UvA Green Office Podcast: Recent Episodes
Green Office
The University of Amsterdam’s Green Office is a student-run organisation with the goal to spread awareness, share expertise and work collaboratively to create long-term sustainable change! Our podcast aims to showcase a diversity of voices and approaches on sustainability-related modes of thinking and action. To do this, we are currently leading a BookTalk series which dives into everything from climate change to eco-fiction, we also share regular conversations with UvA lecturers who teach about sustainability in its many interdisciplinary forms as part of our SustainableEDU series and highlight stories from young, environmentally conscious, ecopreneur, or eco-curious students through our Green Gen Series. If you want to know more or want to get involved in the UvA Green Office, check out our website at www.uvagreenoffice.nl or reach us on social media @uvagreenoffice!
Generation Z is more vocal about the need for action on climate change than older generations. Climate change has increased uncertainty about our future. As the effects of climate change intensify over time, people realize that future generations will inherit the current state of the planet. Generation Z children have grown up with social media providing them with a widespread digital platform unlike any generation before. With the rise of online climate change content among users, our generation is becoming more engaged in the issue. In this final episode of the season, Nefeli and Julia explore all aspects of our generation's commitment to climate action. Most importantly, they look at the impact of social media on Generation Z initiatives. Plus, the hosts look at the COP summit and its ambitious commitments with the help of their guest Claire, a UvA Student and environmental activist. Do not forget to think critically about your consumption habits!
Let's connect and talk about sustainability on LinkedIn at Evropi-Nefeli Syriopoulou and Julia Wolska.
References:
Lashbrook, Angela. "‘No point in anything else’: Gen Z members flock to climate careers". The Guardian. September 06, 2021, https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/sep/06/gen-z-climate-change-careers-jobs.
Wiley, Clare. "The Gen Z climate activists going viral on TikTok". Made for minds. May 18, 2021, https://www.dw.com/en/the-gen-z-climate-activists-going-viral-on-tiktok/a-57531865.
Claire’s resources:
Generation Climate Europe
Claire Patterson on LinkedIn.
Youthful Cities
David Suzuki
Generation Z is currently the most engaged generation when it comes to fashion. However, they pay attention to where products come from and how they are made. Younger consumers are very concerned about social and environmental issues, which many see as the defining issues of our time. They are increasingly backing up their beliefs with their buying behaviour. They prefer brands that share their values and avoid those that do not. In this episode, your hosts Nefeli and Julia explore all aspects of sustainability and fashion. Their guest, Martyna is the Co-Founder of the ethical, sustainable brand, @sis.tainable. Do not forget to think critically about your consumption habits!
References:
“The State of Fashion 2019” (United States: McKinsey & Company, 2019), https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:1140e5d4-150a-3205-b277-80d5d59f9cd5#pageNum=1.
Lall, Rashmee Roshan. “Gen Z and the business of being woke.” openDemocracy. February 19, 2022. https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/oureconomy/gen-z-and-the-business-of-being-woke/.
The advent of increased tourism has led to a shift in priorities and perspectives regarding the preservation of the natural environment as construction and development, particularly on the coast, have increased. In this episode, your hosts Nefeli and Julia explore all aspects of sustainability and travel. Generation Z is often described as socially and environmentally conscious, wanting to be mobile, and desiring authentic local experiences. Some of these life choices have been made by our guest Kim to become more eco-friendly in her travels. Do not forget to think critically about your consumption habits!
References:https://think.taylorandfrancis.com/special_issues/generation-z-sustainable-tourism-generation/ ; https://globetrender.com/2020/01/12/gen-z-environment-travel-2020/ .
This BookTalk episode is part 2 of a 2 part series on Tatiana Schlossberg’s Inconspicuous Consumption: The Environmental Impact You Don't Know You Have which empowers readers to think about the environment in a new way and make more informed choices when it comes to the future of our world. Episode 2 will focused on Fashion and Fuel
Associated Links:
- UvA Green Office Green Fashion Guide
- Where to get Inconspicuous Consumption: The Environmental Impact You Don't Know You Haveby Tatiana Schlossberg
Generation Z is leading the modern environmental movement. Inspired by our generation's activity in addressing environmental issues on and offline, the ‘Green Gen’ series is created. This is the first introductory episode where your hosts, Nefeli and Julia, talk about how our generation has evolved compared to our parents. Climate change has greatly affected the state of our planet. But also how our generation is trying to change the disastrous consequences of neglecting the environment. Online petitions and lifestyle changes are just a few examples of what we can do to save our planet in a sustainable way. Some of these life choices have been made by our guest, Anna, a UvA law student, to become more environmentally friendly. Do not forget to think critically about your consumption habits!
References: “Gen Z, Millennials More Active than Older Generations Addressing Climate Change on- and Offline.” Pew Research Center Science & Society, Pew Research Center, 25 May 2021, https://www.pewresearch.org/science/2021/05/26/gen-z-millennials-stand-out-for-climate-change-activism-social-media-engagement-with-issue/ps_2021-05-26_climate-and-generations_00-01/.
The new SustainableEDU series aims to share regular conversations with UvA lecturers who teach about sustainability in its many interdisciplinary forms. We're kicking off this series with the course ‘Applied Social Psychology: Towards a Sustainable Society.’ In this episode, Arda chats with Assistant Professor and course coordinator, Cameron Brick. Together they'll dive into the contents and objectives of the course, environmental psychology, policy communication, and how existing psychological processes can be harnessed to deal with climate change.
Applied Social Psychology Course: studiegids.uva.nl/xmlpages/page/2020-2021-en/search-course/course/78654
Cameron Brick’s Website: cameronbrick.com
The brand new BookTalk series will kick off with a 2 part episode on Tatiana Schlossberg’s Inconspicuous Consumption: The Environmental Impact You Don't Know You Have which empowers readers to think about the environment in a new way and make more informed choices when it comes to the future of our world. Episode 1 will focus on the areas on Internet and Technology as well as Food.
Associated Links:
- UvA Green Office Amsterdam E-Waste Guide
- Fresh Bag Amsterdam
- Where to get Inconspicuous Consumption: The Environmental Impact You Don't Know You Haveby Tatiana Schlossberg
In today’s society, the use of social media has become an important source of information and communication by shaping common opinion, besides influencing the public's perception of sustainability topics. We discuss the positive & negative impacts of “green influencers” on social media with the help of our guests, Chris & Shirin, UvA students. “Green influencers” rise on social media platforms nowadays as they are trying to connect topics of sustainability to other subjects that are not traditionally part of the sustainability theme but make it more relatable for their followers. Don’t forget to turn a critical eye to your “green” content consumption online!
References:
Ceelen-Thomas, M. (2020). Exploring Behaviours of Zero Waste Consumers. Department of Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship College of Business and Law, University of Canterbury. https://ir.canterbury.ac.nz/bitstream/handle/10092/100768/Ceelen-Thomas%2C%20Mikaila_Master%27s%20Thesis.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
Drell, C. (2019, July 30). Is It Possible to Live Trash-Free? Marie Claire. https://www.marieclaire.com/culture/a28468755/is-the-zero-waste-movement-doable/
Flora, L. (2021, May 3). Zero-waste moves from niche to mainstream. Glossy. https://www.glossy.co/beauty/zero-waste-moves-from-niche-to-mainstream/
Oldensjö, E. (2018). The Practice of Influencing – How Zero Waste YouTubers Try to Influence the Reduction of Waste Through Online Communities. Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. Published. https://stud.epsilon.slu.se/13400/1/oldensjo_e_180625.pdf
Reporter, G. S. (2016, April 26). Zero-waste bloggers: the millennials who can fit a year’s worth of trash in a jar.
The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/apr/22/zero-waste-millennial-bloggers-trash-greenhouse-gas-emissionsSlatalla, M. (2010, February 15).
A Visit From the Priestess of Waste-Free Living. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/16/fashion/18spy.htmlUsing social media to prevent litter and flytipping. (2021, June 9).
Zero Waste Scotland. https://www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/litter-flytipping/social-media
In this episode of the Docu Chats, we talk about Social Dilemma. We give a spotlight to social sustainability and in particular, look at how technology and social media can have damaging consequences for us and future generations. We draw similarities between push notifications and gambling, talk about how social media platforms influence our behaviour and health and discuss the business models which drive the online world. As always, we leave you with a well-curated list of changes you can make to streamline and control your online presence.
References“What is Social Sustainability?”. ADEC Innovations. https://www.esg.adec-innovations.com/about-us/faqs/what-is-social-sustainability/
“What benefits can online communities offer to members?”. i-SCOOP. https://www.i-scoop.eu/online-communities-social-communities-primer/benefits-can-online-communities-offer-members/
Vogel, Erin; Rose, Jason; Roberts, Lindsay; Katheryn Eckles. “Social comparison, Social media, and self-esteem.” Psychology of Popular Media Culture, 3(4), 206–222. https://doi.org/10.1037/ppm0000047
Newton, Casey. “The leader of the Time Well Spent movement has a new crusade”. The Verge. April 19, 2019. https://www.theverge.com/interface/2019/4/24/18513450/tristan-harris-downgrading-center-humane-tech
https://voicesofvr.com/787-ethical-design-of-humane-technology-with-tristan-harris/
Cabrera Escobar, Maria; Veerman, Lennert; Tallman, Stephen; Bertram, Melanie; Hofman, Karen. “Evidence that a tax on sugar sweetened beverages reduces the obesity rage- a meta-analysis”. BMC Public Health 13, 1072 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-13-1072
“Information Security Compliance: Which regulations relate to me?”. Tcdi. December 21, 2020. https://www.tcdi.com/information-security-compliance-which-regulations/
It’s all about Fashion! In the second episode of the “Zero Waste” series hosted by Nefeli & Julia, we explore fashion and climate. We discuss multiple movements across the fashion industry, such as zero waste, sustainable and slow fashion. Multiple issues are addressed in this episode with the help of our guest, Cindy, a passionate fashion & sustainable UvA student; from the production of raw materials to the impact of consumerism in our lives to the controversies of fashion cult. Don’t forget to turn a critical eye to your consumption habits!
References:Elizabeth. “What Is Zero Waste Fashion? Plus 7 Brands to Know.” Conscious Life & Style, April 30, 2021. https://www.consciouslifeandstyle.com/zero-waste-fashion/.
Erin, Verena. My Green Closet, February 23, 2021. https://mygreencloset.com/zero-waste-fashion-brands/.
Fallon, Lillian. “The Beginner's Guide to the Ethical Fashion Movement.” Grotto Network, February 20, 2020. https://grottonetwork.com/make-an-impact/transform/what-is-sustainable-fashion/.
Lee, Sylvia. “How Zero-Waste Fashion Is Slowly Saving the World.” The QUO" Change your way, February 15, 2018. https://www.thequo.com.au/stories/247-how-zero-waste-fashion-is-slowly-saving-the-world.
MacGilp, Ruth. “Why Every Fashion Brand Should Start Thinking About Zero-Waste Design - Eco-Age.” Eco-Age, February 3, 2021. https://eco-age.com/resources/every-fashion-brand-should-start-thinking-about-zero-waste-design/.
Mitchell, Olivia. “What Is Slow Fashion and Why It Matters.” Sustainable Jungle, April 24, 2021. https://www.sustainablejungle.com/sustainable-fashion/what-is-slow-fashion/.
“Unfashionable Consumption: Is Fashion Fixing Itself?” Rapid Transition Alliance, November 15, 2019. https://www.rapidtransition.org/stories/unfashionable-consumption-is-fashion-fixing-itself/.
“WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE FASHION?” Green Strategy Sustainable and Circular Fashion Consulting. Accessed May 20, 2021. https://www.greenstrategy.se/sustainable-fashion/what-is-sustainable-fashion/.
“What Is Sustainable Fashion?” Make it last. Accessed May 20, 2021. https://makeitlast.se/what-is-sustainable-fashion/.
“THE 'ZERO WASTE' TREND IN THE DESIGN AND FASHION INDUSTRY.” WORTH Project, June 11, 2018. https://www.worthproject.eu/the-zero-waste-trend-in-the-design-and-fashion-industry/.
In this episode of the Docu Chats, we discuss the National Geographic documentary, Before the Flood, directed by Fisher Stevens and narrated by Leonardo Dicaprio. The documentary covers the wide range of challenges that our world and populations face in our collective fight against climate change. We talk about the Paris Climate Agreement and its accountability, green energy sources, which countries are actually going green and which ones could strive to do better. We also look into what Dicaprio has himself done for the cause of global warming, as well as how differently this process will manifest itself in different parts of the world. As always, we leave our listeners with some super practical tips on how to get involved and make changes to their own lifestyles to ensure a greener future.
References The 11th Hour Trailer. YouTube, 2007. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IBG2V98IBY.
Ancheri, Saumya. “10 Young Climate Activists Helping Save the Planet.” Condé Nast Traveller India. Condé Nast Traveller India, June 6, 2020. https://www.cntraveller.in/story/10-young-climate-activists-helping-save-the-planet-india-canada-usa-indonesia-world-environment-day-2020/.
Denchak, Melissa. “Paris Climate Agreement: Everything You Need to Know.” NRDC, February 19, 2021. https://www.nrdc.org/stories/paris-climate-agreement-everything-you-need-know.
“Celebrity Charity Finances Are Hidden Behind Closed Doors.” Charity Watch. Accessed April 4, 2021. https://www.charitywatch.org/charity-donating-articles/celebrity-charity-finances-are-hidden-behind-closed-doors.
“Ecological Footprint.” Ecological Footprint Calculator. Accessed April 4, 2021. https://www.footprintcalculator.org/.
“Greta Thunberg: Who Is She and What Does She Want?” BBC News, February 28, 2020. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-49918719.
Mann, Henry. “Tesla Battery Recycling: Revolutionary Closed Loop System.” CRUX Investor Articles, 2021. https://articles.cruxinvestor.com/tesla-battery-recycling.
Mulvaney, Kieran. “World Climate Change Report Card: These Countries Are Meeting Goals.” Environment. National Geographic, April 3, 2021. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/climate-change-report-card-co2-emissions.
Prime Minister Fumbles on Single-Use Plastic Question. CityNews Toronto. YouTube, 2019. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sBxAvxr9fo.
“Timeline.” The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation. Accessed June 3, 2021. https://www.leonardodicaprio.org/timeline/.
Wallace-Wells, David. The Uninhabitable Earth: Life after Warming. Penguin Books Ltd., 2017.
"Going Zero Waste” is the first episode of the “Zero Waste” series hosted by Nefeli & Julia. In this episode, we start a zero waste conversation! We discuss zero waste movement from the 2000s until now, consumption culture, the financial difficulties, the “controversies” of it. We also discuss simple ways to get involved with zero waste with the help of our guest, a UvA student that shares her journey on zero waste and sustainable living. Don’t forget to turn a critical eye to your consumption habits!
References
Admin. “Who Started the Zero Waste Movement?” Zero Waste, August 17, 2020. https://www.zerowaste.com/blog/what-is-it-who-started-the-zero-waste-movement/.
Anonymous. “What Is Zero Waste?” Recycling Council of British Columbia, August 11, 2016. https://www.rcbc.ca/resources/zero-waste.
Ceelen-Thomas, Mikaila. “Exploring Behaviours of Zero Waste Consumers.” UC Library. University of Canterbury, January 1, 1970. https://ir.canterbury.ac.nz/handle/10092/100768.
Conway, Tara. “I'm Upset: The ‘Zero Waste’ People Must Be Stopped.” The Outline. The Outline, May 28, 2019. https://theoutline.com/post/7500/i-m-upset-the-zero-waste-people-must-be-stopped.
“Does Going ‘Zero Waste’ Really Make a Difference?” Vocal Media. Accessed February 3, 2021. https://vocal.media/longevity/does-going-zero-waste-really-make-a-difference.
Movers, Singh, and Donna McCaw. “Zero Waste Tips: 50 of the Most Impactful Earth-Happy Habits.” Sustainable Jungle, May 30, 2021. https://www.sustainablejungle.com/zero-waste/zero-waste-tips/.
The first episode of the UvA Green Office Podcast is inspired by the Netflix documentary, Chasing Coral, produced by Jeff Orlowski, which brings to light some shocking truths about rising ocean temperatures and how this is harmful to corals. In this episode, we take forward a conversation around corals- how they are the most superior underwater organisms, why they are important and how our actions are posing a threat to their future. We also discuss some super simple ways to get involved with this cause, adopting more sustainable, ocean-friendly diets and what scientific research is doing to save coral reefs.
References10 Ways to Protect Reefs. 2021. Ocean Service. https://aamboceanservice.blob.core.windows.net/oceanservice-prod/facts/coralinfographic.pdf.
Harrabin, Roger. “Plant-Based Diet Can Fight Climate Change - UN.” BBC News. BBC, August 8, 2019. https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-49238749.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. “How Does Overfishing Threaten Coral Reefs?” NOAA's National Ocean Service. US Department of Commerce, June 23, 2016. https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/coral-overfishing.html.
Petrovic, Z., V. Djordjevic, M. Milicevic, I. Nastijevic, and N. Parunovic. “Meat Production and Consumption: Environmental Consequences.” Procedia Food Science 5 (2015): 235–38. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profoo.2015.09.041.
Teh, Louise S. L., Lydia C. L. Teh, and U. Rashid Sumaila. “A Global Estimate of the Number of Coral Reef Fishers.” PLOS ONE. Public Library of Science, 2021. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0065397.
Warne, Kennedy. “New Science Could Save Dying Coral Reefs, in the Great Barrier Reef and Beyond.” National Geographic, May 3, 2021. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/2018/11/great-barrier-reef-restoration-transplanting-corals/.
Welsch, Meghan. “Take Action.” Chasing Coral. Chasing Coral, January 29, 2021. https://www.chasingcoral.com/take-action/.