James Reed: all about business 33. Surfers Against Sewage: Are we sitting on a public health time bomb? | Giles Bristow
The UK is ranked last in Europe for bathing water quality. With a small team and limited resources, how have a ‘bunch of surfers from Cornwall’ got parliament to listen and launch a commission on England’s chemical cocktail of stinking sewage?
Today’s guest on All About Business is Giles Bristow, CEO of Surfers Against Sewage, a water reform charity that’s been around for over three decades.
In this episode, we discuss the dangers of not taking sustainability seriously, how to get the government to sit up and listen, and why community lies at the heart of every charitable brand.
Giles Bristow is the CEO of Surfers Against Sewage, a marine conservation charity. Founded in 1990 by a group of surfers in Cornwall, SAS is a powerful environmental movement that addresses a range of ocean-related issues. Giles joined SAS in 2023 and has over 20 years of experience in environmental advocacy.
01:31 Introduction
02:22 What are the problems with the UK's oceans?
08:32 Recent environmental changes
10:41 Why can't water companies solve this?
13:38 Time for systemic change
16:45 Voters Against Floaters
31:31 Giles' advice for effective campaigning
36:42 Circular economies
38:53 Plastic - it's everywhere
40:40 How to lobby - transparency and connections
45:52 Just Stop Oil – Are they effective?
50:22 Helping businesses become more sustainable
53:55 Community and brand
59:19 Interview round
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