www.pnas.org/content/117/21/11350

[2] https://e360.yale.edu/digest/more-than-200-environmental-activists-and-land-defenders-murdered-in-2019

[3] https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2019/04/new-climate-models-predict-warming-surge

[4] https://climate.nasa.gov/faq/16/is-it-too-late-to-prevent-climate-change/

[5] https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/climate-change-commitee-report-4c-warming-fossil-fuels-crisis-a9597511.html

[6] https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01436597.2017.1368013

[7] https://www.motherjones.com/environment/2009/12/poor-countries-g77-suicide-pact-copenhagen/

[8] https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/11/1052171

[9] https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/nations-miss-paris-targets-climate-driven-weather-events-cost-billions

[10] https://public.wmo.int/en/our-mandate/climate/wmo-statement-state-of-global-climate

[11] ****https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-019-03595-0

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Season 3 is starting as I mean to go on - with a revolution! We hear Carrie Ann's story and take a moment to shine a light on the social issues behind the clothes we wear, and the power in numbers. Not to forget, Fashion Revolution week is one week a year, but the fashion revolution exists every time you get dressed or walk into a clothing store.

Don't forget to rate, review, share, and if you can, please support this podcast on Patreon ( https://www.patreon.com/bookofleaves ). More on: http://bookofleavespodcast.com/

[06:30] A bit about Carrie Ann & her journey to being eco-concious.
[11:00] What made her switch careers.
[15:30] What is Fashion Revolution?
[21:00] What kind of events will be on & how can people take part?
[27:00] The changes we are seeing in the fashion industry.
[30:00] Transparency, what it means and what we're looking for.
[33:30] The changes we've seen in Ireland and our issue with textile recycling.
[36:00] Should we be boycotting?
[39:00] Carrie Ann's general tips for a more sustainable and just wardrobe.
[45:00] Random questions!

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Holy moly it's April already?! It's time for season 3 of Book of Leaves. Here I share a bit about what I've been up to and a taste of what's to come. Are you ready to fill your book with more leaves??

I've missed this loads. Get in touch with any news or stories, requests or suggestions by emailing me at ceara@bookofleavespodcast.com. Stay up to date by following me on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or supporting me on Patreon.

What I've been delving into:

Me & White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad

The Covid Alarm Clock Podcast

How 2 Save A Planet Podcast

The Proof is in the Plants by Simon Hill of Plant Proof

Stuff Happens by Emma Gleeson

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For the final episode of 2020 and the season finale of Book of Leaves, I asked people for stories of a ripple effect they witnessed. Times when people told you that you inspired them to ditch plastic toothbrushes or the other way around, when you were inspired by someone else!Thank you to Vasco, Mark, Conor, Mies, Gerda, Sophie, Elaine, Lucrezia, Katy and Cecilia for sharing your stories! If you have a ripple effect moment, send it to me at ceara@bookofleavespodcast.com or on Instagram or Facebook. I'll most likely do another one of these in the future, but for now, thank you for listening and I can't wait to bring you more leaves to add to your book in 2021.

For more show notes in full, visit www.bookofleavespodcast.com.

Stay safe, and happy new year. Ceara Xx

Mentioned:

Animal Rebellion Protest.
Dairy Is Scary video.
Eating Animals by Jonathon Safron Foer.
Cork Crafts.
Bare Necessities Ireland.
Zero Waste Festival.
The Story of Stuff.
Uniting Communities.
Regan Russell.
Ed Winters (a.k.a. Earthling Ed).
Living Lightly in Ireland blog.
Street Feast

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For episode 41 I chatted to McKinley, a co-founder of Pax Wholefoods & Eco Goods store in Westport, County Mayo. We cover her journey from Kentucky to Tequila to cloth nappies, all will be explained in the chat... Today, the 7th of December 2020, is also Pax's second birthday! So join me in wishing them all the best and here's to many more.Dear Green Santa is happening at the moment. Tag @dear_green_santa for more!

Don't forget to rate, review, share, and if you can, please support this podcast on Patreon ( https://www.patreon.com/bookofleaves ) or Buy Me a Coffee ( https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BOOKOFLEAVES ). More on: http://bookofleavespodcast.com/

[04:25] Growing up in Kentucky.
[11:45] Coming to Ireland.
[14:05] Meeting Kirstin, the co-founder of Pax.
[15:25] Setting up a business from scratch as the first local eco store.
[18:55] Dublin vs Countryside in eco-consciousness.
[21:45] How the pandemic affected business.
[26:05] Tips for an eco Christmas this 2020!
[29:55] McKinley's experience with cloth nappies (her kids that is, not herself...lol...).
[32:25] The Edible Landscape Project.
[35:35] How McKinley deals with eco anxiety (and the recent USA election anxiety!).
[38:35] 2nd birthday plans?

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For episode 40, I had the pleasure to interview Laura Kehoe, an activist, scientist, conservationist - all the ists! She has done, and continues to do, so much for the planet, it's quite mind-blowing. She is a true inspiration and I know I say this about all my episodes, but I really can't wait for you to listen to this one. We cover a lot, it's listed below and you'll find links to campaigns & resources too. I hope you get something out of this, because I sure did.

Don't forget to rate, review, share, and if you can, please support this podcast on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/bookofleaves) or Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BOOKOFLEAVES). More on: http://bookofleavespodcast.com/

[04:50] Laura's path to conservation & activism.
[10:35] What it was like to work with chimps & how they're doing now (check out the talk Laura gave!).
[15:10] The main issues threatening chimps.
[18:05] Ways in which we can help them.
[18:30] The work of Trees.org and what 400 Trees is about.
[22:20] What is the Mercosur deal?
[30:40] Having effective conversations with people about climate change, and experiencing burnout.
[45:30] Managing the stress of fighting for a better world.
[47:10] What can WE do regarding the Mercosur deal?
[52:35] Green Santa.

Resources Mentioned:

The Wild Chimpanzee Foundation.
Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots programme.
'Don't Tell Me What to Do' study.
The More Beautiful World Our Hearts Know Is Possible book by Charles Eisenstein (available free online!).
Extinction Rebellion.
Animal Rebellion (Irish page).
Here's a video Laura sent on to me about the eco food labels we were talking about.

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Episode 39 has none other than top gals Geraldine and Taz from The Useless Project (formerly Sustainable Fashion Dublin). I'm buzzing for you to hear this chat. Follow them on Instagram @theuselessproject or find them on Facebook to keep up to date with all their shenanigans and handy eco tips for life.

Don't forget to rate, review, share, and if you can, please support this podcast on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/bookofleaves) or Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BOOKOFLEAVES).

More on: http://bookofleavespodcast.com/

[04:40] Geraldine & Taz talk about their backgrounds.
[13:00] Lockdown happens, what happened to SFD?
[16:10] Where the name 'The Useless Project' came from.
[18:55] A website you say?
[24:40] Basic guide to food sustainability, how to cut down on food waste, seasonal buying & herbicides.
[30:20] Sustainable fashion & home-ware.
[32:00] Their favourite personal second hand finds for home-ware & fashion
[33:40] How to deal when all that's going on gets a bit too much.

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It's time to talk foraging with Dermot Hughes! I've wanted to learn about foraging for so long and I'm delighted to have Dermot here to talk us through it. Foraging has a few various benefits which we'll go into. You can keep up to date with Dermot's adventures on his Facebook page. In the meantime, get your hat and walking stick ready, and enjoy the ride!

Don't forget to rate, review, share, and if you can, please support this podcast on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/bookofleaves) or Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BOOKOFLEAVES).

More on: http://bookofleavespodcast.com/

[05:45] Dermot's journey into setting up Forage Ireland.
[11:40] The best place to start.
[12:50] Sloe berries.
[15:30] Wild garlic.
[16:25] Edible flowers & garden plants.
[17:35] Poisonous flower to avoid.
[18:10] What's the point in faoraging when there isn't enough to feed everyone & we can get our food in supermarkets?
[23:15] Cow Parsley.
[26:15] How to keep an eye out for pollutants in forage areas.
[29:15] The 3 types of foragers.
[30:55] The guidelines (and code!) around how much you forage.
[35:00] Foraging tools & books.]
[45:10] Ways to store surplus food & prevent waste.
[47:15] Closing thoughts.
[50:00] A few Irish foragers!

Mentioned:

Wild and Free - book.
Food for Free - book.
Foraging Northern Ireland - Facebook group.

Other Irish Foragers:

Wicklow Wild Foods.
Blackstairs Eco Trails.
Hips and Haws Wildcrafts.
Howth Foraging.
Wild Food Mary.
Clare McQuillan.

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Episode 37 is with Aisling Byrne, the founder of Nuw, formally known as The Nu Wardrobe. Nuw is a clothes sharing and swapping app, set up to tackle fast fashion's problems like pollution and workers' rights, which we chat about in full in this interview!

Follow Nuw on Instagram @wearenuw, Twitter or Facebook for sustainable fashion inspiration and info on worker's rights.

Don't forget to rate, review, share, and if you can, please support this podcast on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/bookofleaves) or Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BOOKOFLEAVES).

More on: http://bookofleavespodcast.com/

(02:25) Aisling introduce's herself and her background.
(09:20) When the idea behind Nuw sparked.
(15:10) How the app works.
(23:40) The difficulty of finding plus-sized clothes when thrifting, and how Nuw is working to overcome it.
(27:05) Plans for bringing menswear on to the app.
(29:45) Crowdfunding.
(33:50) How to upload clothes to the app.
(39:10) Where the line falls by supporting slow fashion and not causing a loss of jobs by boycotting certain companies.
(47:20) Closing thoughts.

Also Mentioned:

Suas educational development volunteer programme.
New Frontiers programme (run by enterprise Ireland).
Dublin Simon Community.
Love Your Clothes.

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Pauline McDonogh is the Prevention Officer for the Southern Region Waste Management Office. She is an Environmental Scientist with over 25 years experience in environmental auditing and waste management. She also set up MyWaste.ie, an amazing online resource for finding out how to dispose of our waste in Ireland. This episode, I chat to her about their upcoming campaign: Reuse Month. Don't forget to rate, review, share, and if you can, please support this podcast on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/bookofleaves) or Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BOOKOFLEAVES).

More on: http://bookofleavespodcast.com/

(03:45) An introduction to Pauline's role and the Southern Waste Management Office.
(05:20) A circular Vs linear economy.
(08:50) The Irish figures of recycling, composting and how they can be improved.
(11:00) The green economy: how jobs can be created.
(12:20) Reuse Month, what it's all about.
(15:40) What events will be happening.
(18:35) Foodwaste in Ireland.
(20:15) How their upcycle challenge will work.
(23:45) What MyWaste.ie is (Hint: it's super great!).
(27:05) Pauline's personal tips for people trying to tread lighter on the planet.

Much love, Ceara X

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On the first day of lockdown I moved into a new house within 5km of The Carrot's Tail. The vegan café quickly became a fortnightly highlight for me and my housemates. In this episode, I talk to Sebastian, one of the founders of the business, about his personal journey to veganism to the running of the café.

Give them a follow on Instagram @thecarrotstail or Facebook. Don't forget to rate, review, share, and if you can, please support this podcast on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/bookofleaves) or Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BOOKOFLEAVES). Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/bookofleaves.

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Augustina is a fountain of knowledge when it comes to menstruation. From the eco friendly reuseable products available, to how we should change the relationship we have with our periods, there is nothing we don't cover in this chat. Have a listen or watch on YouTube and make sure you follow We Live Our Values on Instagram (@liveourvalues) or Facebook to keep up to date with Augustina!

Don't forget to rate, review, share, and if you can, please support this podcast on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/bookofleaves) or Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BOOKOFLEAVES).

Check out http://bookofleavespodcast.com/ for more. Thank you friends X

(03:30) An introduction to Augustina.
(05:30) When her awareness of period product waste came about,
(09:00) The pricing of reuseable products.
(13:50) Reuseable pads with 'a heavy flow'.
(17:15) Being discreet with our periods.
(18:15) How to wash pads.
(25:30) How long to wear them for.
(29:50) Menstrual cups.
(37:20) Menstrual discs.
(39:15) Menstrual sponges & reuseable tampons.
(41:25) How people are dying from embarrassment.
(43:30) Observing your period for changes regarding health.
(47:20) The sexualisation of women & period products.
(49:00) The SHAME.
(01:06:30) Free Bleeding.

Mentioned:

Thinx.
Put A Cup In It.
Lunette.
The Vulva Gallery.

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In episode 33 I chat to Megan from Native Events about, you guessed it, the events industry!

You can stay in the loop on their insta @nativeevents_ or Twitter @NativeEventsIE.

Don't forget to rate & share this episode, and if you can, support on our Patreon or Buy Me a Coffee platform would be much appreciated. https://www.patreon.com/bookofleaves

(03:20) Introduction from Megan.
(06:50) What are the sustainability issues in the events industry?
(08:50) The solutions Native Events are practicing.
(13:25) The eco solution to toilets.
(16:00) Dealing with tents & sleeping bags left behind at festivals & Attention Attire.
(21:35) What we as festival goers can do to influence events to be greener.
(23:40) How Megan feels about the ongoing pandemic's effects.
(26:20) Megan's personal advice on living a more sustainable life.
(28:35) The process NE have when working with someone's event, big or small.

Also Mentioned:

Body & Soul.
D-Light Studios.

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Ruth Leeney is a conservationist, fellow activist with Extinction Rebellion, and vegan, working hard to preserve our under water world. We covered so much in this chat and still didn't get to talk about everything, so I know for sure, there'll be a second interview with Ruth sometime in the future! In the meantime, you can support Ruth's work through Women4Oceans on their website.

Check out http://bookofleavespodcast.com/ for more detailed links & if you can, please support this podcast at https://www.patreon.com/bookofleaves or https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BOOKOFLEAVES

We covered:

(05:40) Ruth's background and when she became eco consious.
(08:34) Scuda diving in U.K. Vs Australian waters.
(13:44) How the community Ruth works with in Mozambique are being affected by over fishing.
(17:40) How the locals have been impacted by Climate Change.
(23:44) What, if any work is being done by NGOs or governments to aid and educate in this crisis.
(28:40) What is Blue Justice? Read this link for more.
(32:35) How we in the first world countries can help.
(37:28) Why Ruth first became vegan and how she manages working in coastal fishery communities considering that.
(45:15) How to know if the fish you do buy is sustainably sourced.
(48:20) How to avoid trawled fish.
(49:40) Dynamite fishing.
(50:40) The plastic Ruth has seen on her dive adventures around the world.

Also Mentioned:

Climate Justice by Mary Robinson.
Mothers of Invention Podcast.
Climate Queens Podcast.
Jaque Custo documentaries.
The Unnatural History of the Sea by Callum Roberts.
Cyclone Idai. in Mozambique, 2019.
Down To Earth Wholefoods shop (as the best stocked wholefoods store in Dublin when Ruth first went vegan!).
UK Marine conservation society sustainable fishing list.
Vita as an Irish charity assisting local communities in Ethiopia and Eritrea fight against climate change.
Women4Oceans, a network of women working on conservation and research that Ruth is involved with.
ParCo, a charity that does beach clean ups around Vilankulo in Mozambique.
Protect Africa's Sawfishes, Ruth's own research project she works on.

Don't forget to please rate, review & subscribe! X

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Episode 31 is with Lynn Haughton from The Upcycle Movement. The ability she has to re-imagine 'waste' and her drive for sharing the knowledge she's learned is nothing short of amazing! Make sure to follow her on instagram @the_upcycle_movement, Twitter @upcycle_ireland and Facebook.

If you can, please support this podcast on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/bookofleaves) or rate, review & share. X

For all shownotes, check out: http://bookofleavespodcast.com/ep-31-upcycling-wetsuits-re-imagining-waste-lynn-haughton/

(04:20) The difference between UPcycling and REcycling.
(06:15) What inspired Lynn's eco journey & the start of The Upcycle Movement.
(13:40) Why wetsuits?
(19:35) How Lynn gets the wetsuits.
(21:40) The process from receiving the wetsuit to shipping out a new product.
(26:20) Seal Rescue Ireland.
(31:10) The strangest things Lynn has upcycled and other upcycling companies.
(36:15) Lynn's bird box family (the bird-box is called 'Wireless CCD Bird Box Camera Kit' from UK Wildlife Cameras.

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It's finally time to talk toothbrushes! In this episode, as part of Plastic Free July, I chat to Joe & Niamh about what inspired them to set up Bambooth, an Irish bamboo toothbrush company. "Every year, 3.5 billion toothbrushes are used, at least. And every toothbrush that's ever been used, still exists today."Check out www.bookofleavespodcast.com for more links and if you can, please support this podcast at www.patreon.com/bookofleaves or share it with a friend!

We cover:

(06:15) An introduction to Niamh & Joe.
(10:00) What is was like becoming entrepreneurs all of a sudden.
(11:40) How toothbrushes have been bad for the planet.
(12:50) The moso bamboo that's used.
(14:05) The nylon bristles & how to recycle them.
(19:10) How often you should be changing your toothbrush!
(20:05) Why the toothbrushes are colourful!
(24:00) How hard it is to get stock into bigger shops & chain supermarkets.
(27:20) How they find the time and energy to run Bambooth with their other jobs & courses.
(30:10) What Joe & Niamh do outside of Bambooth to live more eco friendly.

Resources mentioned:

Dirty Business documentary on plastic being sent abroad.
Blue Planet.
Drowning in Plastic documentary.
Jane Goodall Institute.
Coral Reef Alliance.
Marine Conservation Society.
Plastic Oceans.

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Despite what we hear about Ireland doing well in terms of food security, it's far more treacherous than we think. Aisling Wheeler talks me through the problems Ireland faces, how it all changed and what we can do to make it better.

Check out www.bookofleavespodcast.com for more show notes and don't forget to rate and review! You can also support this podcast at https://www.patreon.com/bookofleaves.

(05:35) The definitions of food security & food sovereignty, and how we fare in Ireland in regards to that.
(10:35) Organic farming in Ireland.
(11:45) The knock-on effects of relying on imported goods.
(15:45) What changed in recent decades to make our food system insecure.
(18:30) What has been done, if anything, in policy or government to help with food security.
(22:20) Soil health in Ireland - fertility and drainage.
(28:30) The difference between monoculture & permaculture.
(32:45) Growing your own food at home, encouraging farmers to diversify & CSA.
(37:35) Buying food in season & our relationship with food.

Also Mentioned:

Teagasc.
River basin management plan.
Aisling's article on food security.

Thanks for listening!Ceara X

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In this episode I chat to Edwin Alblas on behalf of Climate Case Ireland about their upcoming case in the Supreme Court on the 22nd of June. Don't forget to sign their petition: https://www.climatecaseireland.ie/become-a-supporter/#in-my-nameCheck out www.bookofleavespodcast.com for more links. If you can, please support this podcast on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/bookofleaves). Ceara x

(04:45) An introduction of Edwin.
(08:30) Who Friends of the Irish Environment are.
(10:20) What the Climate Case is about.
(14:05) How the previous hearings went.
(18:20) Examples of other success stories around climate change cases (Urgenda Case).
(23:15) The financial cost of Ireland not meeting EU targets.
(25:55) How FIE are raising funds to do this case. (Donate here)
(27:55) What happens if we lose the case.
(32:50) How Edwin deals with constant knockbacks, being an activist.
(38:00) Why FIE also hold talks and workshops.
(43:00) The positive results for tackling climate change.

Also Mentioned:

Ireland's Mitigation plan.The Fumbally Stables.Jenny McNally (McNally Family Farm Dublin).

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Episode 27 is with Mary Reynolds who chats about We Are the Ark, an initiative to encourage people to give back some land to nature.

Check out their website (www.wearetheark.org) and join the Facebook group for more information and support!Please rate & review this podcast and if you'd like to support this podcast you can do so on www.patreon.com/bookofleaves or www.buymeacoffee.com/bookofleaves x

More on www.bookofleavespodcast.comNotes:

(04:50) What inspired We Are The Ark.
(08:05) Where the name came from.
(09:00) The importance of putting a sign on your ark.
(11:25) How much land is 'enough' for an ark.
(13:30) What it means to be a guardian of the earth as opposed to gardener.
(16:00) Is an ark compatible with pets and children?
(19:00) Getting an ark started.
(22:40) Giving sovereignty back to the land.
(25:00) Growing food in a wild garden. Learn more about forest gardening here!
(30:35) Restoring your land to what it was before.
(34:20) How to go about turning public or government land into arks.
(36:30) How we can make sure our artificial outside lights stop damaging wildlife.
(38:45) Closing thoughts from Mary.
(43:20) What we need going forward to get systematic change.

Resources mentioned:

The Garden Awakenin book;
Mary's TEDx Talk.
From What Is to What If by Rob Hopkins.
Extinction Rebellion.

If you like this episode, you'll also like:

Episode 12 Why it’s time to join the Rebellion- Cormac Nugent, Extinction Rebellion.
Episode 15 Bringing Biodiversity Back into your Garden or Balcony- Collie Ennis.
Episode 25 Bia Hero & Grow Your Own Food – Sinéad, XR.

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For episode 26, I chat to Fiona from All Things Fiona Lily about re-imagining clothes destined for landfill and setting up her own zero waste coffee shop in Donegal.

Follow Fiona on instagram @allthingsfionalily to keep up to date with orders and get some positive content in your feed!

If you'd like to support this podcast, you can buy me a coffee or check out my patreon. Don't forget to rate and review. X

We chat about:

[4:43] When Fiona became more eco-aware.
[07:55] The journey from working in fast to slow fashion.
[10:20] How much unsold clothes are sent to landfill.
[11:30] How Fiona finds her stock.
[16:05] How the 'faulty' jumpers are repaired.
[16:55] The conflicting worry that stock might dry up.
[18:30] Where the positive designs come from.
[21:00] The setting up of her café Simply Green.
[33:30] Quick guide to washing clothes with polyester in them.

Also Mentioned:

Organic centre training courses.
Ninecrows.
Whitehill eco farm.
GuppyFriend.
Cora Ball.

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For episode 25, I chatted to Sinéad Renu Sheehan from Extinction Rebellion about a new campaign called BiaHero. This community led campaign encourages people to start growing their own food at home and provides a support network for all your questions via a group on Facebook.

You can support this podcast on Patreon or a once off donation on Buy Me a Coffee. Thank you!

In this episode, we cover:

(02:20) The definition of food security.
(06:00) Why BiaHero started and the importance of it in regards to food security.
(11:10) Where to start when it comes to growing your own food: the seeds.
(15:24) Getting the right soil.
(17:15) Why you usually. start sowing inside first.
(20:41) How to choose what to start planting.
(23:50) What you can grow all year round.
(25:00) How to manage surplus products.
(29:05) How to be creative if you don't have any land.
(33:09) Guerilla Gardening.
(34:25) Composting & feeding your plants.
(40:00) How to care for your food during a dry spell.
(43:30) Knowing what food needs vertical support.
(45:10) Planning for next year.

Don't forget to join the community Facebook group for more tips and to answer any questions!

Also Mentioned:

Seedsavers.ie.
Vegetables for the Irish Garden by Klaus Laitenberger.
Small Changes in Drumcondra.
All Ireland Pollinator Plan.
We Are The Ark.

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While toilet paper has been disappearing off the shelves, a lot of people have made the plunge to switch to a paperless toilet routine by opting for a bidet instead. So I thought I'd research the differences between the two with the environment in mind (but I also touch on money, health & cleanliness!). So listen in, or watch on YouTube, to find out how much of an impact your carbon buttprint is having...eh..eh?

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, review and you can support me on my Patreon here. Every little bit helps, thank you! X

(03:35) Definition & History of the Bidet.
(07:15) Our use of toilet paper.
(13:17) Pros & cons of toilet paper.
(17:35) Water Usage. (Watch this Netflix documentary on the Earth's water supply here.)
(21:17) Pros & cons of the bidet.
(27:19) Types of bidets.
(31:24) Flushable Wipes.
(32:45) Vascó's & Cecilia's personal bidet stories.
(37:00) How much resources an Irish person could save switching to a bidet considering we use on average 10.5kg per capita a year.
(38:20) Eco toilet paper options.

Buy Eco Toilet Paper:

Down2Earth Materials.
Reuzi. (Listen to Pat in episode 8 here!)
Cheeky Panda paper at Little Green Shop.
EarthMother.ie.
Who Gives A Crap.
Tushy.

GreenPeace guide to Toilet Paper Brands.

For resources, check out www.bookofleavespodcast.com

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OK, you may have forgotten what day of the week it is but the Easter Bunny has not! This Sunday, the 12th of April, is Easter Sunday. This is a holiday that, like many others, has good intentions but so much waste involved and is linked to the heavy carbon footprint of chocolate.

In this episode, using the research I've done I delve into:

A very ...very... brief history on Easter.
A look at the carbon footprint of chocolate.
Consumption of Easter Eggs in Ireland & the waste involved.
Eco friendly treasure hunts (buy reusable wooden eggs here).
Ethical decor and dinner suggestions as opposed to eggs and lamb.

Reports & Surveys Used:

Euromonitor Chocolate Report.
Euro 2017 Chocolate Stats.
University of Manchester report on the Environmental Impacts of Chocolate.
Repak Easter Survey.

Don't forget to rate, review and share this episode and you can support the podcast here.

Ceara X

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The River Poddle runs through Dublin City, sometimes underground, so not a lot of people know of its existence. Róisín McAleer, a teacher and member of Crumlin Community Clean Up group, tells us about the importance of the river and how it's being threatened right now.

Have a listen and don't forget to sign the petition here! Everything else mentioned is linked below.

The Planning documents are available to view here.

Taking Action!

Contact the River Poddle Flood Alleviation Scheme here or email them at info@poddlefas.ie with your concerns for this project. Use whoismytd.com to find your local TDs and contact them too.

You can also copy and paste your email and send it to:

floodinfo@opw.ie
info@opw.ie
john.sydenham@opw.ie - Commissioner of Floodrisk Management
john.curtin@opw.ie - Director of Floodrisk Management
info@sdublincoco.ie

Get Involved With:

Irish Wildlife Trust.
BirdWatch Ireland.
Extinction Rebellion.
One Future.

If you'd like to support this podcast, you can do that here. Don't forget to rate, review & share!

Ceara X

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Welcome to the first Book of Leaves podcast episode of 2020. What a time to be alive eh?

I wanted to ease into this season with a little message of positivity in this crazy time. I talk a little bit about mental health and suggestions for things to do to keep you busy and also talk about how it's OK to do absolutely nothing! And I read a poem for you because why not?I'll link particular suggestions I made below so you can find them. Stay home, stay safe, sending you lots of love. X

Documentary Suggestions:

Cowspiracy.
The True Cost.
Minimalism.

Charity Suggestions:

Dublin Simon Community.
Alone.
Childline.
Irish Cancer Society.
Civic Theatre Artist Emergency Relief Fund.

Gardening suggestions, check out Episode 15 for ideas to help biodiversity.

Download or sign up to Duolingo to learn a language.

Follow accounts like Sustainable Fashion Dublin for upcycling activities to do at home.

If you can afford to contribute to the running of this podcast, you can do that here!X

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Happy New Year!In this delightfully short episode I suggest 6 resolutions you can take your pick of for 2020, or adopt them straight away if that's your jam! I also give a quick summary and shout out to all the guests I've had in 2019 and of course to you guys, the listeners. Thank you all so much. Catch you in the new year!

Mentioned:

Vita Ireland.
Greta Thunberg.
Fridays for Future.
Extinction Rebellion.
Veganuary.

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Episode 20 is a casual chat with Timi Nicholson, one of the early members of the inspirational Zero Waste Ireland Facebook Group and host of the day to day sustainable blog: Simple No Waste Life. In this episode we chat about:

A bit about who Timi is and how she fell into the sustainable way of living.
Home hacks - going without or making your own.
How Simple No Waste Life came about.
How Timi found the transition to cloth nappies (with the help of Cloth Nappy Library Ireland).
Sustainability in Hungary.
Climate Anxiety.

Don't forget to rate, review & share! X

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In this episode I interview Holly Hughes from Vita Ireland, a charity focusing on climate justice and human rights at the same time. Their model is one many could learn from. Have a listen, rate, review & let me know what you think. If you'd like to support this podcast, check out my patreon! x

We chatted about:

Holly’s background before working with Vita.
Who Vita are & what they do.
What life is life for communities in Ethiopia and Eritrea.
The importance of community led projects.
How carbon credits and offsetting carbon works.
How their investment programme works.
Making sure your offsets are accredited by Gold Standard.
How to support Vita: gift packages and impact fund.

Mentioned:

Goverment Climate Action Plan (intent to offset international air travel page 91).
Rat Kane in Reuzi.
Fionnuala Jones.
Sustainable Fashion Dublin.
Roz Purcell.
Keogh’s Crisps.
Irish Potatoe Coalition.
Dublin City Council.
Noms.

Follow Vita on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook and follow Holly on her Instagram here.

www.bookofleavespodcast.com

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In Part 2 of our Eco Christmas episode, myself and Cate continue on to talk all things Christmassy. If you haven't already go back and give part 1 a listen! And don't forget to share this podcast with a friend or support it on patreon if you can. x

We continued on discussing:

Gift wrapping alternatives.
Christmas cards.
Dinner.
Pets for Christmas.
Mental Health.
Upcoming Markets.

Cards:

LoopLoop Crafts - Seeded Wildflower Cards.
Nadine Love Ink - Tree Free, Dublin made cards.

Dinner:

Keep This Cracker - reusable cracker available at The Conscious Christmas Store.
PlanetnSustie - compostable partyware.
Sova Vegan Butcher - 'Turkey' Roulade.
The Happy Pear - Veggie & Vegan recipes.
BOSH! - vegan recipes.
Tofurky - vegan roast available in most health food stores.
Moodley Manor - Irish company making plant based meat substitutes.

Check out www.bookofleavespodcast.com for our market spreadsheet & more info! x

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Episode 16 is all about Christmas! I sat down with sustainable guru Cate Russell, fellow actor and friend and we delved into sustainable solutions for Christmas from gift suggestions to recipes. All businesses mentioned are linked below. Don't forget to share this episode with a friend and support this podcast on patreon if you can! x

In Part 1 we covered:

An quick intro to Cate and how we feel about Christmas.
Real vs Fake trees.
Decorations: fairy lights, garlands, tinsel, baubles, making your own.
Where & how to recycle electronics. Find your local WEEE drop off point here.
GIFTS (see detailed description & links below).

Gifts* Monitor what you need to get and how much you're spending. I mention this Xmas Gift app. * Ask your friends/family what they'd like or need. * Offset their carbon with a charity like Vita. * Plant a tree with a charity or company like Grown. * Gift a plant. * For kids you can make them a book with scraps of paper, paint a t-shirt, knit a toy. * Sustainable clothes, accessories, jewellery or candles. Brands linked below!

Clothes, Bags, Accessories:

Jump The Hedges - upcycled tarpaulin to water resistant yoga bags, bum bags etc.
Grown - organic cotton t-shirts & jumpers & they plant a tree for every sale.
The Upcycle Movement - upcycled wetsuits to bags, earrings, pencil cases etc.
Cork Crafts. - traditional cork products (learn about cork in episode one!) such as shoes, bags wallets etc.
ReKINDle. - beautiful hand-painted denim jackets, patches & tote bags with earth friendly messages.
Fresh Cuts. - shop in Dublin selling their own eco branded clothes among other brands.

Socks & Underwear:

Stór - bamboo and organic cotton underwear for men.
Rapuni - underwear and clothes and they take their own stock back to recycle.
Thought - organic catoon, bamboo & hemp socks, underwear & other clothes.
Ecoalf - swimwear and clothes from recycled nylon plastic taken from the ocean and beaches.
Strip & Stare - mostly use modal from beechtrees to make knickers and other clothes and, their knickers are compostable.
Patagonia - have a shop in Dublin as well as an online store and sell outdoor wear including sustainable warm socks.
Molke - all their colourful underwear is manufactured in Scotland and sustainably sourced.
Swedish Stockings - luxury detailed tights and stockings from sustainable material (plus they have this amazing scheme for taking back old tights which I didn't mention in the episode!).

Toiletries:

Make sure they'll actually use what you give them!

LUSH - all ethical, mostly vegan, take back their plastic containers to recycle into new ones.
Bodyshop - cruelty free natural products (though they use a fair bit of plastic).
Superdrug - own brand toiletries are all free from animal testing but again, they use plastic.

You can buy sustainable soaps and toiletries (and more!) from these Irish retailers:

Reuzi.
Little Green Shop.
The Kind co.
Minimal Waste Grocery.
Eco Annie Pooh.
Green Outlook.

Books:

Chapters.
Thriftify.
The Book Depository.

Jewellery:

Chupi.
Golden Forest Boutique.
Stonechat Jewellers.
The Messy Brunette.
ThinkThreads.

Candles:

Candella.
Emma's So Naturals.

Technology:

Mind your technology to make it last with covers like Pela and anti virus software etc.
Purchase second hand from CeX.

Checkout www.bookofleavespodcast.com for info on upcoming markets & more. Don't forget to listen to Part 2! X

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Collie Ennis is a fellow podcaster (check out The Critter Shed!), Science officer with the Herpetological Society of Ireland and a research associate at Trinity University Dublin. He's also a great laugh to have the chats with and a fountain of knowledge. We delve into all things critter related in this episode.

In particular we cover:

How Collie came to work with critters.
How important invertebrates are to biodiversity.
Why invertebrates are struggling today.
How climate change is affecting them.
The hidden species of Ireland from newts to toads.
How to easily turn your garden or balcony into a haven for invertebrates on rented or owned land.
What happened at the Tallaght Wetlands.
Advice as a community member on how to protect a local patch of land, vital to species, threatened by development.
Working with neighbours to turn estate greens into bio-diverse areas.
Growing food in a garden full of bugs.

Mentioned:

Herpetological Society of Ireland.
All-Ireland Pollinator Plan (Jane Stout).

You can follow Collie on Twitter or Instagram and don't forget to checkout The Critter Shed podcast (who are on Twitter and Facebook).Let me know what you think of this episode and don't forget to rate, review and share!

www.bookofleavespodcast.com

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Emma Gleeson is a professional declutterer with a background in fashion. The research she did into the psychology of consuming things makes this episode an interesting one! We chatted about a whole host if things including:

How Emma came to work as a sustainable advocate.
The psychology behind why we buy things and why it makes us feel good.
How Emma's approach to decluttering works.
Where things should go when you're letting go of them.
Why we find it hard to part with some "sticky" items.
Dealing with stuff on specific holidays.
Organizing your children's toys.
Decluttering your wardrobe.
Tips for your mental health while decluttering.

Charities & Businesses Mentioned:

The Environmental Justice Foundation.
Reuzi.ie (Listen to Pat from Reuzi's episode here).
Sustainable Fashion Dublin.
Friends of the Earth.
Focus Ireland.
Stripe & Stare.
Clutter Bug.

Information Resources Mentioned:

Zygmunt Bauman - Liquid Modernity.
Hedonic Treadmill.
Alain de Botton - Status Anxiety (Book).
Naomi Klein - No Logo (Book).
Lucy Siegle - To Die For (Book).
Kate Fletcher - Sustainable Fashion Researcher & Writer (Local Wisdom Project).

Please don't forget to rate, review and share! Xwww.bookofleavespodcast.com

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I had the absolute pleasure of visiting Seal Rescue Ireland in Courtown to interview Melanie. Her extensive knowledge of conservation made this a really enjoyable educational episode, although sometimes very saddening due to how Seals are suffering at the hands of humans. Have a listen, share it around and be the eyes and ears of SRI when you're out along the coast.

We covered:

Melanie's background before coming to work for Seal Rescue Ireland.
Facts about the seals that are native to Ireland and how their populations have fared over the years.
Why SRI end up needing to rehabilitate seals.
How pollutants end up in the sea and what we can do to stop them.
The importance planting trees, particularly Riparian buffers, has on the health of the sea.
The relationship between seal conservationists and the fishing industry.
The benefits of Eco-Tourism.
How SRI rehabilitate their seals and releases them.

What to do if you see a seal on the beach:

Stay at least 100 metres away.
Call SRI's hotline number: +353(0)87 1955393.
Keep your dog on a short lead.
Do NOT approach the seal or try drag it into the sea!

Adopt a Seal here. Your adoption certificate will be e-mailed to you as well as regular updates!

Mentioned in Intro:

Climate Queens Ireland.
Fridays for Future Ireland.
Extinction Rebellion Ireland and Rebellion Week (7th-13th October).

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For episode 12 I asked Cormac Nugent for an interview on behalf of Extinction Rebellion Ireland. It's a long episode but you don't have to listen to it all in one go! Cormac has been with the group for a few months and hosts some of their public 'Heading for Extinction' talks. He knows an awful lot about the climate crisis situation and more importantly, what we need to do about. We cover a LOT in this episode so it's longer that usual but you won't notice the time going. We sure didn't!

Some of the highlights we talked about are:

How Cormac became involved in Environmentalism.
The Montreal Protocol: protecting the ozone.
Who Extinction Rebellion are, their demands and values.
Why they do disruptive actions.
What The Climate Emergency the Irish government declared means for us and the climate emergency measures bill.
A brief science of the climate crisis: previous extinctions, carbon absorption by the ocean, coral reefs, soil degradation.
The temperature rise, why and how it happens, what needs to be done to stop it.
Tree cover in Ireland and the problem with sitka spruce.
Our carbon budget.
What a just transition means.
Electric cars Vs public transport.
The top 3 causes of climate change.
Erica Chenoweth’s studies including the 3.5% rule.
Rebellion Week.
What you have to do to risk arrest.
Examples of affinity groups: Plant Bandits and The Bumble Bees.
Advice for battling eco-anxiety.

How to get involved:* Social Media Channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram. * Joining your local group (or setting one up if there isn't one!). * Via your College/University XR society. Again, you can set one up if there isn't one! * By attending local Heading for Extinction talks, NVDA workshops and monthly meetings, all events are listed on their Facebook page here. * Share XR's events and posts online and with your friends and family. * Donate to their GoFundMe by clicking here. * Join protests in person.

Find and join your nearest strike on the 20th of September![Sign up to be a steward here.]

School-age students have self-organised marches around the country and they need you to attend.

Dublin: Gathering 12:00 at Customs House, marching at 12:30 to Merrion Sq., rallying 13:00 - 14:00 at Merrion Sq. in front of Govt. buildings
Cork City: Gathering on Grand Parade St. from 12:00, marching at 12:20.
Kerry (Tralee): Meet at County Buildings, Ratass, at 9am
Clare (Ennis): Meet at The Height, O’Connell Square at 9am
Drogheda: Demonstrating from 13:00 outside St. Peters's Church, West St.
Galway: Demonstrating from 13:00 - 16:00 in Eyre Square
Navan: Demonstrating from 13:00 - 15:00 at the Market Square
Limerick: Marching from Arthur's Quay Park at 13:00, finishing at City Hall.
Dundalk: Demonstrating from 12:30 - 15:00 in the Market Square
Kenmare: Demonstrating from 9:00 - 13:00 outside the Courthouse
Dingle: 12pm at the Town Park climateactiondingle@outlook.ie.

Other Causes to Suport:

Climate Connect.
Friends of the Earth.
Stop Climate Chaos.

Educational Resources:

Latest IPBES Report (Biodiversity Loss).
IPCC Reports.
Cowspiracy

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In this episode I give a brief mention about the Amazon Fire and what we can do about it before getting down and dirty with all things nappy related with Annie from Cloth Nappy Library Ireland. Whether you're a current or soon-to-be parent or know someone who is, or just like learning new things, this episode is for you.

(Check out www.bookofleavespodcast.com for shownotes with pictures.)

The two of us chat about:

A bit about Annie, her background and why she made the switch to cloth nappies.
The different types of cloth nappies from Birth to Potty to All in Ones (see the pic below!).
How often you change and clean them (and how to clean them!).
The try before you buy scheme.
How the loans at Cloth Nappy Library Ireland work.
Using reusable wipes/cloths.
Advice for parents on a sustainable journey.
Donating nappies.

Events, Groups & Meet-Ups Mentioned:

Nappucino Coffee mornings (find out more in your local Cloth Nappy Chat facebook group).
Earth Baby Fair.
Baby Wearing Ireland - Wear a Hug Fair.
Friends of Breastfeeding.
Cloth Nappy Chat (Facebook).
Tidy Towns Leixlip - Be Green Fair.
The Baby Market.

Where to find some beautiful cloth nappies as mentioned by Annie:

The Filling Shop (Galway).
Happy Baby (Gorey).
Earth Mother (online store).

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Episode 10 is here already! This one specifically looks at plastic and I talk to Claudia Tormey about it. Claudia works for Friends of the Earth and runs their #SickOfPlastic campaign. Have a listen to learn about:

How and why Claudia came to work for FOE.
Who are Friends of the Earth & what do they do?
Why plastic is such a problem.
Fracking & drilling for oils in Ireland.
The LNG terminals (take action here!).
How to Shop and Drop.
What's been happening to our waste.
Advice on how keep it together as an environmental activist.

Take action by signing their Sick of Plastic campaign petition here!

Other campaigns & causes mentioned:

Voice charity.
Scoop Foundation.
Young Friends of the Earth.
ChangeX.

Media Mentioned:

Erin Brockovich the movie.
Active Hope by Joanna Macy & Chris Johnstone.

Don't forget to rate & review!

www.bookofleavespodcast.com

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It's time to awaken our inner child with Sharon from Jiminy! This woman is an inspiration for anyone who wants to just do something for the planet from micro activism to evoking huge changes within corporations.

We chatted about:

Sharon’s background before Jiminy.
What’s the exact problem with toys?
The challenges Sharon faced of finding eco friendly toys.
What are Toy Miles?
The criteria products must fill before Sharon orders them.
How she encourages her suppliers to do plastic free shipping.
Borrow kits, how they work and how you can help!
Personal advice from Sharon as to how we can help the planet.

Sharon's Eco Influences:

Zero Waste Ireland Facebook Group.
Trash Is For Tossers.
Online Activism Course with Pachamama Alliance.
Living Lightly in Ireland.
The Crafty Mum.

Products & Other Businesses Mentioned:

Playpress.
Bioblo.
Binabo.
Coco Den H'Aut Shadow Theatre Sets.
Bio Glitter.
Piggy Paint Nail Polish.
myfibo Boomerangs.
Wooden Beads.
Green Earth Organics.
St Anne’s Park Market.
Susty Planet (Compostable Partyware).

You can also find Jiminy's list of Stockists across Ireland on their website here.

If you want to get in touch with Sharon, be it as an eco toy producer, potential stockist or to offer a party kit, her e-mail is hello@jiminy.ie or contact here via the Jiminy Website. Don't forget to follow Jiminy on Instagram and Facebook too!

Please rate, review and share this episode with a friend!

Ceara X

www.bookofleavespodcast.com

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I had the absolute pleasure of chatting to Pat Kane, the force behind Reuzi. She is doing great work for the planet from providing sustainable products to educational services in schools and businesses on the why's and how's of living a greener lifestyle.

In this episode, we touch on:

Pat's childhood in Brazil.
How Reuzi came about.
How sourcing and shipping products work.
The corporate talks, home visits and parties she hosts.
Eco bricks, how to make them.
Producing minimal waste with babies (nappies and wipes!).
Making your own cleaning products.
Advice for starting out on your own minimal waste journey
The future of Reuzi!

Mentioned in this episode:

Seal Rescue Ireland.
Cloth Nappy Library Ireland.
The Bernard Shaw.

Keep up to date with Pat and Reuzi on Instagram (@reuzi.e), Facebook and Twitter!

Don't forget to rate, review and share!

Ceara X

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Episode 7 was recorded a few months ago with Dr. Ailis Brosnan, I've just been waiting for the right time to release it!

We chat about:

The basic food intake and tips she suggests for eating a plant based diet.
Her diet in regards to her active lifestyle.
A brief look into raising vegan children.
What services she offers for people wanting to improve their health or physique or transition to a plant-based diet.
The road she followed to working in her field of health psychology and sports and also transitioning to vegan diet.
Her Mizen Head to Malin Head journey, find out how she got on here!

Check out Dr. Brosnan's website here where you can find access to her online coaching and services.

Resources mentioned:

The Vegan Plate by Brenda Davis.
EAT-Lancet Commission Report.
Cronometer Nutrition Tracking App.

Don't forget to review & share! - Ceara x

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In episode 6 we talk to Simone Tiso, a multi-talented human, who takes the time to share some of the research he's built up over the years on sustainable eating.

We cover:

Simone's background in Italy.
How he came to live in Ireland.
The differences he noticed in sustainability between here and Italy.
What The Lead Forge is and why he set it up.
How relying on dairy and beef in Ireland is affecting us.
A brief look at Factory Farming in Ireland.
The Almond tree problem in California.
How Positively Eventful came about.
Basic tips for becoming or eating vegan.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

An Inconvenient Truth.
Cowspiracy.
The China Study.
Anonymous for the Voiceless.
Dr. Gregor - How not to Die.
Dr. McDougall.
Dr. Colin Campbell.

IPCC Intergovernmental Governmental Panel on Climate Change Report

World Watch report on Livestock and Climate Change (On the Longshadow of Livestock report by the UN FAO)

Businesses Mentioned:

Lion.L Raw Kitchen.
Little Blue Frog Chocolates.
Cork Crafts.
Malay Kitchen.

Don't forget to review & share! - Ceara x

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"The thing about plastics, they don't break down, they break up."

Episode 5 is all about the plastic pollution invading our coastlines and how it's getting there. We talk to Richard from Clean Coasts to learn how to deal with it!

In this episode, we cover:

Who Clean Coasts are and what they do.
How Richard came to work for Clean Coasts.
Where the litter on our coastlines is coming from.
The effect on deep sea creatures.
What we as individuals can do to stop this plastic invasion.
Think Before You Flush, 2 Minute Beach Clean and Beat the Microbeads campaigns.
The EU's plan to ban single use plastics.

Interested in volunteering with Clean Coasts? You can get in touch with them here.

Don't forget to share this podcast with a friend, rate & review!

https://www.patreon.com/bookofleaves

-Ceara

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In this episode I interview entrepreneur Rónán Ó'Dálaigh. You'll soon hear Rónán is a man of many ideas regarding social change. He has been involved with several initiatives and business thus far such as SEDco, Impact Events and the star of the show: Thriftify, a one stop online shop for second books in charity shops nationwide. In this episode, we talk about:

How Rónán realised he had an interest in entrepreneurship and positive social change from a young age.
Advice for entrepreneurs starting out.
His background in big corporations.
Why SEDco started and what they aim to achieve.
What Thriftify is and how it works.

If you'd like to get in touch with Rónán, you can e-mail him at info@thriftify.ie or visit their website www.thriftify.ie.

20% Discount code: Failte20

Make sure to follow them on Facebook, Instagramand Twitter too!

Mentioned in this episode:

SEDco.
Thriftify.
Impact Events.
Changemakers Exchange Network.
Catalyst Events Series.
Social Entrepreneurs Ireland.
Social Innovation Fund.
Community Finance Ireland.
Irish Social Enterprise Network.
Connect The Dots.

Don't forget to rate, subscribe and review the podcast!

-Cearawww.bookofleavespodcast.com

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In this episode, we interview Peadar, the man behind Small Changes, a zero waste shop now in Drumcondra, Dublin where you can get all sorts of refills and organic, local products. We talk about:

Peadar's background leading up to opening Small Changes in Gorey, then Drumcondra.
The research and criteria products undergo before they reach the shelf.
Where their fruit and vegetables come from.
Getting involved with community gardens.
Convincing suppliers to go plastic free.
The ripple effect of making small changes and grassroot movements.
Advice for people looking to live more sustainably.
The future of Small Changes.

Mentioned in this episode:

Green Earth Organics
Beechlawn Farm
Dublin Community Growers
Dublin City Farm
The National Botanic Gardens
King of Kefir

If you're interested in collaborating with Small Changes, you can e-mail Peadar at peadar@smallchanges.ie

Before May 24th 2019, Irish Citizens should check out this link by Stop Climate Chaos to make sure their TDs are considering the Climate.Please subscribe, rate and review!

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"When you know, you can't unknow."

In this episode with Aoibhéann, we cover:

What inspired her to live sustainably.
What's happening (or not happening) with Irish politics in regards to the planet and how we can effect change in our government.
Mary Robinson.
Personal choices we can make to help the environment.

Businesses, causes and incentives mentioned:

Sustainable Fashion Dublin
The NU Wardrobe
Stop Climate Chaos
Kaffee Form Coffee Cups (Available to purchase in Dublin in Beo in Stoneybatter among other places!)
MoonCup
Thinx

Documentaries:

The True Cost (Available on Netflix)

Follow Aoibhéann on Instagram: @aoibheannmccann

Don't forget to rate, review, subscribe and share!

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In this episode we meet Vasco Carto, the man behind Cork Crafts.

We'll be covering:

Vasco's background, from Portugal to County Cork.
How cork products are made, from tree to shelf.
How cork compares to leather.
The unsustainable side of the cork industry: illegal labour and cheap production
How to diffrenciate between 'counterfeit' cork and legitimate, sustainable cork.

Follow him on Instagram and Facebook to keep an eye out for his upcoming markets. And let us know if you have any feedback!

Ceara x

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Hello and welcome to the very first episode of Book of Leaves! This episode goes into a little about me, why I started this podcast and what kind of areas we'll be covering. Please subscribe, rate, review and if you have any feedback or suggestions, get in touch!

www.bookofleavespodcast.com

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Book of Leaves: Recent Episodes

Ceara Carney

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