Which? Investigates: Recent Episodes
Which?
The chart-topping podcast from Which? investigating the issues impacting your everyday life. From the future of sustainability to the safety and security of the tech you use. We uncover the truth about the promising claims you see about products, in the media, or being shared on social.
Following on from the successful first season putting claims of ‘sustainability’ under the spotlight, Science Journalist & Producer Greg Foot is back with a new season uncovering just how safe and secure your technology and devices really are.
For more information and show notes and references, look here.
Smart meters were supposed to make using energy easier. Customers could track in real time how much they were spending, and those pesky estimated bills were to be a thing of the past. And while they no doubt have many benefits when they work, government data shows that millions of people across the UK have an issue with their smart meter - and an unknown number have an in-home display that isn’t working. And the worst thing is, you might not even know about it.
Read more about how to solve smart meter problems & sign up for our free monthly Home newsletter.
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When you hear the word scam, you might think of a dodgy email dropping into your inbox, or maybe a badly worded text from someone pretending to be from your bank. But scams are getting more and more sophisticated, and scammers themselves are working out new ways to deceive us all. So what can you do to stay ahead of the game?
Read about the latest scams we've seen & sign up for our free Scam Alerts service.
Get 50% off a Which? membership & become a member of Which? Tech.
Since we set up shop in a garage in East London way back in the 60s, Which? has helped see in some important changes to the way we regulate products, especially when it comes to the safety of babies and children.
Today we hear more about our work, share our advice for what to look out for when buying for the little people in your life, and explain how to avoid bringing dangerous products into your home.
Check our advice for your growing family & sign up to our free family newsletter.
Access our special podcast membership offer here.
Driving abroad is never the most relaxing part of a holiday. But a Which? undercover investigation has uncovered the stresses that can start before you even get hold of the keys for your rental car. So what can you do to ensure you don't get ripped off at the car hire desk?
Read more about our undercover investigation & sign up for our free monthly Travel newsletter.
Get 50% off a Which? membership.
When you buy a new washing machine, you expect it to last a decade. But what if the "smart" technology inside of it stops working after just three years? That's happening across so many tech products inside our homes without us even know about it, leaving us vulnerable to hackers. We explain what's going on, how you can make your products last longer, and how to keep yourself safe.
Read more about brands leaving customers in the dark & sign up to our free tech newsletter.
This week we’re attending The Shoddies, our very own awards presented for some of the biggest consumer let downs of the past twelve months. From disappointing service providers to useless - and in some cases downright unsafe - products, we’ll be telling you the brands we think you should avoid.
Read a full list of products and services we awarded Shoddy awards to.
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Today we're bringing you an episode from our sister podcast Which? Shorts, giving you the best seaside towns and villages in the UK according to Which? members.
We're still working away hard on the next episode of Get Answers, and it'll be dropping in your feeds on Friday this week.
Health and beauty products are a staple of our everyday life. From the toothpaste we use as soon as we wake up, to the deodorant we use after jumping out of the shower, even the hayfever tablets many of us rely on at this time of year, we’re spending hundreds of pounds on stuff that helps us look, feel and smell good.
But new research from Which? suggests you might be needlessly over-spending on many of your everyday products. We reveal when you can pick a bargain, and how to outsmart retailers when it comes to finding the best deals.
Read our research on the own label food products that beat the big name brands.
Sign up to our free Weekly Scoop, Food & Health, and Money newsletters.
Booking your next summer getaway is meant to be something to look forward to. Scrolling through the holiday websites looking at pictures of glorious pools and sandy beaches, deciding which room in the apartment has the best view over the coastline.
You think you’ve found a great deal and then… the fees start to add up! The bargain holiday you thought you’d found is now tens, perhaps hundreds of pounds more expensive. So what can you do to beat the fees and bag a bargain for your next overseas holiday? We meet the woman who did just that as she shares her advice on how you can do the same.
Check out our Which? Shorts podcast on how to prepare for your summer holiday & sign up to our free Travel newsletter.
Since launching in 2022, ChatGPT has been a game-changer in the world of AI. But it's perhaps the chatbots that companies are using for customer service where we have the most interaction with artificial intelligence.
Tech author and broadcaster Chris Stokel-Walker and Which? Technology Editor Lisa Barber tell us how to beat the customer service chatbots and get the answers to our queries as fast as possible.
Listen to our episode on AI scams & subscribe to our free Which? Technology newsletter.
The popularity of air fryers is booming. But are they the answer to our home cooking needs? Or are they just another fad that will fizzle out sometime soon?
Sorted Food's Ben Ebbrell talks us through the best ways to use an air fryer and whether or not they can replace a traditional over. Plus, Which?'s Steph Kipling tells us how Which? puts them through the paces and what to look for when making a purchase.
Read our list of the best air fryers.
Social media is swarming with fake tickets for popular music concerts, sports contests and comedy gigs, and just recently it was reported Taylor Swift fans have lost an estimated £1m in ticket scams ahead of the UK leg of her Eras tour.
With further calls for increased regulation in the industry, we meet the man taking the fight to the scammers and secondary ticketing websites. We also explain how you can go about spotting a scam, and how to attempt to recover money you've lost as a result of scam activity.
Sign up now to our free Scam Alert service to stay one step ahead of the scammers.
In a unique investigation, we found evidence that some of the claims made by bamboo toilet roll brands could be too good to be true.
We carried out fibre-composition testing on five popular brands claiming to be made from “bamboo only” or “100% bamboo”, a fibre often touted as a green alternative to virgin paper. Samples from Bumboo, Naked Sprout and Bazoo contained very low or low levels of bamboo-like grass fibres - just 2.7%, 4% and 26.1% respectively.
In this episode we discuss the results, ask how you can trust the eco-claims made by manufacturers, and explore ways you can lessen your impact on the climate by making smarter everyday purchases.
Make changes for the planet and your pocket by signing up for our free monthly sustainability newsletter.
Today we’ll be helping you get connected as we're joined by tech expert David McClelland and Which? magazine's Adam Snook. The team discuss what 4g and 5g even mean, how to make sure you're ready for 3G switch off and how to get the best deal
Later we also get a sneak preview of the latest Which? survey into the mobile phone networks, out in May's Which? Magazine.
Check out our latest Mobile network reviews and sign up to become a Which? member.
Today we’ll be helping you nod off as we're joined by sleep scientist and therapist Dr Kat Lederle. The team discuss how improving your routine can help you get a more restful sleep, while we also explain the symptoms sleep apnea.
Later we also hear from the testing team at Which? to find out whether you can buy yourself a good night’s rest with the right mattress and pillow.
Check out our latest pillow & mattress reviews (subscription required) & sign up to become a Which? member.
We're discussing the great outdoors and sharing some top tips and advice to make your next camping trip as stress-free as possible.
Our experts explain the confusing jargon, and discuss the gear you really need for a hassle free and enjoyable night's sleep beneath the stars.
We also discuss how we test tents, the best walks in the UK and the equipment you should consider before your next trip outdoors.
Read our latest tent reviews (subscription needed) & check our our ultimate camping essentials checklist.
In the next episode of our new Get Answers podcast, we’re here to help you solve those everyday problems.
We discuss the results of our survey uncovering the UK's most sustainable restaurant chains, hearing what they are doing to help reduce their impact on the planet.
Throughout we're also joined by home food waste expert Kate Hall as she shares her top tips on how to reduce the amount of food we send to landfill each year.
Sign up to our free sustainability newsletter & find out more on how to become a Which? subscriber.
In this archive episode we discuss efforts to crackdown on criminal activity, shining a light on the often stretched resources of scam prevention teams across the country.
This episode was first published in March 2023.
Listen to our Get Answers podcast about the future of scams & sign up to our free scam alert newsletter.
This week on Get Answers, we’re talking about the future of scams.
People spend hours talking about the latest developments in tech: whether it’s massive iPhone launches or breathless chat about the impact of AI, but there’s a trillion dollar industry that doesn’t get nearly as much attention for its constant innovation: fraud.
With the help of BBC Scam Interceptors' co-host Nick Stapleton, we give you the inside scoop of the latest developments in crime, helping you become better equipped to stay one step ahead of the scammers and protect your loved ones.
Sign up to our free Scam Alert newsletter & read our latest update on the most recent scams we've been made aware of here at Which?
Today we discuss one of the biggest purchases you can make, explaining how to make sure you find a car that's right for you.
We're joined by car expert and podcaster Sam Moores to give you some tips and tricks to help you when it comes to buying and selling, plus we pull back the curtain of how we test cars here at Which? and reveal the manufacturing claims you just need to take with a pinch of salt.
Read our advice on how to buy the best car & become a Which? member to receive our 2024 car guide.
Click here to receive our free cars newsletter.
Got a New Year resolution to try and improve your health in 2024?
Today we are channeling those good intentions and seeing if smart tech can help improve your fitness. We're joined by our experts & fitness influencer Amy Jones to explain how this technology could help tell you more about your general wellbeing and how best to use them to ensure you are making the most of your device.
Check out our Which? Best Buy Fitness Trackers (subscription required) & read our guide on whether you should buy a fitness tracker or a smartwatch?
As stats tell us that more holiday bookings happen in January than in any other month, we arm you with everything you need to know before booking your next trip.
Cheapholidayexpert.com founder Chelsea Dickenson joins the team to discuss the best city breaks, staycations, and long-haul destinations to get you inspired.
Check out the destinations where your pound will stretch furthest in 2024 & our advice on where's hot in January?
We're doing something a bit different on the podcast this week as we hear how Which? has been working to get answers to all manner of consumer questions for over 60 years.
Inspired by the passing of Which? co-founder Dorothy Goodman, we hear from her daughter on what the early years of the organisations were really like, while current Chief Executive Anabel Holt tells us more about how we remain relevant in the present day.
Read more about the life of Dorothy Goodman & subscribe to Get Answers so you don't miss our next episode.
We'll be back with our next episode on 8th January 2024 as we ask where we should be booking our next holiday? Got a question, email us podcasts@which.co.uk
Have questions? Get Answers.
We’re here to help you solve those everyday problems, whether it’s getting the most from your weekly shop, finding travel hacks to save on your family holiday or simply learning the tricks that make your everyday life easier.
Subscribe now so you don't miss an episode.
Christmas is us a few weeks away, so we're sharing all the best advice to help you stay calm over the festive season.
We cover everything from who came out on top in our festive food taste tests, to where to buy the best presents, and what to gift those difficult-to-buy-for family and friends.
Organisation expert and influencer Nicola Lewis also joins us to share her top tips to ensure you feel at ease during this hectic time of year.
Read more about where to buy the best festive food & check out our latest gift guide for present ideas under £35.
Note: While we mention Facebook Marketplace might be a good place to buy gifts, however, we recently responded to reports it's the most complained about online selling platform.
Read a full transcript of this episode here.
With Black Friday and Christmas on the horizon, industry insider Luke Carthy joins us to share his tips to help you secure a better bargain.
In this episode we learn tricks that could help you change the way shop forever and some handy hints that could save you plenty of cash.
An example of the email hack mentioned by Luke: first.lastname@gmail.com becomes firs.tlastname@gmail.com
Listen to our Money podcast episode discussing the best way to shop on Amazon & check out our latest Black Friday deals.
Download a transcript of this episode
Should you write-off all ultra-processed food as unhealthy and leave it at that? Some are linked to poor health, but we've found that the range of foods is broad and that some do have a place in a healthy diet.
In this episode we hear about the foods you can eat - in moderation - and the healthy swaps you can make as part of your daily routine.
Which? has long campaigned for greater protections for consumers from online fraudsters, and our research has regularly highlighted the detriment consumers suffer due to online fraud on unregulated online platforms.
In this special episode we hear how Which? worked tirelessly to influence the new Online Safety Bill, meaning online platforms will be required to prevent and quickly remove harmful online content, and how Ofcom will now be responsible for ensuring platforms implement these changes.
Read more our reaction to the new online safety laws & sign up to our weekly Scam Alert newsletter.
This week Which? experts are appearing across BBC TV & Radio to give advice as part of the BBC's 'Be Scam Safe' campaign. To mark the occasion we're giving you the chance to hear a previous episode from our Get Answers series, giving advice on how best to spot fraudulent activity and the best things to do to protect yourself from falling victim.
Sign up to our free weekly Scam Alert service here
Throughout September we're bringing you special episodes as we hear from brilliant guests with amazing insider knowledge on how best to save you money.
In this episode we speak to Britain's Coupon Kid as he reveals the tactics used by supermarkets to get us to spend more, and the best ways you can shop for less.
Read our latest guide to the cheapest supermarkets & sign up to our free Money newsletter.
Throughout September we're bringing you special episodes as we hear from brilliant guests with amazing insider knowledge on how best to save you money.
Today we're joined by property expert and developer Marta de Sousa as she shares her top tips on what to do when buying a property, and what might happen next for the mortgage market.
Read our latest guide on what's happening to house prices & sign up to our free Money newsletter.
Throughout September we're bringing you special episodes as we hear from brilliant guests with amazing insider knowledge on how best to save you money.
Today we're joined by Molly Lempriere, Policy Editor at news site Carbon Brief. She explains why bills have risen, whether moving to renewable energy sources could see our bills drop, and share tips and advice on how we can improve green credentials of our own homes.
Read our 10 tips to reduce your energy bills & sign up to our free sustainability newsletter.
Throughout September we're bringing you special episodes as we hear from brilliant guests with amazing insider knowledge on how best to save you money.
Today we're joined by Molly Lempriere, Policy Editor at news site Carbon Brief. She explains why bills have risen, whether moving to renewable energy sources could see our bills drop, and share tips and advice on how we can improve green credentials of our own homes.
Read our 10 tips to reduce your energy bills & sign up to our free sustainability newsletter.
We kick off a month of special episodes as we hear from brilliant guests with amazing insider knowledge on how best to save you money.
Today we're joined by Chelsea Dickenson, the founder of Cheap Holiday Expert, as she shares her top tips on how to spend less on holiday.
Stay tuned for great advice on how to get the cheapest flights, the best seats on a plane, and how a travel pillow could help you beat your baggage allowance.
Read our advice on the whether an all-inclusive package deal or DIY holiday is cheaper & check out all the latest news from the Which? Travel team.
With the technology never far from the headlines, we explain how ChatGPT and AI bots really work, and explain whether they could eventually prove to be a friend or foe?
Read more about our submission of evidence to the Science and Technology Committee on the governance of artificial intelligence & sign up to our free newsletters.
We explore how to cut through the marketing noise to choose brands and products that take sustainability seriously.
Check out our sustainable living advice hub & sign up to our free sustainability newsletter.
Why not check out our other podcasts too? Find the Which? Money podcast here.
While fraudsters seem to have no trouble accessing our details, we meet the people who have had their accounts closed with little or no explanation and through no fault of their own.
We also hear how they can stop you banking elsewhere, and the impact this has had on those who have fallen victim.
Sign up to our free weekly Money newsletter.
In the sixth and final episode of our mini-series helping you get the answers you need to life's everyday questions, we share our expert advice on the things you can do to lower your energy usage.
We discuss the future of the energy price cap, learn about the support available to help promote energy efficiency, and answer your questions from social media.
Read more on the energy price cap & sign up to our free sustainability newsletter.
Like what you're hearing? Use #GetAnswers on social media.
In the fifth episode of our mini-series helping you get the answers you need to life's everyday questions, we hear how you can save on the regular journeys you make each day.
We discuss the best way to buy a rail ticket, learn why bus travel is more affordable than it has been for a long time, and answer your questions from social media.
Read more on the best ways to save on travel in 2023
Like what you're hearing? Use #GetAnswers on social media.
In the fourth episode of our mini-series helping you get the answers you need to life's everyday questions, our experts make you aware of the free support your child could be entitled to.
We also discuss the free things you can do with the kids, explain how government funded support schemes are changing, and answer your questions from social media.
Read 11 ways to cut your childcare costs & check out our child benefit rates calculator.
Like what you're hearing? Use #GetAnswers on social media.
In the third episode of our mini-series helping you get answers you need to life's everyday questions, we share tricks and tips to help reduce the cost of your weekly shop.
We also investigate 'shrinkflation', reveal which supermarket has been crowned our cheapest supermarket for the twelfth month in a row, and answer your questions from social media.
Read what supermarkets and shops are doing to help with the cost of living? & sign up to our free Food & Health newsletter.
Like what you're hearing? Use #GetAnswers on social media.
In the second episode of our mini-series helping you get the answers you need to life's everyday questions, we take a closer look at the tactics used by fraudsters.
We compare scams to discover similarities in criminal behaviour, hear how the Online Safety Bill could crackdown on illegal behaviour, and answer your questions from social media.
Read how to spot and protect yourself from scams, check out the latest information from Action Fraud & sign up to our free scam alerts newsletter.
Like what you're hearing? Use #GetAnswers on social media.
In the first of our mini-series helping you get the answers you need to life's everyday questions, we assess your options as uncertainty continues in the mortgage market.
We look at whether now is the time to fix your mortgage deal, what to do if you can't afford your monthly repayments, and answer your questions from social media.
Check out our mortgage repayment calculator & sign up to our free money newsletter.
Like what you're hearing? Use #GetAnswers on social media.
This week we’re getting behind the wheel to take a closer look at smart motorways.
The government recently announced no new smart motorways will be built, but with some already under construction, and plenty others in operation, they aren’t going anywhere soon.
Sign up to one of our free weekly newsletters.
When you brush your teeth, do you ever stop to consider if your toothpaste is actually doing what it claims to be capable of on the tube? Teeth whitening toothpastes are as popular as ever, with influencers pushing products that claim to enhance your smile, look further and the science may be less than solid.
In this week’s Which? Investigates, we dig into those claims, ask whether these products are safe, and if we can be confident they work as promised?
Are toothpaste tubes recycleable? read more here & sign up to our free weekly newsletters.
We hear how a stolen mobile could result in an empty bank account.
Sign up to one of our free weekly newsletters.
Everytime you head to the supermarket, take a trip to your local restaurant, or simply open the fridge, you should be confident that the food you’re about to eat is safe to consume. But 10 years since horse meat was found in beefburgers and ready meals in the UK our high food standards are increasingly at risk and being taken for granted.
In this week’s Which? Investigates we take a look at why we’re concerned about the future of food safety, with us calling on the government to ensure our vital food laws are maintained well into the future.
Sign up to one of our free email newsletters for all the best articles and advice from Which? & get the latest news from our shopping, food and drink team.
Filling up your vehicle can be an expensive business, but does it need to cost quite as much as it does? Prices have fallen since the record highs seen immediately after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but many experts believe the price per litre should have fallen further.
In this week’s Which? Investigates we take a look at the factors propping up forecourt prices, hearing how the price of wholesale oil doesn’t reflect what we’re currently seeing, and asking whether retailers are looking to make money while they can before a ban on new petrol and diesel cars comes into force.
Check out our annual fuel cost calculator and sign up to our free weekly newsletters.
The Eurovision Song Contest is the biggest TV entertainment show in the world. With this year’s event being hosted in the UK on behalf of last year’s winner’s Ukraine, we hear how fans from across the continent have been battling with popular demand, high prices, and cancellations in order to find somewhere to stay in this year’s host city of Liverpool.
In this week’s Which? Investigates we learn how accommodation providers have increased their prices to record levels, as well as asking what your rights are should you find yourself with nowhere to stay, even with a valid booking!
Read more on how to report the price gouging of products and sign up to our free weekly newsletters.
With the Easter Holidays approaching, we’re hearing why you should perhaps think twice before booking your next trip away through an online travel agent.
We’ll also learn why you shouldn’t be tempted by the headline price for flights on some booking sites.
Read more about our best and worst package holiday providers.
Buying a house or moving into a new home should be an exciting moment in anyone’s life, but as with all aspects of society, this major live event is being infiltrated by fraudsters, keen to make a quick getaway with your hard earned cash.
In this Which? investigation we’ll be hearing how the property market could be vulnerable to scammers, with some would-be buyers losing huge sums of money through illegal activity carried out by highly organised criminals.
Read our latest scam alerts and sign up for our free newsletter.
How often do you spend when booking a holiday? There’s plenty to consider; the destination, how you’ll get there, and of course where you’ll stay. But what happens when the accommodation you actually booked isn’t where you end up staying…
In this Which? Investigation we’ll hear why those booking a package holiday could see their hotel booking changed even after they’ve stepped onto their flight, as well as hearing from some travellers with a nightmare story to tell.
Sign up to one of our free newsletters for more news and advice from the team at Which?
It’s the plot to many a science fiction movie, technology rising up and taking charge of the planet. But could that actually become a reality in the not too distant future?
In this Which? Investigation we look at how technology is evolving, how our devices are increasingly ‘smart’, and whether the current rate of development can continue forever?
Sign up to our free tech newsletter here.
Since the conflict started in Ukraine, our bills have soared. Energy bills reached levels unheard of previously, food prices rocketed, and inflation is still way above government targets. But exactly how much have the consequences of the war squeezed our finances, and what might happen next?
In this Which? investigation we look at how the price for things like electricity, gas, food and other essentials have risen over the last twelve months, as well as looking ahead in an attempt to find some more optimistic news for our pockets.
Read more about our food inflation tracker and support our Affordable Food for All campaign.
This week we hear how new research from Which? has found huge differences in the amount of caffeine in popular hot drinks at high-street coffee shops.
Read more about our research here and you can also sign-up to our free newsletters.
The NHS is never far from the headlines. Record waiting times and debates over funding have been front and centre of the story for years, but for many people the wait to see their local doctor is the issue they feel most passionately about.
In this Which? Investigation we’ll talk to frontline doctors, health professions, and others with a unique insight to take a look at the factors that have led to long waits, difficulties securing an appointment, and ask what could be done to improve the situation.
Read more of Ian Aikman's original piece or sign up to our free health newsletter.
2023 is here, and with it comes that ever growing urge to look ahead at where you might like to explore later in the year. But with new Which? research finding the cost of holidaying on the rise, where are the best places to go to get more for your money?
In this Which? investigation we take a look at the factors pushing up prices, ask whether there are still good deals to be had, as well as hearing from those rejecting air travel in favour of a more leisurely and climate friendly method of transport.
Read more about the destinations where your pounds will go further in 2023 or sign up to our free travel newsletter.
Think back to the last time you were on a plane, did it feel like there was less space than the last time you'd boarded an aircraft?
This week Laura Sanders to take us through her recent investigation which left her with that shrinking feeling…
You can sign-up to our free newsletters here.
The hosts of the Which? Investigates, Which? Money & Which? Shorts podcasts team up with our experts to answer some of your burning questions.
They cover everything from insulation to savings rates, holiday recommendations to smart devices and more...
Got a question you want us to answer, email us on podcasts@which.co.uk
Read more of our energy saving tips & grants available & sign up to our free email newsletters.
Can you cook dinner in an airfryer to save yourself some money? Is the traditional turkey centrepiece a thing of the past? And how much has our festive food changed over the last hundred years?
In this Which? investigation we take a look at how our Christmas eating habits are changing. We'll also be lifting the lid on some of our intensive testing here at Which? to reveal the best value products, and giving you some ideas on how to impress your guests for less this holiday season.
Read more of our latest taste test results and sign up to our food & health newsletter.
While many issues have rightly been thrust into the spotlight as the men’s World Cup takes place in Qatar, there’s another which perhaps hasn’t made the headlines. As with all major events, be they sporting or otherwise, criminals are using all tactics possible to defraud fans of their hard earned cash.
In this Which? Investigates we take a look at ticket fraud. We’ll hear from those who have lost thousands, learn more about how the scammers operate, and ask those in the know what more needs to be done to help combat this illegal activity.
Read our guide on how to get a refund or sign up to our free Scam Alerts newsletter.
We hear how new Which? research has found those great sales offers might not be all they're cracked up to be.
We’re fast approaching the busiest shopping period of the year. In just a few days Black Friday will mark the traditional start of the festive spending season, with billions spent on items over the few weeks between now and Christmas. But with so many of the sales moving online, how does the world’s biggest online retailer get ready to process millions of orders every single day?
In this Which? investigation we go behind the scenes at one of the UK’s largest Amazon fulfilment centres, finding out how the multi billion pound company operates. We’ll also ask whether Black Friday has had its day, and explore the shady online activity you should be aware of.
Read more about how to find the best Black Friday deals, and learn about our Great Value badge.
We give you a chance to hear our extended conversation from our Which? Investigates podcast as we chat to sustainable fashion campaigner Brett Staniland. He made a stand while appearing on the 2021 series of ITV show Love Island, refusing to wear the clothes provided by fast fastion retailer sponsoring the programme at the time.
Here he explains why he made that decision, what he makes of the industry's attempts to become more sustainable, and his thoughs on how we can all live a greener life.
Read more about our second hand marketplace investigation, and sign up to our free sustainability newsletter.
How often do you buy new clothes? A new t-shirt here, a new pair of jeans there, and with the increase in popularity for online shopping, it’s never been easier. But have you ever stopped to think about the impact your purchases could be having on the planet? And what happens to your unloved clothes when they no longer prove fit for purpose? In this Which? Investigation we’re taking on the world of fast fashion, hearing how market trends are impacting the planet. We’ll also chat to a former Love Island contestant about his one-man campaign to stop disposable fashion in its tracks, and hear what we can do to both buy and live more sustainably. Read more about our https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/where-to-buy-and-sell-second-hand-online-aeGoH2H7cUyQ (second hand marketplace investigation), and https://signup.which.co.uk/wlp-sustainability-newsletter (sign up to our free sustainability newsletter).
How often do you buy new clothes? A new t-shirt here, a new pair of jeans there, and with the increase in popularity for online shopping, it’s never been easier. But have you ever stopped to think about the impact your purchases could be having on the planet? And what happens to your unloved clothes when they no longer prove fit for purpose? In this Which? Investigation we’re taking on the world of fast fashion, hearing how market trends are impacting the planet. We’ll also chat to a former Love Island contestant about his one-man campaign to stop disposable fashion in its tracks, and hear what we can do to both buy and live more sustainably. Read more about our https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/where-to-buy-and-sell-second-hand-online-aeGoH2H7cUyQ (second hand marketplace investigation), and https://signup.which.co.uk/wlp-sustainability-newsletter (sign up to our free sustainability newsletter).
We all use technology every single day. From phones to computers, smartwatches and more, they are a key part of our everyday lives. But what do you do when it comes to replacing them? Do you repair them, recycle them, or, like most of us, simply throw them away? In this investigation we look at huge impact our thirst for technology has on the planet, before switching our focus to the challenges we face once our tech becomes obsolete. Find out more about https://therestartproject.org/ (the Restart Project), https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/mobile-phones/article/mobile-phone-security-is-it-safe-to-use-an-old-phone-a6uXf1w6PvEN (check our our phone security tracker), or https://signup.which.co.uk/wlp-technewsletter (sign up to our free tech newsletter).
After our previous episode looked at the food we eat, this time we take a deep dive into the impact our food waste mountain could be having on the planet. With the UK throwing away around 10 million tonnes of food every year, more than any other nation in Europe, we ask what we can do to stop our compulsion to waste. We also explore which foods are the worst offenders when it comes to deadly greenhouse gas emissions, as well as exploring how food otherwise destined for the bin could help combat the cost of living crisis. Read more our https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/three-food-waste-facts-everyone-needs-to-know-aIHRD3H1gpEv (three food waste facts everyone needs to know) or https://signup.which.co.uk/wlp-sustainability-newsletter (sign up to our free sustainability newsletter).
After our previous episode looked at the food we eat, this time we take a deep dive into the impact our food waste mountain could be having on the planet. With the UK throwing away around 10 million tonnes of food every year, more than any other nation in Europe, we ask what we can do to stop our compulsion to waste. We also explore which foods are the worst offenders when it comes to deadly greenhouse gas emissions, as well as exploring how food otherwise destined for the bin could help combat the cost of living crisis. Read more our https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/three-food-waste-facts-everyone-needs-to-know-aIHRD3H1gpEv (three food waste facts everyone needs to know) or https://signup.which.co.uk/wlp-sustainability-newsletter (sign up to our free sustainability newsletter).
In an era of ‘superfoods’ and ‘miracle diets’ we take a look at the foods we eat every single day, examining the changes we could make for the better, and investigating when healthy doesn’t necessarily mean good for you. We also unpack how much we really know about the foods we’re eating, how marketing and unethical advertising could be leading to a health crisis, and what the wider consequences could mean for our own wellbeing. Read more about https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/the-healthy-snacks-packed-full-of-sugar-fat-and-salt-aMy3H1H261Nw (the 'healthy' snacks packed full of sugar, salt & fat) or https://signup.which.co.uk/wlp-foodandhealthnewsletter (sign up to our free food & health newsletter).
In an era of ‘superfoods’ and ‘miracle diets’ we take a look at the foods we eat every single day, examining the changes we could make for the better, and investigating when healthy doesn’t necessarily mean good for you. We also unpack how much we really know about the foods we’re eating, how marketing and unethical advertising could be leading to a health crisis, and what the wider consequences could mean for our own wellbeing. Read more about https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/the-healthy-snacks-packed-full-of-sugar-fat-and-salt-aMy3H1H261Nw (the 'healthy' snacks packed full of sugar, salt & fat) or https://signup.which.co.uk/wlp-foodandhealthnewsletter (sign up to our free food & health newsletter).
It’s the question on everybody’s lips, whether they be a potential buyer, or a would-be seller. With the Cost of Living crisis continuing and inflation on the rise, we take a look at the latest predictions for house prices and what factors could influence any major changes to the market. We also examine why so few properties have been built in the UK over the last decade, and explore what can be done to help improve the situation for many currently priced out of property. Read our https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/whats-happening-to-house-prices-aVCwI8I22pBe (latest house price guide) or https://signup.which.co.uk/wlp-money-newsletter (sign up to our free Money newsletter).
Marketed as a new way to pay, a step into an exciting future, or a way of taking back control against governments and financial institutions - cryptocurrency has become a rapid growth market for societies across the world. But how have we got here? In this Which? Investigation we discover how despite social media being awash with celebrities endorsing these new digital currencies, they’re anything but a safe and stable investment. Read our https://www.which.co.uk/money/investing/types-of-investment/what-is-bitcoin-cryptocurrencies-explained-al8xl8z8469d (cryptocurrency explained) article to find out more or https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/reporting-fraud-and-cyber-crime (report suspected fraud activity to Action Fraud).
With warnings about climate change and the recent heatwave fresh in our memory, we take a deep dive into the science behind sunscreen and debunk some of the claims made by some products available on shelves up and down the country. In this Which? Investigation as we take a look at our own tests which show not all products provide the protection you’d expect, while we also hear about early research which could prove how our fragile ecosystem could be harmed by some of the chemicals meant to help protect our skin. Read more about our https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/mineral-sunscreens-fail-which-tests-aUa8O8h9oDPW (mineral sunscreen tests) or https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/sun-creams (check out our sunscreen reviews (subscription required)).
We’re facing an unprecedented energy crisis. Over the last year numerous firms have gone bust, while bills are rising significantly. And that’s not all… in October prices are set to rise again. In this Which? Investigation we take a deep dive into the energy market. We’ll hear stories of those struggling to heat their homes, cook their food, and ask if there’s anything we can do to help lessen the impact of these soaring prices? Along the way Grace Forell also takes a look into the future to learn when the situation might improve, and what needs to happen in order to see our bills reduce. Read more about the https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/things-you-can-do-in-summer-to-reduce-winter-energy-bills-ay5O48G53e11 (ways we can reduce our bills) and https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/is-it-time-to-fix-an-energy-deal-a45Oc2I8V7qA (find out whether now is the time to fix your tariff?)
Are you excluded from the chance to make greener travel choices simply because of where you live? It's something that came up with our experts when we were discussing the issue of travel chaos for last week episode. In this bitesize bonus, we ask whether it’s possible for a trip abroad to be both cheap and somewhat eco-friendly? And, to help answer that question, we’ll carry out our own real world experiment, stay tuned to hear our findings.
After two years of lockdowns, stay and home orders and border closures, the travel industry is open again and we can finally get back to enjoying trips abroad. Why then are we facing chaotic scenes at airports, mass cancellations, and customers being denied compensation that’s rightfully theirs? In this Which? Investigation we’ll go to the heart of the issues currently impacting the sector. We’ll hear customers, industry experts, as well as getting the view from those representing some of the UK’s largest tour operators. With summer holidays on the horizon, host Grace Forell ask is now time to panic? What needs to be done to solve the problem? Or are things nowhere near as bad as they seem? https://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/travel/flights (Find out more about flight refunds) and https://campaigns.which.co.uk/travel/#_petition (sign our petition) calling for changes to the Travel sector.
A chance for you to hear our brand new podcast, Which? shorts.
This week we’re hearing about the metaverse, and how virtual reality goggles and holograms that travel effortlessly are just part of the digital universe Facebook, and others, are planning to build…
This article was written by Chris Stokel-Walker, with narration from Harry Kind and Grace Forell.
You can sign-up to our free newsletters here and find the podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.
Technology offers us convenience, freedom, and a way to improve not just our health, but also the planet’s. But it can also collect our personal data and share it without our permission. We’re told it can harm our health. And that by buying & using it we’re damaging the environment. So how much is too much tech?
In this final investigation of our tech & security season, Greg Foot turns his attention to our own digital lives. He asks whether we are indeed ‘addicted’ to smart tech, and what - or who - can do something about it? He discusses concerns about surveillance in future digital cities and learns of a novel way we could handle our personal data. And he asks whether the tech giants would ever allow us to start a ‘digital detox’ in the first place?
Show notes and references are available here.
Scam texts asking you to pay a fake delivery fee. Emails claiming to contain links to book vaccines or covid passports. The list goes on. Frustratingly, more and more of us are being scammed, in more and more ingenious ways, and it looks like advances in tech are enabling it.
In this Which? Investigation Greg Foot speaks to experts in fraud, fake news and consumer rights to find out some of the latest, most popular scams, and asks if technology could not only be the cause of the problem, but also potentially it’s solution.
Show notes and references are available here.
As we explore the internet we leave digital footprints… but who is able to see them, follow them, and why do they want to?
In this Which? Investigation Greg Foot asks the experts if we should indeed ‘Accept all cookies?’, he hears the importance of our choice of browser, learns of ‘Surveillance Capitalism’, and asks if we weren’t being tracked, would we be missing out on something?
Show notes and references are available here.
Alexa, do you record our chats? Siri, what do you know about me? Hey Google, how come I’m being shown an advert for something I’ve never searched for... but talked about in the kitchen yesterday?
In this Which? Investigation Greg Foot tackles one of your biggest tech and security concerns: we appreciate smart assistants are always listening, but are they always recording? And what are the privacy and data implications of having them in our homes?
Show notes and references are available here.
A recording of our first-ever, live panel event. “Which? Investigates” Producer & Host Greg Foot puts your tech & security questions to Which? experts Kate Bevan, Andy Laughlin & Marianne Calnan, as well as Prof. Gavin Brown from the University of Liverpool. From whether our panellists would ever put a smart camera inside your home? to which products are most likely to appear with a fake review? Hear more on how the rise of technology is impacting our lives and what we can do to protect ourselves, our families, and our homes in a digital world.
We’ve got a new investigation coming next week so make sure you follow us to get notified. And if you’ve been enjoying the podcast please do rate & review us - thanks!
We know that being at the top of the search results on Amazon is prime real estate for sellers. Good sales and good reviews help get you there, but some sellers are gaming the algorithm themselves with fake reviews.. But how big of a problem is it - and have you been duped?
In this Which? Investigation Greg Foot speaks to Which? experts about their recent investigations: setting up a fake company on Facebook Business to find out how much fake reviews cost, discovering that an ‘Amazon Choice’ badge is not a badge of approval, and the uncovering of a new type of con that you may have been a victim of - ‘brushing’.
Show notes and references are available here.
With tales of contactless cards being ‘skimmed’ by hackers, and occasions where online bank services drop out for hours on end, where should we be keeping our money? As the use of cash continues to decline, will it soon be a thing of the past? And how safe really is cryptocurrency?
In this Which? Investigation Greg Foot is joined by Lucia Ariano and the Which? Money team to find out more about how to protect our digital money. We find out who controls it, what our use of it tells them about us, and we explore the future of money - will it be in the hands of banks, bitcoin, or someone else entirely… Facebook perhaps?!
Show notes and references are available here.
It’s not just the smart tech inside your home that could be at risk from hackers. With modern technology making new cars often more computer than combustion engine, we look at whether someone could take control of your vehicle… while you’re driving!
In this Which? Investigation Greg Foot speaks to experts to find out whether making our cars smarter makes hacking more likely, what digital techniques thieves use to steal connected cars, and what you can do to protect yours.
Show notes and references are available here.
We start our new ‘tech & security’ season with a look at whether the smart devices more and more of us are installing in our homes could give hackers easy access to our lives and data.
In this Which? Investigation Greg Foot speaks to experts and fellow Which? journalists to discover how vulnerable we really are, and quickly learns that any connected device could leave your home open to cyber attack - from your TV, to your doorbell, your printer, and even a baby monitor. Greg asks, if a casino across the Atlantic was hacked through a smart fish tank, should we be worried about our own smart devices at home, and what changes can we make to get the most from our tech but ensure we’re protected?
Show notes and references are available here.
A chance to hear more from three of the conversations we had whilst recording the second half of season one:
02.35 - 16.12 Justin Francis, CEO of Responsible Travel, discusses whether a trip abroad can ever be truly ‘sustainable’.
17.58 - 34.02 Mike Berners-Lee, climate impact expert, explains how to work out a carbon footprint and the impact working from home has on the planet.
36.20 - 47.33 Olivia Bowen, partner and financial advisor at Castlefield, chats about ‘ethical’ investing and what a ‘green’ investment fund actually means.
We very much hope you enjoyed this first season of the podcast - if you did please do rate & review us - and we’ll be back in the autumn for Season 2!
There’s a shocking claim that if you eat less meat to cut your food footprint, drive an EV to reduce your travel emissions, or choose products that don’t contribute to deforestation, the eco-benefits of all of those could be completely undone by something else, something you may not have considered: your money.
In this Which? investigation, Greg Foot finds out how our bank accounts, pensions and investments may be causing climate change without our knowledge. He teams up with the Which? Money team to analyse the ‘sustainable’, ‘ethical’ options, and discovers what could be the biggest case of green-washing yet. Read more about this and all our episodes here.
After a year of Zoom calls, countless hours sat in a makeshift home office, and less time stuck in commuter traffic, what does the future of work look like? Will ‘hybrid working’ reign supreme? And would WFH actually be better for the planet?
In this Which? investigation Greg Foot suggests that with some offices down-sizing and fewer of us travelling to work the eco-benefits could be huge, but soon learns that it’s much more complex than he thought. Read more about this and all our episodes here & check out the show notes here.
We’ve all heard that flying is terrible for the planet, but is it getting cleaner? Can ‘carbon-offsets’ soak up and neutralise your flight’s emissions? And will ‘bio-fuel’ decarbonise the aviation industry?
In this Which? investigation Greg Foot asks if he could ever justify taking a flight, he learns about the benefits and wider impacts of travelling abroad, and uncovers how ‘eco-friendly’ an ‘eco-holiday’ really is. Read more about this and all our episodes here & check out the show notes here.
With homes and heating responsible for around a fifth of UK’s carbon emissions, talk of our boilers potentially being upgraded to hydrogen, and increased government interest in heat-pumps as a possible way to reach the net zero target, what is the future of your home heating system? In this Which? Investigation Greg Foot asks if these are indeed viable options for your home or whether their green credentials are being exaggerated. He also looks to Norway to learn about ‘district heating’ and finds out what you should do next time your boiler fails. show notes here. Read more about this and all our episodes here.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
A chance to hear more from three of the conversations we had whilst recording the first half of season one:
02.22 - 19.14 Materials Scientist, Engineer and Broadcaster Mark Miodovnik reveals more about how your mobile phone is made, how repairable it is (or not), and the shocking reality of what happens if you recycle it
20.45 - 32.31 Journalist and Author of ‘Sex Robots and Vegan Meat’, Jenny Kleeman, shares stories of her unique research trips looking at the alternative meat industry
34.11 - 48.39 And Which? car expert Adrian Porter answers some of your biggest questions about electric vehicles (EVs)
We’ve got a new investigation coming next week so make sure you follow us to get notified. And if you’ve been enjoying the podcast please do rate & review us - thanks!
With more and more plant-based burgers, alt-milks and other meat-free options filling our shopping aisles, it’s never been easier to cut meat and dairy products from your diet. But as advocates make claims for the health-promoting and planet-saving power of going plant-based, what does the evidence say?
In this Which? Investigation Greg Foot asks if cattle farming can ever be sustainable, uncovers how ‘plant-based’ doesn’t always mean ‘planet-friendly’, and learns how healthy, or not, these meat-alternative products really are.
https://www.which.co.uk/news/2021/06/which-investigates-podcast-sustainability/
With the UK set to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, more of us are considering the switch to electric. But, with the environmental impact of making the batteries, and the need to generate the electricity to charge them, what is truly the greenest option - go electric or stick with a petrol or diesel car?
In this Which? investigation Greg Foot reveals how these ‘zero emission’ cars don’t come with zero footprint, he asks whether the UK is ready for such a dramatic change to our transport infrastructure, and discusses whether the switch to electric is actually feasible for many of us in the UK?
https://www.which.co.uk/news/2021/06/which-investigates-podcast-sustainability/
Does your new phone have a shelf-life that’s shorter than your contract? Is its lack of repairability driven by manufacturers or by us constantly clamouring for the latest feature-packed model?
In this Which? investigation Greg Foot asks who’s to blame for the mountain of ‘old’ mobiles hidden away in drawers up and down the country. He learns the shocking reality of what it takes to make a phone, is surprised to find out what happens if you recycle one, and hears how phone companies may be putting you at risk.
https://www.which.co.uk/news/2021/06/which-investigates-podcast-sustainability/
Supermarkets & brands are often criticised for how much plastic packaging they use, but could removing that from some food products actually increase their environmental impact?
In this first episode of Which? Investigates, Greg Foot uncovers quite how much unrecyclable plastic there is, checks out whether refillables and ‘compostables’ really do help the planet, and unwraps the surprising facts around what plastic could - or perhaps should - stay on the shelves.
Read more in our show note here: https://www.which.co.uk/news/2021/06/which-investigates-podcast-sustainability/
Which? Investigates is a new podcast from the UK’s consumer champion. Our mission for this podcast is simple: find out the facts and see who’s actually delivering on the promises we see.
Hosted by Science Journalist & Producer Greg Foot, our first season focuses on putting claims of ‘sustainability’ under the spotlight... from ‘plant-based’ to ‘plastic-free’, ‘eco-travel’ to electric cars, he'll be figuring out what genuinely reduces our environmental footprint, and what’s simply green-washing.
At Which? we work to make life simpler, fairer and safer for everyone. Find out more at which.co.uk