The Green Pretenders: Recent Episodes
The Green Pretenders
A sustainably challenged podcast - The Green Pretenders are trying (not always succeeding, but trying all the same...) to make the world a greener and more sustainable place, one episode at a time.Every episode we focus on a different topic in a bid to hold ourselves accountable (and hopefully inspire you to join us on the ride). We also share our eco-woops and eco-poops of the week AKA our successes and failures, peaks and troughs, bright ideas and dead-end endeavours. We'd love you to join us. And remember, the pod is always greener!
Sian and Simon took a little (unplanned) summer break. The recent events around the climate crisis and the lack of action from politicians led to a bit of eco-despair! But fear not - they came out the other end and are back on the wagon with more outrage, more determination and hopefully more action. Find us online | @greenpretenders
This episode we are joined by Seda from Fin & Earth, Simon's local plastic-free lifestyle and refill store in Dalston, North London. Seda runs the store with her partner and they offer a wide range of plastic- free products from cleaning supplies and lifestyle products to kitchen stuff and groceries. We talked about creating a sustainable lifestyle, the joy of building a local community and the importance of keeping the conversation going. Check out their store on Shacklewell Lane in Dalston, or find them online at finandearth.com | @finandearth
You can follow us online | @greenpretenders
We're going back to our roots for a quick episode with the OG Green Pretenders, Simon & Sian. We reflect on the guests we've been lucky enough to interview so far and share some eco-woops and poops, including COP26 (and the downside of acronyms...!) and whether electric scooters are the urban transport of the future.
If you're jumping in at this episode, be sure to listen back to our interview episodes and give our guests some love. The Green Pretender family is growing, and we're loving it.
- Ep 21: Actor, writer, producer and filmmaker, Nina Georgieff
- Ep 22: Argentina-based yoga teacher, Anne Wiedlack
- Ep 23: Host of the Low Carbon Lifestyle youtube series, Tom Bray
- Ep 24: Burlesque performer and social commentator, Carmen Emissions
- Ep 25: Co-founder and CEO of the OLIO food-sharing app, Tess Clarke
- Ep 26: Cloth nappy champion and Project Eco brand rep, Vanessa Aquilina
Find us online @greenpretenders
Listeners of the podcast will know that each episode we share our eco-woops and eco-poops. This episode, we're taking the eco-poop literally as we chat to Vanessa Aquilina - a dedicated mother of two who is an advocate and champion of the cloth nappy.
Ness talks about the importance of not getting overwhelmed or pressuring yourself to be a full time eco-warrior. Instead, make change where you can, take inspiration when it comes, and do you. And that's why she's the perfect guest for us! Find Ness on instagram @rainbows.and.fluff for the most gram-worthy nappies you'll ever have seen. | Follow us @greenpretenders
This episode we were honoured to chat to Tessa Clarke, co-founder and CEO of OLIO, the UK’s number 1 sharing app. Tessa and Simon talked about the fight against food waste, connecting with the community and feeling a sense of empowerment, even in a gloomy world like today’s.
Download the app today and start sharing! You can find our guest and her brilliant business on instagram @olio.app or twitter @olio_ex @tessalfclarke | Find us online @greenpretenders
This week's guest is a fearless and fabulous burlesque performer named Carmella Brown who has the best stage name we've heard in a long time: Carmen Emissions. Carmen uses the artform to push boundaries for the sake of social commentary and entertainment. We chat about everything from zero-waste costuming, to creative collaborations with organisations like We Are Possible, to Carmen's cat Bullseye.
Listen in and check out @CarmenEmissions on Instagram to establish yourself as an official fan (but be warned that you'll have to fight Sian & Simon for the front row seats at Carmen's next live gig). | Find us online @GreenPretenders
Ever wondered what a low-carbon lifestyle actually looks like? This episode's guest, Tom Bray - youtuber, engineer and all-round legend - is exploring just that through his aptly named channel: Low Carbon Lifestyle. Tom's channel is full of practical tips, well-researched data and eye-opening wisdom, and he joined us on the podcast to offer us a glimpse into his world. Check him out on Youtube (Tom Bray) and Twitter @tom_bray | Find us online @greenpretenders
This episode, Sian spoke to a friend and family member of the podcast - Simon’s sister, Anne Wiedlack. Anne lives in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where she founded her own yoga studio ‘Anapurna Yoga & Ayurveda’. She told Sian about her experience of trying to live sustainably in Latin-America, joining Extinction Rebellion, and connecting with Mother Nature through yoga. Check out Anne’s studio @anapurna_yoga_ayurveda to find out more about her work and to "be more Anne", as we highly recommend | Find us online @greenpretenders
In this first episode of our brand new series, we invited Nina Georgieff onto the podcast. Nina is a London-based writer, producer, filmmaker and actor. In her chat with Simon, she talked about sustainable filmmaking, tackling the climate crisis through small actions and the power of storytelling and fiction. Nina is currently working on her project ’Small Selkie’ which starts filming this year. If you’d like to find out more about Nina and her work, visit www.ninageorgieff.com, @smallselkiefilm or @ninageorgieff on instagram | Find us online @greenpretenders
Happy 2021 everyone! New Year, new series - the Green Pretenders are back. Here's a little teaser, find out what Sian and Simon have in store for you! | @greenpretenders
As the year's drawing to a close, Simon is going solo. Don't fret - only for this one episode! He's looking back at a weird and wacky year, full of tears, laughter (manic mainly) and madness. Whilst 2020 has proven to be anything but normal, it has also proven to be a year of resilience, of community and friendship and we are positive we will come out of it stronger and even more determined! The Green Pretenders want to thank all our listeners for their support and we wish you, from the bottom of our hearts, a Happy New Year!
'Tis the season to be jolly, our dear listeners! Join us for a festive episode in which Sian and Simon talk all things Christmas - sustainably, of course! What does a sustainable Christmas look like in terms of food, decorations, gifts and travel? How can we help the environment AND indulge in the holiday of ho-ho-holidays? Get your mince pies ready, pour yourself a festive drink and tune in with the Green Pretenders | @greenpretenders
This episode, Sian and Simon are in high spirits. The Green Pretenders are celebrating, because America has elected a new president. The world has found new hope, the fight against the climate crisis new inspiration and we’re here for it. Celebrate with us | @greenpretenders
It’s getting hot hot hot in the cold cold cold. This episode, Sian and Simon talk sustainable heating, as tis the season to be chilly already and we all need a bit of that cosy warmth. But what is the most sustainable room temperature? (Grab some socks and a jumper for this one!) And what type of heating will get you through many winters to come? (The solution lies in the ground) Find out more and get cosy with the Green Pretenders | @greenpretenders
Times are hard and we all need something to cheer us up. So this week, Sian and Simon have some good news for you. A speedy little episode filled with positivity and joy. Sit back and get inspired by some positive change that is giving us hope for a brighter, greener future | @greenpretenders
This episode, Sian and Simon are on the trail of fair trade. What does it mean to trade fairly and sustainably? Are labels a valuable indicator of economic, social and environmental sustainability? And what the heck is greenwashing? Tune in to hear what the Green Pretenders make of it and leave your comment online | @greenpreetenders
Sian and Simon have definitely felt this episode’s topic - Eco-Anxiety. Also known as climate grief, it is ‘a chronic fear of environmental doom’. Equally, it has spurred them into taking action, one of those being this very podcast. In this episode, they talk about various ways to combat eco-anxiety and how to make sense of it. Spoiler Alert: it’s all about compassion, connection and community. Find us online | @greenpretenders
Sian and Simon are in holiday-mood, as August peaks and the heat is on. But the question is, what does sustainable travel look like? Tune in as our duo discusses staycations, hiking tips and other possibilities to get out of town and enjoy summer. Follow us online | @greenpretenders
This episode, Sian and Simon face the environmental impact of food and diet. They chat about their own habits, discuss the 'Planetary Health Diet', and mention some of the most watchable documentaries, for those who want to do more, but just don't know where to start. Find us online | @greenpretenders
Plastic Free July is a key initiative of the Plastic Free Foundation. Every year, they ask us all to come together and give up single-use plastic for the month. The Green Pretenders reckon that this year is the most important yet because, let's face it, the pandemic hasn't exactly worked wonders for plastic waste. We may be halfway through the month already, but Simon and Sian are adamant that it's not too late to sign up (or to crank it up to eleven for the final fortnight if you're already taking part!) Find us online | @greenpretenders
With lockdowns slowly easing in many parts of the world, Sian and Simon take a look at the environmental impact this pandemic is having. On the one hand, there’s reduced emissions and cleaner air. On the other, plastic pollution has increased and there's less attention for the climate. It's an 'eco meh' at best. But in true eco trooper nature, the two point towards the green recovery on the horizon and ways to be the change we all long to see. Follow us online | @greenpretenders
Inspired by World Oceans Day, Sian and Simon dedicated a whole episode to the 'blue' in Blue Planet. Listen in for some tips on how to take part in the fight against plastic pollution, unsustainable fishing and rising sea levels! Find us online | @greenpretenders
In this episode, Simon and Sian talk about life on two wheels. Cycling is great for the planet and it’s great for our hearts, minds and muscles too. Whether you’re a nervous novice or a bona fide Bradley Wiggins, join the Green Pretenders on their mission to spread their love for life on a bike. Find us online | @greenpretenders
This episode, Sian and Simon talk about eco activism. They share their personal experiences of groups like Greenpeace and the Extinction Rebellion movement, and their role in solving the climate crisis. From aggressive fundraising campaigns to pink boats and famous eco-warriors, the Green Pretenders present you the full spectrum of the fight for planet Earth in the public eye. And to give you an idea of how the arts and activism often overlap, we've invited a special guest, with a reading from Love & Information by Caryl Churchill. Find us online | @greenpretenders
The Green Pretenders are looking back at the first five episodes, holding themselves accountable to behavioural changes and any pledges made. Did they manage to build new habits, change to eco-friendly products and get inspired by earth-loving people? Find out by listening in, Sian and Simon have the answers for you. Follow the Green Pretenders online | @greenpretenders
Still in lockdown, the Green Pretenders are back in the habit of trying (and not always succeeding) the green way. Listen to 6 inspirational tips of making your lockdown den a bit greener and more sustainable, as you laugh, cry and maybe have a virtual drink with our two (slightly stir-crazy) hosts. Find us online | @greenpretenders
Sian and Simon recorded this episode from the comforts (or in Simon’s case, discomforts) of their respective homes. If self-isolation is an art, these two proud amateurs tell it how it is: up-and-down, hard, tiresome, and introspective. Simon clings to his daily routine for dear life and Sian reads a timely extract from ‘Letters to the Earth: Writing to a Planet in Crisis’. Plus, this episode we’re giving you a double dose of eco-woops, because a global pandemic just isn’t the time for eco-poops. From isolation, to isolation, in isolation, through isolation. Stay home, stay safe! Find us online | @greenpretenders
This episode, Simon is being educated, as Sian takes the lead on the topic of sanitary products and how to avoid a massive pile of bloody rubbish - sorry not sorry, Lads! They discuss pros and cons of various available alternatives to regular products, so listen up and learn from Sian's personal period parables! Also, find us online @greenpretenders
In this episode, Sian and Simon delve into the world of charity shops. They discuss the dark side of the fashion industry, consumer habits, and why charity shops are a sustainable alternative to regular high street shops. There'll be a prize for anyone who can accurately guess how many times they say the words 'charity shop' in 25 minutes. (Hint: it's a lot) Also listen out for some tips on where to find the best shops and hot items to look out for. As always, you can find the Green Pretenders online | @greenpretenders
Living a zero waste life means eliminating anything that would normally end up in a landfill. Just an easy peasy little commitment then, eh...? In this episode, Simon and Sian ponder what it means to be zero waste and where the obstacles lie. Simon offers up some inspiration in the shape of things he does to reduce waste in his life. Spoiler alert: bicarbonate of soda plays a major role. || Find out more on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook: @greenpretenders
Welcome to The Green Pretenders - a sustainably challenged podcast.
We’re here to talk about the impact that our little choices have on this big, brilliant planet. We want to be greener. We want to be better at wanting to be greener. We’ll chat about the trying and we’ll chat about the failing, too.
In Episode Zero, Simon talks about his eco-beginnings in Austria, Sian raves about KFC's vegan burger (but get the ingredients wrong. It's quorn, not soy. Sorry Colonel), and we question why supermarkets insist on little plastic windows in their paper bakery bags. Are we really that interested in each other's pastry purchases?!
For more information on some of things we chat about:
- https://refusedurham.org.uk/
- https://getrocketbook.co.uk/
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-51040155
- https://www.algore.com/library/an-inconvenient-truth-dvd
- https://sustainablehackney.org.uk/events/hackney-council-sustainability-day-1