Sustainable(ish)

In this episode I’m chatting to James Murray, editor of Business Green, and contributor to a recently publish book How to raise a global citizen – a book with the tagline "For the parents of the children who will save the world".We chat about why we’re both not really very keen on that tagline, the pressure that is on parents in our rapidly changing world, what it means to raise a global citizen, and share some thoughts and ideas for how we might start to do just that.As always, if you enjoy the show, please do  leave a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts – it helps get more ears on the podcast, which in turn hopefully inspires more people to take imperfect eco action.Enjoy! LISTEN... CHECK OUT...How to raise a global citizen- On Hive- On BookshopBusiness GreenJames Murray on TwitterJames' blog posts about parenting in a climate crisis- The joy and the fear- Fear and loathing on the climate beat- Noah's rainbow - raising children in an age of climate crisisA beginners guide to switching to a renewable energy tariff Make your money matter[044] - How to get your MP to take action on the climate crisis Katherine Hayhoe TED talk - The most important thing you can do to fight climate change: talk about itThe Sustainable(ish) FB group DO...James' top tips!- Change your energy provider to a renewable tariff- Eat a bit less meat- Fly a bit less- Change your pension to a sustainable fund- If you are in a position to, think about an EV as your next car. And think about how you might be able to drive less and walk/cycle more- Talk about climate! How do you feel about 'raising a global citizen'?It sounds pretty full on to me - but remember intention and imperfect action is a great starting place! KNACKERED BUT WANT TO 'DO SOMETHING'..?Join the Sustainable(ish) e-mail list and kick off your imperfect eco-action with my '5 easy Sustainable(ish) things you can do from your sofa'! By signing up you'll also receive my weekly sustainable(ish) newsletter. You can make use of the unsubscribe link in every e-mail at anytime SIGN UP NOW! […]

I'm still not quite sure how this happened, but in this episode I'm chatting to the co-CEO's of Friends of the Earth! Listen in as I chat to Miriam Turner and Hugh Knowles about their roles as co-CEOs, Friends of the Earth's 50th anniversary, and how Friends of the Earth can help to support us taking climate action in our local communities. LISTEN... CHECK OUT...Friends of the Earth UK- Website- Facebook- Twitter- Instagram- Postcode locator- Take Climate Action (find a climate action group near your)Chris Johnstone and Joanna Macy - Active Hope[044] - How to get your MP to take action on the climate crisis The Sustainable(ish) FB group DO...Check out the Friends of the Earth website and see which of their projects and campaigns tickles your fancyFind out if you have a climate action group near youUse your voice - take a deep breath and try to have more conversations about climate - your worries and fears, and also the positive stuff you're doing Did you enjoy this one?! KNACKERED BUT WANT TO 'DO SOMETHING'..?Join the Sustainable(ish) e-mail list and kick off your imperfect eco-action with my '5 easy Sustainable(ish) things you can do from your sofa'! By signing up you'll also receive my weekly sustainable(ish) newsletter. You can make use of the unsubscribe link in every e-mail at anytime SIGN UP NOW! […]

This episode was recorded live at Timber Festival over the summer and was my first every experience of a live podcast recording - I think it went ok!Timber Festival is an annual festival in the National Forest in the middle of England, that this year happened at the beginning of July - there was  a brilliant line up of talks, music, food and everything else you would expect from a festival (including rain..!). Because I'm a total geek I was particularly excited by the reusable cups, reusable wristbands and the compost loos! I'm chatting to Will Cottrell, Chair and Co-Founder of Brighton Energy Co-operative, about all things Community Energy - what it is, how it works, and how we as individuals, households, and businesses can get involved. LISTEN... CHECK OUT...Timber FestivalBrighton Energy Co-operative- Website- Facebook- Twitter- Solar SchoolsCommunity Energy EnglandSalisbury Community EnergyWiltshire Wildlife Trust solar schemesLocal Electricity Bill[044 ] - How to get your MP to take action on the climate crisis with Power for PeopleThe Sustainable(ish) FB group DO...Get in touch with your MP about the Local Electricity BillFind out if you have a community energy group near youWrite to your local council asking if they have ever considered community energy on their buildings Let me know your thoughts about community energy! KNACKERED BUT WANT TO 'DO SOMETHING'..?Join the Sustainable(ish) e-mail list and kick off your imperfect eco-action with my '5 easy Sustainable(ish) things you can do from your sofa'! By signing up you'll also receive my weekly sustainable(ish) newsletter. You can make use of the unsubscribe link in every e-mail at anytime SIGN UP NOW! […]

Earth Overshoot DayHave you heard of it?You may have seen a post or two on social media telling you that today is Earth Overshoot Day, and you may well be wondering what on earth that is! Which is a great question.Here's the official definition:"Earth Overshoot Day marks the date when humanity’s demand for ecological resources and services in a given year exceeds what Earth can regenerate in that year."Any clearer? Me neither.Tune in as I explain a little more, about what Earth Overshoot Day is, why it matters, and what we can do about it.Enjoy! LISTEN... CHECK OUT...Earth Overshoot DayConscious Consumption (podcast)Sustainable(ish) Guardian MasterclassThe Sustainable(ish) FB groupThe Knackered Mums Eco Club - come and join us for a month of plastic-free(ish) action in July! DO...Slow down your consumption- could you commit to buying a percentage of clothes secondhand?- could you walk or bike journeys under a mile?- could you reduce your meat consumption by 50%Have a conversation with a friend or colleague about Earth Overshoot Day, or post something on social media (you could even share this podcast... ) Had you already heard of Earth Overshoot Day?Do you find it a useful visual/conversation starter? AVAILABLE ONLINE AND IN ALL GOOD BOOK SHOPS NOW! "Easily the most family friendly way to do your bit"The Sunday Times […]

Weird weather.We’re all feeling it aren’t we?We've had some of the hottest temperatures recorded in the UK, on the back of a cold cold May. And do you remember the really hot spring we had the year before? And a couple of years ago when it hit 20C in February and everyone was wondering around in t-shirts eating ice creams?I think most people have noticed the weird weather, but maybe not everyone has joined the dots just yet and realised that this is it – this is the climate changing. We can no longer expect the defined and reasonable reliable seasonal changes of previous generations. We are now living with a very changeable and unpredictable climate – the implications of which go way beyond us wanting to put the heating back on in May.Listen in to this chat with Joe Shute, journalist and author of Forecast: A diary of the lost seasons where we do that most British of all things and discuss the weather..Enjoy LISTEN... CHECK OUT...Joe Shute- TwitterForecast: A Diary of the Lost SeasonsA Shadow Above: The Fall and Rise of the RavenNature's CalendarNew Year Plant HuntGreat Green WallBig Garden Bird WatchEvery Flower CountsBig Butterfly CountThe Sustainable(ish) FB groupThe Knackered Mums Eco Club - come and join us for a month of plastic-free(ish) action in July! DO...Start your own weather and nature diary, and submit your data to Nature's CalendarTalk about the changing seasons and weather with your kids Have you noticed the changing seasons?How does it make you feel? AVAILABLE ONLINE AND IN ALL GOOD BOOK SHOPS NOW! "Easily the most family friendly way to do your bit"The Sunday Times […]

While we're all hopefully pretty on top of using our own water bottles now, the next step if you're looking to increase your refill repertoire (do you like that?!) is to check out your local refill shop for all kinds of things from washing up liquid and shampoo, through to pasta and chocolate covered raisins (one of my faves).Which sounds easy peasy - we're all grown ups right?But I think for lots of us it can feel pretty scary - I know I had a degree of anxiety my 'first time'.- What if I haven't got the right sized pots?- Can I take plastic pots into a plastic-free shop?- What if I spill anything?- What if it's really quiet and the owner is watching me and it's all really awkward?- What if I get to the till and I've inadvertently spent £48.76 when my budget was £20?Please know if you're feeling nervous about visiting a refill shop, you're not alone!So I thought it might be helpful to share some top tips in this episode of the podcast.Do let me know if it's helpful and if it's helped you to pluck up the courage to make a visit. And if you've got any of your own top tips to add!Enjoy! LISTEN... CHECK OUT...Plastic Free July[107] - Busting some big plastic-free living myths (podcast)Map of Zero Waste Shops (not 100% complete, but might give you an idea!)The Sustainable(ish) FB groupThe Knackered Mums Eco Club - come and join us for a month of plastic-free(ish) action in July! DO...Ask around locally or have a search online to find out where your nearest zero waste shop isPick one or two things that you'd like to try first - washing up liquid is a great one and you can simply take along your old (rinsed out) bottleTake a deep breath and go for it! Are you an old hand at shopping in zero waste stores?Or have you yet to 'pop your cherry'..?!Do share any of your own top tips in the comments! AVAILABLE ONLINE AND IN ALL GOOD BOOK SHOPS NOW! "Easily the most family friendly way to do your bit"The Sunday Times […]

In this episode I’m chatting to Jo Royle, founder and CEO of Common Seas – an organisation on a mission to quickly and significantly reduce the amount of plastic produced and stop it polluting our rivers and seas. As a former sailor Jo was very aware of the issues that plastic is causing to our marine environments, and is the world record holder for the longest voyage made out of a boat made from plastic bottles!As well as being an advocate of personal changes, she’s also focussed on the big system and policy changes we need to see to make it easier for all of us to use less single use plastic, and it's hugely inspiring to hear about the projects that Common Seas are running.Enjoy. LISTEN... CHECK OUT...Common Seas- Website- Instagram- Twitter- Healthy Me Healthy Sea- Ocean Plastics AcademyThe PlastikiJo's TEDx talkThe Story of PlasticThe UK's Plastic PactThe Ellen McArthur FoundationCould you be eating a credit card of plastic every week?Microplastic monitoring in BBC One's War on PlasticRe-RootedThe Sustainable(ish) FB groupThe Knackered Mums Eco Club - come and join us for a month of plastic-free(ish) action in July! DO...Have a look in your bin and pick ONE thing you might be able to change for a plastic-free(ISH) versionContact your local supermarket and ask what their plans are for introducing refill optionsContact your local supermarket to ask them if they will sign up as a collection point for flexible plasticFollow Common Seas on Instagram How are you feeling about all things plastic pollution?Has Jo inspired you to take some small steps and to make your voice heard? AVAILABLE ONLINE AND IN ALL GOOD BOOK SHOPS NOW! "Easily the most family friendly way to do your bit"The Sunday Times […]

Plastic free July is a campaign that started in Australia as small, local campaign – the brain child of Rebecca Prince-Ruiz.  Now in it’s 10th year it is a truly global and hugely impactful campaign, - in July 2020 over 300 million people took part in the challenge from over 170 different countries.  If this doesn’t demonstrate the power of just one person wanting to make a difference, I'm not sure what does.I wanted to do a little solo episode to kick of Plastic Free July, and was trying to think about what I could do – simply listing off a list of swaps might be vaguely helpful but probably isn’t the most exciting listen.So what I’m going to do instead is to bust a few of the myths that I think exist around this term plastic-free, in case you’re like me and find it a little off-putting and daunting and like you’re never going to be plastic-free so it all feels a bit pointless even trying.Enjoy! LISTEN... CHECK OUT...Plastic Free July- Website- Facebook- Instagram- Twitter- You TubeThe Sustainable(ish) FB groupThe Knackered Mums Eco Club - come and join us for a month of plastic-free(ish) action in July! DO...Pick ONE single use plastic item that making a regular appearance in your bin, and see what reusable/refillable/recyclable options there are Are you joining in with Plastic-free July?What ONE change will you make this month?Let me know in the comments! AVAILABLE ONLINE AND IN ALL GOOD BOOK SHOPS NOW! "Easily the most family friendly way to do your bit"The Sunday Times […]

I’m still having to pinch myself a little but I got to spend an hour hanging out and having a chinwag with a past winer of the Great British Bake Off! I met Nancy Birtwhistle, the 2014 winner of my very favourite TV show, virtually, for an event we did together for Glasgow's Aye Write Festival earlier on this year. Nancy has got a book out called Clean and Green, and we were paired up for a talk on Eco Tips for your Home and Family.I wanted to chat more to Nancy about her book, and about all things 'green cleaning' so I pulled on my big girl pants and plucked up the courage to send her an e-mail after the event inviting her on the podcast.To my surprise and delight, she said yes!Now I’m very much not one of life’s clean freaks. I find cleaning thoroughly soul destroying and perhaps because of my lacklustre approach to it, my attempts at home made cleaning products have never been resounding successes. But Nancy’s approach is really refreshing, and even I have been tempted to have another go, and I was more than a little over-excited to whup up a batch of Nancy’s toilet magic at the weekend and have been delightedly spraying it willy nilly around our looks all this week. It was super easy and seems to be coping with my kids spraying something else willy nilly around our loos well.I hope you enjoy listening to this as much as I enjoyed recording it – do let me know if you’re tempted to have a go at some homemade cleaning products, or if you’re now going to make the switch to an eco version of one your usual products!As ever, please do leave a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts – it helps it to climb the charts and more importantly boosts my poor fragile ego no end….Enjoy! LISTEN... CHECK OUT...Nancy Birtwhistle- Website- Instagram- Twitter- You TubeWilton reusable piping bags!A beginners guide to reusable baby wipes (blog post)Peace with the WildBig Green SmileDri-Pak liquid soap The Sustainable(ish) FB groupThe Knackered Mums Eco Club - come and join us for a month of plastic-free(ish) action in July! DO...Swap out one regular product for an eco-friendly version and see how you get on! Have you ever tried making your own cleaning products?How did it go?Let me know in the comments! AVAILABLE ONLINE AND IN ALL GOOD BOOK SHOPS NOW! "Easily the most family friendly way to do your bit"The Sunday Times […]

We all often have the very best intentions – whether it’s getting fitter, losing weight, saving money, or being a bit greener. We have all the good intentions, but they don’t always translate into action.There’s often a gap, or a mis-match, between our intentions and our actions.We might watch the latest David Attenborough and be brimming over with motivation and determination to do our bit, but then we get up the next morning and life happens, and nothing changes.Or we see a load of litter at our local park and tut loudly in true British style and vow to get a litter picker and come back to sort it out. But then you get home and the kids are hot and tired and don’t want to go out again. And actually, now you mention it, you’re hot and tired and don’t want to go out again, and the washing needs hanging out and no one has even thought about what’s for tea, so nothing happens.Or you decide that yes, you really will finally pluck up the courage to visit your local refill shop, but then you’re just not sure how it all works, and if it’s ok to take your tatty Tupperware to a plastic-free shop, so you don’t go.I hear you. I’m there with you. I can procrastinate with the best of them, and have the attention span of a distracted gnat, meaning I often forget what 5 minutes ago I was so passionate about changing.That’s ok. And please rest assured that this isn’t about turning every intention into instantaneous, effective and impactful action, this is just about narrowing the gap. Making it easier for action to happen, and giving ourselves the best chances of funnelling some of our brilliant intentions into imperfect action.Listen in to this solo episode from me, sharing some ideas and tips to help you narrow that gap.Enjoy! LISTEN... CHECK OUT...Where Does it Come From PodcastThe Sustainable(ish) FB groupThe Knackered Mums Eco Club DO...Spend a few minutes thinking about your values, the things that are important to you, and the world you want for your kids and grandkids. And then look for mis-matches between what you want and where your actions are leading. Pick ONE thing to change, and do it! Do you like these solo episodes?Let me know! AVAILABLE ONLINE AND IN ALL GOOD BOOK SHOPS NOW! "Easily the most family friendly way to do your bit"The Sunday Times […]