The Owl Hoot: Recent Episodes
Caroline Norbury
A podcast for the environmentally curious. Conversations on climate change, sustainability, biodiversity and pollution with guests who contribute to protecting our planet.
Tom Hartland Smith is a senior catchment restoration officer with the Severn Rivers Trust. The trust promotes a healthy, resilient river Severn for everyone. Tom provides insight into the common threats to river health and how they engage the community and landowners to overcome them.
Harriet Hird is head of marketing at Zedify, an eco-friendly and sustainable delivery business based in the UK. She explains how their e-cargo bikes help cities become healthier by improving air quality and reducing congestion. Their all-electric fleet operates at a much lower carbon footprint whilst providing a speedy service.
Mirella Firraz is an eco-social entrepreneur, writer and coordinator of the Share Shed– A Library of Things based in Devon. She tells the story of how the Share Shed started, how it became the world’s first mobile Library of Things, the growing network and why a movement towards sharing resources and wasting less benefits people.
Wayne Bexton is the Director of Environment and Sustainability at Nottingham City Council and is driving change within the city to meet a carbon neutral goal of 2028. In this conversation, Wayne discusses the transformations underway in the residential, commercial and transport sectors to achieve environmental and societal benefits.
Daniel Webb is the founder and director of Everyday Plastic, a social enterprise delivering evidence-based education and campaigns to tackle the plastic problem. A year-long collection of his plastic waste catalysed his journey towards promoting life with less plastic involving The Big Plastic Count and #ChooseLoose.
Ruth Pilbeam is a Rewilding Project Officer for Wild Peak and Peatlands Discovery, and Hollie Davis is a Team Wilder Community Engagement Assistant with the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust. They share varied ways of boosting nature's recovery through individual and community engagement, providing inspiring stories of rewilding and nature-based activities.
Steve Smith is the Executive Director of Oxford Net Zero and the UK research hub for greenhouse gas removal, CO2RE. Steve provides a fantastic insight into net zero and carbon dioxide removal, clarifying terminology and detailing their roles in climate strategy.
Jeremy Williams is an environmental and social justice writer and campaigner. He talks about his award-winning blog and books, covering important issues that intersect with climate change, including economic growth and racism. It’s a thought-provoking conversation which draws on his experiences and highlights ideas on community action.
Dr Helena Clements is Associate Medical Director and Climate Action Clinical Lead at Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Trust. Helena has lived sustainably in an eco-house for over 20 years, and in the last 5 years, she has been driving climate action in her professional life. Here she shares how her NHS trust is tackling the issue in all areas, the wins and challenges.
Jess Strain is on a mission to deliver transparency within the fashion industry and is the founder of Ovrbloom, a fashion accessories brand. She explains how her passion for being creative and environmental values collided, leading her to build a product-based business mindful of people and the planet, demonstrated through the visibility of all aspects of the supply chain.
Jake Ainscough, a Senior Research Associate at Lancaster Environment Centre, and Ray Plummer, a homeowner from Birmingham, discuss their involvement in a climate citizen’s panel addressing how to achieve greener homes. They illuminate how presenting facts to everyday people with real-world experiences can deliver practical recommendations to inform policy.
Robbie Carnegie is a Senior Communications Officer at Moors for the Future Partnership, an organisation committed to restoring, researching and raising awareness of the Peak District and South Pennine Moors. Discover how they transform these severely degraded habitats and the numerous benefits to wildlife, people and places.
Enda Hayes is a Professor in Air Quality and Carbon Management at the University of the West of England. Enda explains what air pollutants are hazardous to human health and where they exceed set limits. His focus on the who and the why makes this invisible hazard more relatable to our everyday lives, providing hope for cleaner air.
George Jones is a wilder communities officer, and Ady Cox is a nature recovery advisor with the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust. Here, they talk about the Derwent Connections project, aiming to create and connect woodlands and reduce flood risk through collaborative work with landowners and community organisations.
Jamie Bird is a lecturer and researcher in the School of Psychology at the University of Derby, and Lor Bird is a freelance artist. Together they share their experiences of addressing the realities of climate change through joining community groups and developing art therapy workshops. Click on the title for the show notes.
In a gap year following her science A-levels, Sabaha Hussein took up an NCS Year of Service placement with the Woodland Trust. She shares her experiences at the Young People’s Forest at Mead in Derbyshire, where local people helped plant ~250,000 trees benefiting both people and the planet. Click on the title for the show notes.
Sarah Bridle is a Professor of Food, Climate and Society at the University of York. Once an astrophysicist, she explains why she switched focus to food and climate change and shares her findings on the impacts of different foods and the associated factors involved, such as transportation, freezing and food waste. Click on the title for the show notes.
Minna Alanko-Falola is the CEO and founder of Compost Works, a social enterprise facilitating community composting. Minna tells her story of building a business from her vision to divert food waste from the waste stream through composting, outlining its importance and successful implementation. Click on the title for the show notes.
Euan McTurk is a consultant battery electrochemist and creator of Plug Life Television, a YouTube channel busting myths and disseminating knowledge. A fact-packed, entertaining episode exploring the advances in battery technology, performance, ethical production and energy efficiency in manufacture and charging. Click on the title for the show notes.
Ric Casale is the co-founder of Carbon Copy, a UK climate action charity. Ric talks about how his involvement in local community action catalysed his desire to share the stories of big-thinking local community action and provide successful blueprints for others. Click on the title for the show notes.
Richard Lilley (RJ) is the co-founder and CEO of Project Seagrass - an NGO focused on raising the profile of seagrass whilst being involved in its monitoring and restoration. RJ talks about this less well-known environmental powerhouse and outlines why seagrass needs a helping hand across the globe. Click on the title for the show notes.
Rachel Coxcoon is the Founder and Director of ClimateGuide, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Forward Planning at Cotswold District Council and a PhD student. She talks about the power of local governance within the climate emergency, constructing a robust local plan and challenges such as budgets and politics. Click on the title for the show notes.
Amy and Ella Meek founded the charity, Kids Against Plastic in 2016 when they were 12 and 10. They felt compelled to address plastic pollution upon researching the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Hear about their story, motivations, the Plastic Clever Schools initiative and ambitions in this inspiring conversation. Click on the title for the show notes.
John Grant is a senior lecturer in Sustainable Construction and Climate Change at Sheffield Hallam University. John has been involved with environmental activism for many years to sound the alarm on the climate emergency and shares his thoughts and experiences of protesting. Click on the title for the show notes.
Nicolas Raimo is an electric car specialist, host to the YouTube channel, EV Nick, and sales manager for the family business, Luigi Motor Services. Nick tells us everything we need to know about electric cars, including driving experience, range and charging, both at home and out and about. Click on the title for the show notes.
Simon Tilley is a director and resident at Hockerton Housing Project, a small community living sustainably.
In this episode, Simon covers:
- Envisioning a different future and finding like-minded people. [Starts at 1:23]
- Taking a leap of faith and viewing housing as part of a system. [Starts at 3:48]
- Key features of the houses. [Starts at 6:36]
- Passive energy gains for heating, heat storage and clever design. [Starts at 8:09]
- The slow response of sustainable building design in the wider building industry. [Starts at 12:15]
- Consistency of temperature within the house. [Starts at 16:45]
- Water system and the power of feedback loops on behaviour. [Starts at 19:19]
- Electricity consumption and production through wind and solar PV. [Starts at 21:50]
- Developments and changes of priority over time. [Starts at 25:18]
- Visitors to Hockerton and the benefits of an earth shelter. [Starts at 29:03]
- What it is like to live in a cohesive community. [Starts at 32:48]
- Life in 2050 – an abundance of sustainable housing and a different way of living. [Starts at 35:29]
- Personal sustainable lifestyle highlights – growing food and owning an electric bike. [Starts at 38:26]
Useful links
Hockerton Housing Project
How to connect
Please rate and review this episode and why not share it with someone you think might enjoy it. To hear more stories of people doing fabulous things that positively impact our environment, click subscribe in your podcast app.
Holly McElhone is the press and communications manager for Make My Money Matter.
In this episode, Holly covers:
- Her experience in financial communications and joining Make My Money Matter. [Starts at 1:40]
- Why the campaign started. [Starts at 3:14]
- Campaign aims and the power of your pension. [Starts at 4:26]
- Increasing awareness of the connection between pensions and climate change. [Starts at 6:05]
- Communicating the message through videos, social media and well-known personalities. [Starts at 9:23]
- How the Make My Money Matter website can help. [Starts at 11:14]
- Deciphering credible promises from greenwashing. [Starts at 14:09]
- Responses from pension providers. [Starts at 16:11]
- The Green Pension Charter and company pension schemes. [Starts at 19:20]
- Performance of sustainable pension funds. [Starts at 22:04]
- Positive feedback and engagement in young people. [Starts at 24:41]
- The campaign beyond the UK. [Starts at 27:28]
- Pensions in 2050 – no funding of fossil fuels. [Starts at 29:00]
- Personal lifestyle changes – more climate and pension conversations with family and friends. [Starts at 30:28]
Useful links
Make My Money Matter website
Bronwyn King TEDx Talk
How to connect
YouTube
Please rate and review this episode and why not share it
Charlie Le Marquand is the data and information officer for the Mammal Society.
In this episode, Charlie covers:
- Her studies and experiences prior to joining the Mammal Society. [Starts at 1:55]
- How the Mammal Society started and its essential role in providing mammal information. [Starts at 5:24]
- Her varied role; comprising enquiries, surveys, apps and events. [Starts at 6:21]
- What a mammal is and those examined by the society. [Starts at 9:30]
- Risk of extinction and reasons for declining mammal numbers. [Starts at 12:30]
- The importance of recording mammals and the Mammal Mapper App. [Starts at 18:27]
- Why losing species matters. [Starts at 26:38]
- Appreciating nature and the joy of spotting mammals. [Starts at 28:38]
- Future ambitions of the society and the National Harvest Mouse Survey. [Starts at 33:22]
- Mammals in 2050. [Starts at 38:19]
- Personal lifestyle changes – becoming vegetarian. [Starts at 39:34]
Useful links
Mammal Society website
Information on the Mammal Mapper App
How to connect
YouTube
Please rate and review this episode and why not share it with someone you think might enjoy it. To hear more stories of people doing fabulous things that positively impact our environment, click subscribe in your podcast app.
Richard Bunting is Director of Communications & Campaigns International.
In this episode, Richard covers:
- His early career and working with Amnesty International. [Starts at 1:50]
- Environmental interests and Trees for Life. [Starts at 4:02]
- What rewilding is, in comparison to conservation. [Starts at 6:45]
- The rewilding network and where rewilding can take place. [Starts at 10:07]
- A nature-based solution offering hope and raising ambitions. [Starts at 13:13]
- Rewilding in practice – intervention and natural regeneration. [Starts at 18:54]
- Time frames of projects and emerging benefits. [Starts at 25:05]
- The positive impact of a nature-rich environment. [Starts at 27:55]
- Individual and community action making a difference; The Langholm Initiative. [Starts at 30:41]
- A nature-rich landscape in 2050 – beavers, as an example. [Starts at 34:59]
- Shifting baselines, nature-depletion and what reversing this can mean. [Starts at 42:38]
- Rewilding at home and recommendations to others. [Starts at 45:37]
Useful links
Communications & Campaigns International
Little Green Space
Green Adventures
Rewilding Britain
Trees for Life
SCOTLAND: The Big Picture
The Scottish Rewilding Alliance
Kristen Fuller is the marketing and communications manager for Toast Ale.
In this episode, Kristen covers:
- Her career, need for meaningful work and starting at Toast Ale. [Starts at 1:40]
- How Toast came into being. [Starts at 4:07]
- Sourcing bread waste. [Starts at 6:15]
- Funding Toast to get started and grow the business. [Starts at 7:17]
- The Toast products and ranges. [Starts at 8:52]
- Collaborations with other brewers on a shared goal. [Starts at 13:37]
- Consumer feedback on taste and environmental impact. [Starts at 16:27]
- The benefits of contract brewing. [Starts at 19:24]
- What it means to be a B Corp. [Starts at 20:33]
- Investing profits in charities to make a difference. [Starts at 24:16]
- Future ambition and beer activism. [Starts at 27:35]
- What it’s like working for Toast. [Starts at 31:25]
- Beer in 2050 – renewable energy, packaging reuse and taprooms. [Starts at 33:30]
- Personal sustainable actions – energy switch, conscious consumption and encouraging children to appreciate our natural world. [Starts at 36:37]
Useful links
Toast Ale website
Feedback – campaign organisation for fixing the food system
Rainforest Trust
Soil Heroes
How to connect
Please rate and review this episode and why not share it with someone you think might enjoy it. To hear more stories of people doing fabulous things that positively impact our environment, click subscribe in your podcast app.
Natascha Radclyffe-Thomas is Professor of Marketing and Sustainable Business at the British School of Fashion.
In this episode, Natascha covers:
- Her love of fashion, being a maker and educator, and sustainability awareness. [Starts at 1:50]
- The history of fashion from an environmental and ethical perspective. [Starts at 4:35]
- Processes, waste and the circular economy. [Starts at 7:10]
- Big business and fast fashion. [Starts at 11:40]
- The complexity of clothing materials. [Starts at 14:35]
- Charity shops – pros and cons. [Starts at 20:01]
- Where clothing is made. [Starts at 23:02]
- Educating students who want to make a difference. [Starts at 27:18]
- Supporting students as changemakers across cultures. [Starts at 33:11]
- What the fashion industry looks like in 2050 – celebrating creativity, global cooperation and fashion for everyone. [Starts at 35:40]
- Her sustainable actions – making/mending/thrifting and advocating sustainability in fashion education. [Starts at 38:45]
Useful links
British School of Fashion – Natascha’s webpage
Redress – Environmental NGO
Ellen MacArthur Foundation – Fashion
Good On You – ethical fashion App
Fashion Revolution – fashion activism movement
Tengri – luxury fashion label and social enterprise
Published Books
Fashion Management – A Strategic Approach (2020)
How to connect
Twitter: @fashionnatascha
Email: Natascha.RadclyffeThomas@gcu.ac.uk
Please rate and review this episode and why not share it with someone you think might enjoy it. To hear more stories of people doing fabulous things that positively impact our environment, click subscribe in your podcast app.
Andy Extance is a freelance science writer and director of Exeter Community Energy (ECOE).
In this episode, Andy covers:
- How he became involved with ECOE. [Starts at 1:55]
- ECOE early days and sourcing funds. [Starts at 5:10]
- Community share offer and the rooftop solar model. [Starts at 8:24]
- Income streams and allocating to community projects. [Starts at 10:25]
- Choosing a building for rooftop solar. [Starts at 13:00]
- Required expertise and knowledge sharing with other groups and Community Energy England. [Starts at 15:30]
- Adapting models to changes in subsidies and solar prices. [Starts at 18:18]
- Project lifespan, repayments and recycling solar. [Starts at 22:00]
- Healthy Homes for Wellbeing – addressing fuel poverty and energy efficiency. [Starts at 26:25]
- Accessing and funding of Healthy Homes for Wellbeing. [Starts at 29:50]
- Social Enterprise Award finalist. [Starts at 33:29]
- Community energy in 2050 – accessibility, new projects, involvement in housing stock to improve energy efficiency. [Starts at 35:15]
- Personal environmental action – ECOE and sharing with others what you are doing. [Starts at 39:59]
Useful links
Exeter Community Energy Website
Community Energy England
Community Energy Wales
Community Energy Scotland
Northern Ireland Community Energy
How to connect
Twitter: @ECOEtalk
Facebook: @ExeterCommunityEnergy
Please rate and review this episode and why not share it with someone you think might enjoy it. To hear more stories of people doing fabulous things that positively impact our environment, click subscribe in your podcast app.
Helena Craig is the chair of Black2Nature, an environmental organisation promoting equal access to nature for all.
In this episode, Helena covers:
- Early experiences of nature and life as a minority ethnic solicitor. [Starts at 1:47]
- Racism – from feeling annoyed and disempowered to confronting it. [Starts at 7:26]
- The pros and cons of social media. [Starts at 10:53]
- Birdgirl, first nature camp, conference and starting Black2Nature. [Starts at 13:53]
- Lack of diversity within the environmental sector. [Starts at 19:25]
- Using race experts to Influence change and the frustrations of this process. [Starts at 24:22]
- Knowledge, being black-listed, tokenism and disruption. [Starts at 27:20]
- Future camps and engagement with children. [Starts at 33:38]
- Equality, diversity and inclusion in 2050 – improved representation, but racism still present. [Starts at 36:46]
- Personal sustainability actions – from changing bank accounts to buying second hand. [Starts at 39:37]
Useful links
Mya-Rose Craig – Birdgirl and Black2Nature Website
Published Books
- We Have a Dream, by Mya-Rose Craig (2021)
How to connect
Twitter: @officialb2n
Facebook: @OfficialB2N
Instagram: @officialblack2nature
Please rate and review this episode and why not share it with someone you think might enjoy it. To hear more stories of people doing fabulous things that positively impact our environment, click subscribe in your podcast app.
Jen Gale is the founder of Sustainable(ish) and The Knackered Mums Eco Club; she is an author, podcaster, blogger and speaker.
In this episode, Jen covers:
- New beginnings: from vet to sustainable living guru. [Starts at 1:52]
- “My Make Do and Mend Year” – blogging and experiences. [Starts at 3:40]
- Anna Lappé: “Every time you spend money, you’re casting a vote for the kind of world you want.” [Starts at 6:40]
- Buying second hand and zero waste challenge. [Starts at 9:10]
- Landfill and recycling through charity shops. [Starts at 11:34]
- The Knackered Mums Eco Club. [Starts at 13:35]
- Being imperfectly green – making sustainable living accessible and fun. [Starts at 15:17]
- Empowerment to engage with councillors, MPs and companies. [Starts at 17:59]
- Compromise on making changes within families. [Starts at 20:02]
- Making changes in incremental steps. [Starts at 25:39]
- Eco-anxiety – responding with action and talking about climate change. [Starts at 27:18]
- Her future ambitions. [Starts at 31:37]
- Living sustainably in 2050 – despair (government/big business) vs. cautious optimism (great public transport/fossil-free homes/plant-based eating). [Starts at 34:03]
- Rewards of Sustainable(ish) – seeing others sharing dialogue and taking action. [Starts at 37:07]
Useful links
Sustainable(ish) Website
TEDx – My Make Do and Mend Year
Published Books
- The Sustainable(ish) Living Guide – Everything you need to know to make small changes that make a big difference (2020)
- The Sustainable(ish) Guide to Green Parenting – Guilt-free eco-ideas for raising your kids (2021)
How to connect
Twitter: @sustainableish
Facebook: @mymakedoandmendlife
Instagram: @sustainableish
Pinterest: @asustainablelife
Please rate and review this episode and why not share it with someone you think might enjoy it. To hear more stories of people doing fabulous things that positively impact our environment, click subscribe in your podcast app.
Joy Carey is a Sustainable Food Systems Planning Consultant and founding director of the Bristol Food Network.
In this episode, Joy covers:
- Her early experiences and career background. [Starts at 1:51]
- An overview of sustainable food systems. [Starts at 5:52]
- How to become more sustainable by getting curious. [Starts at 10:41]
- Achieving a step-change within the food movement in Bristol through research, identifying themes, setting goals, collaboration and piloting. [Starts at 14:49]
- Why food waste is a problem and what we can do about it. [Starts at 21:14]
- The benefits of short supply chains. [Starts at 27:13]
- Organic food principles. [Starts at 32:02]
- What food systems look like in 2050 – replenished farming, nature-friendly urban growing, waste properly composted, circular systems, innovation. [Starts at 36:57]
- Personal sustainable actions – box scheme, seafood, clothing and wormeries. [Starts at 41:40]
Useful links
Joy Carey Website
Films and TEDx Talk
Bristol – Gold Sustainable Food City
Sustainable Food Places
How to connect
Twitter: @joykcarey
Please rate and review this episode and why not share it with someone you think might enjoy it. To hear more stories of people doing fabulous things that positively impact our environment, subscribe or follow in your podcast app.
Melissa Bruntlett is a sustainable, multimodal transport champion; she is co-founder of Modacity, co-author of two books and International Communications Specialist at Mobycon.
In this episode, Melissa covers:
- How she became a cycling advocate. [Starts at 2:00]
- Starting Modacity, a visit to the Netherlands and writing books. [Starts at 4:10]
- What she gained from moving to the Netherlands. [Starts at 6:08]
- Curbing Traffic – a book exploring the positive impact of low car cities on people. [Starts at 8:23]
- Planning focuses on safety and the need to expand the human impact conversation. [Starts at 11:06]
- How investment in infrastructure can lead to a shift in transport modes; Vancouver is such an example. [Starts at 13:03]
- Making short trips easier to undertake by walking and cycling.[Starts at 15:08]
- Implementing the ideas behind the effective transport networks in the Netherlands elsewhere. [Starts at 18:30]
- Changing times – electric vehicles and cargo bikes. [Starts at 20:38]
- What it is like to live without a car. [Starts at 24:15]
- Transport for everyone. [Starts at 27:10]
- Promoting sustainable travel through storytelling. [Starts at 30:32]
- Future ambitions and inclusion within the transport conversation. [Starts at 33:45]
- Top recommendations: if curious about cycling – start small; try swapping out one of your car journeys and don’t settle for the status quo if you work in transport. [Starts at 37:44]
- What the world looks like in 2050 – vibrant, green cities with more human-powered transport. [Starts at 40:08]
Useful links
Modacity
Mobycon
Published Books
- Building the Cycling City: The Dutch Blueprint for Urban Vitality (2018)
- Curbing Traffic: The Human Case for Fewer Cars in Our Lives (2021)
How to connect
Twitter: @modacitylife
Instagram: @modacitylife
Facebook: @modacitylife
YouTube
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Nick Milestone is Engineering Director at Sigmat and Chairman of the Timber Research and Development Trade Association (TRADA).
In this episode, Nick covers:
- His early career and influence from his grandfather. [Starts at 1:58]
- Venturing into a timber/steel hybrid model. [Starts at 4:02]
- Environmental benefits of timber over concrete. [Starts at 5:20]
- Getting involved with TRADA, biophilia and his Singapore experience. [Starts at 6:48]
- UK building regulation changes, impacts and opportunities. [Starts at 8:24]
- Net zero buildings and development in the construction industry. [Starts at 10:05]
- The supermarkets as catalysts for low carbon buildings. [Starts at 14:10]
- Pressures from low-cost concrete and cheap labour. [Starts at 17:46]
- Sustainable timber and PEFC/FSC certification. [Starts at 18:33]
- Local supply issues and developing countries. [Starts at 22:27]
- Life cycle assessments and the circular economy. [Starts at 25:49]
- Timber use and building regulations around the world. [Starts at 28:08]
- Policy change, testing and insurance. [Starts at 32:10]
- His involvement in COP 26. [Starts at 33:34]
- Top recommendations: look at your personal carbon footprint – are there changes you can make to your home or lifestyle? [Starts at 35:50]
- What the world looks like in 2050 – more megacities. [Starts at 37.59]
Useful links
TRADA
Softwood Lumber Board
FSC
PEFC
The Structural Carbon Tool
SLB Mass Timber and Hybrid Structures Outlook and Opportunity Presentation
How to connect
Twitter: @nick_milestone
Instagram: @nmilestone
Please rate and review this episode and why not share it with someone you think might enjoy it. To hear more stories of people doing fabulous things that positively impact our environment, click subscribe in your podcast app.
Dr James Dyke is Assistant Director of the Global Systems Institute at the University of Exeter.
In this episode, James covers:
- His dream job and why he changed focus to current earth system issues. [Starts at 2:12]
- What the Anthropocene looks like from a future perspective. [Starts at 4:18]
- Human interaction with the earth systems. [Starts at 6:00]
- How energy lies at the heart of climate change. [Starts at 7:19]
- Why we can’t stop using fossil fuels immediately. [Starts at 11:31]
- Entering the political/economic/social sphere to affect change. [Starts at 13:53]
- Modelling and the inclusion of yet to be proven technological solutions. [Starts at 22:48]
- Renewable energy solutions and exponential global economic growth. [Starts at 28:22]
- His involvement in the film, The Race Is On. [Starts at 31:54]
- Writing for a wider audience to stimulate dialogue. [Starts at 34:01]
- His book on how the earth has changed and ideas to address climate change. [Starts at 36:02]
- Feeling privileged and staying both positive and active. [Starts at 38:25]
- Top recommendations: talk about climate change with friends, family, employers, businesses, your MP; join organisations. [Starts at 41:47]
- What the world looks like in 2050 – radically different, either from making or not making changes. [Starts at 45:14]
Useful links
James Dyke Website
James Dyke – University of Exeter
The Race is On: Secrets and Solutions of Climate (2019)
Published books
Due for release August 2021
Fire, Storm and Flood: The Violence of Climate Change
How to connect
J.G.Dyke@exeter.ac.uk
Twitter: @JamesGDyke
Please rate and review this episode and why not share it with someone you think might enjoy it. To hear more stories of people doing great things that positively impact our environment, just clic
Marisha Kay is the co-owner of a low impact living shop, part of a community interest recycling business and permaculture enthusiast.
In this episode, Marisha covers:
- Her early life in South Africa and interest in drama. [Starts at 2:10]
- Sustainability as a way of life. [Starts at 3:39]
- What permaculture is. [Starts at 7:37]
- Getting involved in permaculture and what this looks like. [Starts at 10:42]
- The influences behind starting the recycling business. [Starts at 14:16]
- What non-curbside items they recycle and valuing resources. [Starts at 19:41]
- What the shop is about. [Starts at 23:10]
- What you can expect if you visited the shop. [Starts at 25:30]
- Pricing, quality and valuing the chain of production. [Starts at 27:30]
- Community connection, like-mindedness and the Friendship Orchard. [Starts at 30:00]
- Changing habits organically and consciously choosing activities. [Starts at 31:38]
- Top recommendation: reduce single-use plastics. [Starts at 36:12]
- What the world looks like in 2050 – more resilient and mindful. [Starts at 37:57]
Useful links
Belper Permaculture Network
How to connect
Facebook: @marishakay13
Facebook: @eartharmonybelper
Please rate and review this episode and why not share it with someone you think might enjoy it. To hear more stories of people doing great things that positively impact our environment, just click subscribe.
Pieter van der Gaag is Executive Director of Ecosystem Restoration Camps, a global movement aiming to repair broken ecosystems, restore biodiversity and improve the livelihoods of local communities.
In this episode, Pieter covers:
- Student experiences, broadening his world view. [Starts at 1:50]
- The importance of collaboration with stakeholders to tackle global societal issues. [Starts at 3:36]
- The art of successful collaboration. [Starts at 6:59]
- Joining the Ecosystem Restoration Camps organisation. [Starts at 9:39]
- Starting up the first camp, Altiplano in Spain and developing the camp model. [Starts at 12:57]
- Local communities and campers coming together in camps across the world. [Starts at 16:25]
- The process of new camps joining the movement. [Starts at 19:22]
- Camp uniqueness, criteria required and aims of restoration. [Starts at 22:25]
- Ambitions for the movement. [Starts at 27:15]
- Campers and their experience whilst at camp. [Starts at 29:17]
- Why Pieter continues at Ecosystem Restoration Camps. [Starts at 33:03]
- Top recommendations: grow plants; find a local initiative; join Ecosystem Restoration Camps. [Starts at 35:27]
- What the world looks like in 2050 – energy supply will be solved and the benefits of natural capital will be fully understood. [Starts at 37.04]
Useful links
Ecosystem Restoration Camps
Trustone
Regreening the desert with John D. Liu
How to connect
info@ecosystemrestorationcamps.org
Facebook: @Ecosystemrestorationcamps
Twitter: @EcoResCamps
Instagram: @ecosystem.restoration.camps
Youtube
Please rate and review this episode and why not share it with someone you think might enjoy it. To hear more stories of people doing great things that positively impact our environment, just click subscribe in your podcast app.
Greg Hewitt is the Community Lead for Plastic Free Chesterfield, part of a community network aiming to reduce single-use plastics.
In this episode, Greg covers:
- How his studies of environmental science and IT were ideal credentials for joining Winchester Action on Climate Change. [Starts at 1:55]
- His introduction to the Transition Network, a movement of communities committed to reimagining and rebuilding our world. [Starts at 3:27]
- Getting involved with the local Friends of the Earth group and bee activities. [Starts at 5:20]
- The need for lobbying and campaigning against fracking. [Starts at 7:16]
- Leadership, working in a team, networking and setting up a social eating café. [Starts at 8:43]
- Enthusiasm and when it’s not always well-received. [Starts at 13:36]
- His interest in tackling waste, starting a repair café and setting up the annual Remarkable Recycling Gala event. [Starts at 15:49]
- New challenges with getting Plastic Free Chesterfield up and running. [Starts at 18:55]
- Recruiting volunteers and getting local businesses on board. [Starts at 22:00]
- Growth despite a pandemic and local businesses achieving the Plastic Free Champion Award. [Starts at 26:50]
- Public perception, membership and webinars. [Starts at 30:20]
- The challenges of gaining engagement with social media. [Starts at 36:08]
- Recommendations for plastic change – choose one room in your house to start with, such as your bathroom, and make one swap at a time. Buy a reusable water bottle and coffee cup. [Starts at 39:55]
- What the world looks like in 2050 – people connecting more and sharing items; greater walking and cycling; no single-use plastics as refills become the norm. [Starts at 41:33]
Useful links
Plastic Free Chesterfield
Surfers Against Sewage
Winchester Action on Climate Change
Transition Towns
Friends of the Earth
Hackspace Foundation
Dave Goulson is Professor of Biology at the University of Sussex.
In this episode, Dave covers:
- His early interest in wildlife. [Starts at 1:55]
- How his bumblebee research was prompted by observing their landing behaviour. [Starts at 3:52]
- Bee investigations across the world. [Starts at 6:25]
- Declining bee populations and habitat loss. [Starts at 9:50]
- Sharing scientific findings. [Starts at 13:25]
- Starting the Bumblebee Conservation Trust. [Starts at 15:20]
- Writing books and the challenges of engaging others. [Starts at 17:40]
- Making a difference with wildlife gardening. [Starts at 23:00]
- Latest book releases. [Starts at 28:40]
- Weeds and perceptions of what green spaces should look like. [Starts at 30:05]
- Top recommendations: don’t use pesticides, plant bee-friendly flowers, don’t mow lawn too often, start a compost heap. [Starts at 36:58]
- What the world looks like in 2050 – green, pesticide-free towns with flowering fruit trees and non-mown grass; locally grown food, in ways to promote soil diversity, encourage pollination and natural pests; less meat consumption. [Starts at 38:10]
Useful links
Dave Goulson – University of Sussex
Bumblebee Conservation Trust
Published books
- A Sting in the Tale (2013)
- A Buzz in the Meadow (2014)
- Bee Quest (2017)
- The Garden Jungle (2019)
- Gardening for Bumblebees (2021)
Due for release later in 2021
- Silent Earth
How to connect
d.goulson@sussex.ac.uk
Twitter: @davegoulson
Instagram: @dave.goulson
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbnBys2Hl1T26dzO_nbgbiw/featured
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Ann-Marie McMillan is the founder and manager of Derbyshire Toy Libraries.
In this episode, Ann-Marie covers:
- The circumstances that led her to set up a new toy library. [Starts at 2:15]
- The importance of funding, volunteers and training. [Starts at 4:46]
- The benefits of a patron. [Starts at 8:48]
- Developing outreach and expansion. [Starts at 11:40]
- Getting the right systems in place and optimising the utility of toys. [Starts at 14:04]
- Purposeful play packs and supporting families in need. [Starts at 18:07]
- Responding to the pandemic with a click and collect service. [Starts at 19:27]
- The ‘Young at Heart’ project for intergenerational play. [Starts at 24:20]
- Achieving recognition from the Queen and the International Toy Library Association. [Starts at 26:12]
- Green activities outside of the toy library. [28:50]
- Top eco recommendations: join a toy library; avoid faddy, cheap toys; don’t put too much pressure on yourself, see it as a journey. [31:50]
- What the world looks like in 2050 – learning through play will still be important. [33:39]
Useful links
Derbyshire Toy Libraries
International Toy Library Association
How to connect
derbyshiretoylibraries@gmail.com
Facebook: @derbyshiretoylibraries
Instagram: @derbyshiretoylibraries
Please rate and review this episode and why not share it with someone you think might enjoy it. To hear more stories of people doing great things that positively impact our environment, just click subscribe in your podcast app.
John Grant is a senior lecturer in Sustainable Construction and Climate Change at Sheffield Hallam University.
In this episode, John covers:
- How he decided to study an undergraduate degree in town planning and his original career ambition to become a police officer. [Starts at 2:05]
- His move in to postgraduate study on environmental management; his interest piqued by Jim Hanson’s 1988 Congressional testimony on climate change. [Starts at 4:38]
- His involvement in sustainable cities research, funded by the European Union. [Starts at 6:44]
- The designing of his own zero-carbon home and what it would look like. [Starts at 12:15]
- The community of sustainable housing near Newark – Hockerton Housing Project. [Starts at 25:50]
- The importance of retrofitting the existing housing stock to make them energy efficient. [Starts at 29:39]
- Loft insulation, window replacement and making a house plan. [Starts at 38:19]
- His future book – “How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse”; essentially the same strategies for going zero-carbon. [Starts at 41:25]
- What the world looks like in 2050 – two possible scenarios suggested; the very shiny and the very dark. [Starts at 45:05]
Useful links
John Grant – Sheffield Hallam University – Staff Profile
Hockerton Housing Project
InnoTHERM Insulation
How to connect
j.f.grant@shu.ac.uk
Twitter: @JohnF1968
Please rate and review this episode and why not share it with someone you think might enjoy it. To hear more stories of people doing great things that positively impact our environment, just click subscribe in your podcast app.