Episodes
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Welcome to part 2 of my mini-series on the beauty industry.
In the last episode, we discussed all the issues with the beauty industry, and I’ll be honest, it wasn’t super cheerful. So, for this episode, we're changing things up and exploring the various solutions currently available to the problems we previously mentioned.
In this episode, I share:
What circular beauty is and whether it helps reduce waste The core problem with refillable options for beauty products How biodegradable packaging works The one issue that could hinder the effectiveness of biodegradable packaging Why mono material packaging could help with waste management Why solid beauty products are one of the best ways to solve the waste problem How microbial fermentation could help combat the palm oil issue The pros and cons of synthetic mica How you can determine if a company is ethical by the availability of their supply chain information The movement towards waterless beauty and its potential benefits The most significant way to reduce the environmental impact of beauty products The different types of transparency a company can offer How to consider the life cycle of a productKey Quotes
"Chemicals are not the enemy; you are made of chemicals… so remember that the next time someone tries to sell you something that is 'chemical-free.'"
"If you don’t see any information about a product's supply chain, that’s kind of a red flag."
"Overconsumption is the single biggest issue in the beauty industry."
You can get involved with the podcast online
Find our full podcast via the website here: https://www.nowthatswhaticall.com/green
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowthatswhaticallgreen/
You can follow me on socials on the belowaccounts.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannemwest/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briannemwest
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannemwest/
For our latest big project, find out moreabout Incrediballs here: https://incrediballs.com/
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In this episode, we’re kicking off a mini-series on the beauty industry, focusing on what’s wrong with it. But don’t worry—it won’t be all doom and gloom! We’ll also be looking at solutions to these problems.
I’ve spent over a decade in this industry, and to be honest, it really kind of sucks. That’s actually where Ethique came from—a desire to tackle all the waste the beauty industry creates. So join me in this episode as we take a look behind the pretty packaging and sparkly glitter to uncover what’s really going on behind the scenes.
In this episode, I share:
The biggest problem with the beauty industry How much money the beauty industry makes The role packaging plays in the industry’s waste issue What it really means when a brand says they use recycled plastic The problem of overpackaging How marketing has influenced the beauty industry’s waste problem How modern marketing convinces us to buy more The darker, less beautiful side of the beauty industry The people problem within the supply chain of the beauty industryKey Quotes:
“There is an enormous amount of waste driven by this idea of consumption at all costs.” “The average person uses 12 beauty products every single day.” “It's all built on aspirational beauty. Selling you the idea that you need this stuff to look confident.”You can get involved with the podcast online
Find our full podcast via the website here: https://www.nowthatswhaticall.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowthatswhaticallgreen/
You can follow me on socials on the belowaccounts.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannemwest/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briannemwest
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannemwest/
For our latest big project, find out moreabout Incrediballs here: https://incrediballs.com/
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Missing episodes?
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I am so excited to talk to Amy Robbins, a self-declared “jack of all trades, master of none,” but honestly, an incredibly impressive person.
Amy is the Deputy Curator of Mammals at Auckland Zoo and the founder of the Sumatran Ranger Project. She has been working with animals and finding innovative ways to help them for decades, and it is an honour to share her story with you.
In this episode, she shares:
How she got into the zoo industry Why modern zoos are important and how they are actually helping Her conservation efforts and work with communities The innovative habitat design for orangutans that Auckland Zoo has developed The Sumatran Ranger Project and how it is making a difference Why she is leading sustainable tourism and conservation adventures Her experiences and opinions on the palm oil industry The app you can use to track and control your palm oil consumptionKey Quotes:
"Whatever we do, consume, and use has an impact."
"You have to work with these communities. And it can't be me as this white girl coming in saying you should do this. It's me being well-connected... But the people doing the work, the real conservation heroes, are those on the ground, working day in and day out."
"We sit there and talk about these incredible animals that live in trees and how well they're adapted for life in the trees, and yet a lot of zoos still provide environments where orangutans have to live on the ground."
More about Amy and the episode
Check out the Sumatran ranger project website, the Palm Oil Scan app.
Also check out the Eden Reforestation Project.
You can get involved with the podcast online
Find our full podcast via the website here: https://www.nowthatswhaticall.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowthatswhaticallgreen/
You can follow me on socials on the belowaccounts.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannemwest/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briannemwest
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannemwest/
For our latest big project, find out moreabout Incrediballs here: https://incrediballs.com/
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This guest was someone I was equal parts terrified and excited to speak with.
Steve Backshall is one of my literal heroes, and I still can’t believe he said yes to being on the podcast.
You may know him as the presenter of The Deadly 60, Lost Land of the Tiger, or Lost Land of the Jaguar. He’s an explorer, naturalist, scientist, presenter, writer, and so much more.
In this episode, he shares:
• How his childhood prepared him to be confident in adventuring
• The dumbest thing he did in his early days of adventuring
• His favourite place he’s visited
• His scariest experience
• How he prepares for his remote explorations
• The clear signs of climate change he’s seen over the years
• His opinion on palm oil and why he believes we need some palm oil
• A pressing conservation issue we’re not talking about enough
• His suggestions for how we can help the environment
• The importance of picking your battles in environmentalism
• Why he thinks it’s hard to get people on board with climate changeKey Quotes
“We are having so many problems with the simple storytelling aspect of climate change.”“With young people, if you can get them excited about an idea, they get empowered, they get enthusiastic, and they are unstoppable.”
More about Steve Backshall
Check out his website, his live shows and his instagram.
You can get involved with the podcast online:
Find our full podcast via the website: https://www.nowthatswhaticall.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowthatswhaticallgreen/Follow me on social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannemwest/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briannemwest
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannemwest/For our latest big project, find out more about Incrediballs here:
https://incrediballs.com/ -
Today’s "This or That" episode tackles some everyday decisions that might seem small, but add them up and they make a big impact on the environment.
We’ll be discussing tea vs. coffee, and which is worse for the environment, what the best and worst options are for the milk you use with your drink, and finally, what exactly are bioplastics? And, whether we should even be using them...
In this episode, I share:
The comparison of tea vs. coffee How much water it takes to make tea and coffee, respectively What the most sustainable version of milk is The worst milk option for the environment The various environmental issues caused by dairy farming The truth behind a big myth about soy farming in the Amazon The difference between bio-based plastics and biodegradable plasticsKey Quotes
“I am English, so tea is in my blood, which is good because it turns out tea is infinitely better for the environment than coffee is.”
“It takes about 140 litres of water to produce one cup of coffee.”
“There's a lot of buzz around bioplastics, but it's just another form of greenwashing.”
You can get involved with the podcast online
Find our full podcast via the website here: https://www.nowthatswhaticall.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowthatswhaticallgreen/
You can follow me on socials on the belowaccounts.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannemwest/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briannemwest
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannemwest/
For our latest big project, find out moreabout Incrediballs here: https://incrediballs.com/
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This week, we are joined by someone truly multi-talented. Miriama Kamo is an award-winning broadcaster, TV presenter, face of Sunday, author, and a hardcore environmentalist.
I was a little intimidated having another legitimate, professional journalist on the show, but Miriama is just soincredibly kind, warm, and generous. I think you’ll be fascinated by how her upbringing has shaped her environmental mindset and just how committed she isto sustainability.
In this episode, she shares:
Key Quotes:
“Just make whatever difference you can, every single little thing does matter.”
“Everything I’ve done in my sustainability journey has given me pleasure, or even great joy.”
More about Miriama
Her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miriamakamo/
You can get involved with the podcast online
Find our full podcast via the website here: https://www.nowthatswhaticall.com/green
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowthatswhaticallgreen/
You can follow me on socials on the below accounts.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannemwest/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briannemwest
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannemwest/
For our latest big project, find out moreabout Incrediballs here: https://incrediballs.com/
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By now, you probably know that I firmly believe we need to use business to change the world. So, I was very excited to chat with a leader in the environmental movement who also feels the same way, Tim Silverwood.
Tim is a trailblazer in the fight against plastic pollution, known for co-founding the powerful eco-movement Take 3 For The Sea. But that’s not all — he’s also the founder of the Ocean Impact Organisation, a group dedicated to working with innovative startups creating transformative solutions for ocean health.
In this episode he shares:
How Take 3 For The Sea started His proudest moments with Take 3 For The Sea Advice to those wanting to start nonprofits What Ocean Impact Organisation does and why it’s so important Why he believes in supporting startups and innovation to drive sustainable change Some examples of innovative solutions for ocean health Why he loves the change from campaigner to startup supporter The ultimate aim of Ocean Impact Organisation His personal heroes and inspirationsKey Quotes
“I do think strongly that business needs tobe the source of solutions for a more prosperous and balanced future.” “Sustainability just can’t keep being seen asa cost or a compromise.” “We live on planet ocean not planet earth.”More about Tim
Follow Tim on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timsilverwood/?hl=en
The Ocean Impact Organisation website is here: https://www.ocean-impact.org/
You can get involved with the podcast online
Find our full podcast via the website here: https://www.nowthatswhaticall.com/green
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowthatswhaticallgreen/
You can follow me on socials
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannemwest/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briannemwest
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannemwest/
For our latest big project, find out moreabout Incrediballs here: https://incrediballs.com/
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Welcome to another "This or That" episode!
This short, snappy installment investigates the sustainability of three topics you've asked me about, helping you make informed decisions.
In this episode, we’ll be covering three unusual options:
E-readers vs. physical books: Kindles versus your everyday old book. Hand dryers vs. paper towels: I personally find hand dryers annoying. The best type of laundry detergent: There are many options, but I've been seeing a lot of advertising for those strip things, and I have strong opinions about them.In this episode, I share:
The pros and cons of e-readers like Kindle versus traditional books from an environmental perspective. Why a physical book has a higher carbon footprint initially but can last decades. The surprising third option for reading that is actually better. Why hand dryers have a lower environmental impact. Why laundry strips are not as eco-friendly as their marketing suggests. How tablets are convenient but may contribute to microplastic pollution. What the worst detergent solution is for the environment.Key Quotes:
"If you're a heavy reader, an e-reader is the best option. But just keep that thing for as long as you possibly can." "Paper towels may slightly reduce bacteria on hands compared to air dryers, but the difference is pretty minimal for practical purposes." "These strips don’t dissolve as they claim to... it’s a pretty big red flag."More Information:
I mentioned a few LCAs and information references that you can find here:
Comparative study on printed books and e-book reading devices Eco-friendly reading options Life cycle assessment of e-books and printed books in South Africa NPR article on books vs. e-readers Life cycle assessment of hand dryers vs. paper towels ScienceDirect study on hand drying methods MIT study on hand drying methods ResearchGate study on hand drying at the University of Melbourne Springer study on the environmental impact of hand drying methods Life cycle assessment of laundry detergents Study on sustainable laundry detergents Eco-friendly laundry detergent solutions Consumer report on best eco-friendly laundry detergentsYou can get involved with the podcast online:
Find our full podcast via the website here Podcast Instagram here Instagram: Brianne West TikTok: Brianne West LinkedIn: Brianne West For our latest big project, find out more about Incrediballs here: Incrediballs -
Today, we have a man who needs no introduction: Patrick ‘Paddy’ Gower. Paddy is an incredibly well-respected journalist in Aotearoa, known for tackling complex issues head-on. His latest documentary, On Ice, focuses on climate change and his journey to Antarctica.
In this episode, he shares:
Why he decided to cover climate change What it was like in Antarctica What he learned during his time in Antarctica The alarming impact Antarctica has on the rest of the world Why he finds Antarctic scientists so impressive Why adaptation to climate change is necessary and why discussions should focus on realistic approaches and solutions How he managed communicating with climate deniers His opinion on how mainstream media is handling climate change Why he believes strong leadership is crucial to overcoming the climate crisisKey Quotes:
“There’s no way to sugar-coat it; the media can do more when it comes to climate.” “Antarctica has so much power and control over the rest of the world.” “You can't look down on people because they've got a different view from you."More about Paddy Gower:
Instagram: Patrick Gower Instagram The trailer for On Ice: Watch hereYou can get involved with the podcast online:
Find our podcasts via the website here Instagram: Now That's What I Call Green InstagramFollow me on social media:
Instagram: Brianne M West Instagram TikTok: Brianne M West TikTok LinkedIn: Brianne M West LinkedInFor our latest big project, learn more about Incrediballs here: Incrediballs
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We all know science is fascinating, but sometimes the way it's communicated is... less than captivating.
That’s why I’m really excited to chat with Laura Wells. Laura Wells is a science communicator, presenter, environmental advocate, model, and social media professional from Sydney. Over the past 14 years, since graduating with degrees in Biology and Law, she has amassed a wealth of experience in the science mediaspace. Laura has become a regular and trusted presenter for national and international programs, campaigns, and events. She has presented science content for National Geographic, hosted a children's science TV show on Channel 7 in Australia, and is currently filming a sustainability series called Planet Shapers, among other projects.
In this episode, she shares:
Key Quotes
“If I continued to worry about the size of my thighs in a pair of shorts, I wouldn’t have spent hours and hours on a beach picking up plastic all around the world.”
“Once you're on that journey, you want to keep getting better.”
"Science communication is taking the science that other scientists are doing and communicating it in a way that is palatable for the normal, everyday human."
More about Laura
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamlaurawells/?hl=en
Website: https://www.laurawells.com.au/
You can get involved with the podcast online
Find our full podcast via the website here: https://www.nowthatswhaticall.com/green
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowthatswhaticallgreen/
You can follow me on socials here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannemwest/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briannemwest
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannemwest/
For our latest big project, find out more about Incrediballs here: https://incrediballs.com/
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Welcome to another "This or That" episode!
This short, snappy installment investigates the sustainability of three topics you've asked me about, helping you make informed decisions.
Today, it's: Electric Vehicles (EVs) vs. Hybrids, Cotton vs. Bamboo Fabric, and Bamboo vs. Plastic Toothbrushes.
In this episode I share:
EVs generally produce 50% fewer emissions over their lifetime compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. How hybrids can offer a more accessible and affordable option. Why, despite the initial carbon footprint from battery manufacturing, EVs outperform hybrids. The types of people hybrids might be a better choice for. Why bamboo is often hailed as a more sustainable option. The main reasons cotton is resource-intensive. The pros and cons of organic cotton. Why bamboo's sustainability is nuanced and there are negative factors. Why the environmental benefits of bamboo toothbrushes depend on proper composting. The reason plastic toothbrushes with replaceable heads are emerging as a more sustainable option. Life cycle analyses show that plastic toothbrushes with replaceable heads consume less energy and water during production compared to bamboo toothbrushes.Key Quotes
"Even if you live somewhere where the grid is primarily fossil fuel powered, EVs come out ahead."
"When done responsibly, bamboo fabric can be a sustainable choice, but it is crucial to ensure that the processing methods have been considered."
"Plastic toothbrushes with replaceable heads minimise waste, making them the most sustainable option currently available."
More Information
I mentioned I have a life cycle analysis of toothbrushes if you want more info, you can find it here.
You can get involved with the podcast online
Find our full podcast the website here: https://www.briannewest.com/podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowthatswhaticallpodcasts/
You can follow me on socials on the belowaccounts.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannemwest/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briannemwest
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannemwest/
For our latest big project, find out moreabout Incrediballs here: https://incrediballs.com
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I thoroughly enjoy talking to incredibly smart people who make you realise you know nothing compared to them.
Dr Kayla Kingdon-Bebb is the CEO of WWF NewZealand and is a passionate advocate for conservation and has a very interesting background in indigenous studies and treaty law.
If you’re interested in conservation and how the organisations involved try to help the world, then this is a chat for you. And if you’re interested in finding out howmuch help even the big groups need, this will be an eye opener!
In this episode we talk about:
- Why marine protection actually is a common ground for a lot of different people
- Her prediction on whether 30% can be protected by 2030
- What are the specific tangible benefits to Aotearoa if we protect 40% of the oceans
- Other things WWF works on besides oceans
- What WWF needs
- What she wants to see happen in the next 5 years
- Her advice to people on how to engage with the natural world more
Key Quotes
“Something like 286 of the 700 seabird species that exist globally, breed here.”
“Real lasting progress happens when you take small steps together in the middle.”
“I think it's possible there's more common ground around marine protection than people realise.”
“If you're trying to prevent coastal inundation… you can use other things beside a sea wall for that.”
More about:
You can support WWF New Zealand here: https://wwf.org.nz/
You can also follow Kayla on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaylakingdon/
You can get involved with the podcast online:
Find our full podcast plus our sister podcast via the website here: https://www.nowthatswhaticall.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowthatswhaticallgreen
You can follow me on socials on the below accounts.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannemwest/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briannemwest
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannemwest/
For our latest big project, find out more about Incrediballs here: https://incrediballs.com/
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When it comes to environmentalism and sustainability there are a wide range of opinions and perspectives, but one person I have been very excited to talk to is John Pabon.
This chat did feel a bit like chatting to a mirror, but he has such an incredible way of explaining concepts that I only ever even voice in my own head.
John has spent two decades in the business of saving our Earth. After leaving his role at the United Nations, he travelled the world studying the impacts of sustainability first-hand in factories, on fields, and in Fortune 500s.
Now he is an author, consultant, and speaker, helping businesses and individuals make sense of sustainability.
In this episode John shares:
- His journey and what he did to get into environmentalism
- His opinion on the UN in modern day
- How his sustainability opinions were formed as he worked in the developing world
- What greenwashing is
- Examples of greenwashing he thinks are ridiculous
- His advice on how we can see through greenwashing
- The surprising country he thinks is doing well to improve itself in sustainability
- What green hushing is and why it's a problem
- The problem of fast fashion and how bad it is
- Whether celebrities help or hinder sustainability
- His opinion on b corp certification
- The background on his books
Key Quotes
“There's no such thing as a perfect environmentalist.”
“You sit back and complain or you work inside the system and do something to make it as good as possible. Not perfect because we will never be perfect, but better thanwhat it was yesterday.”
“I really do believe the private sector is the one that’s really going to get us out of this mess.”
More about John Pabon
His website: https://www.johnpabon.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnapabon/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnapabonYou can get involved with the podcast online
Find our full podcast plus our sister podcast via the website here: https://www.nowthatswhaticall.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowthatswhaticallgreen
You can follow me on socials on the below accounts.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannemwest/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briannemwestLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannemwest/For our latest big project, find out more about Incrediballs here: https://incrediballs.com/
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I am so excited to speak with the guest for this episode! I have wanted to have a proper discussion with him ever since I first met him.
Dr Jim Salinger is a noted international climate scientist and amongst his many achievements he is known for being the involved in the first detection of global warming (climate change) in 1976.Since then he has been a vocal communicator and educator around climate change and if there is anything about it you don’t understand, he is the expert to get all the answers from. So naturally that’s what we’ll be doing in this podcast.
In this episode Dr Jim shares: - How he got into climate science at the age of 12 - What IS global warming - How he was involved in the early discovery and research of global warming in New Zealand- The difference between el nino and la nina and what their impact is- His opinion on whether we're going to move quick enough the next few decades to prevent 2 degrees warming- The huge amount of ice loss that has occurred with the glaciers in new Zealand- Will climate change continue to pick up pace?- When he expects us to hit 2 degrees of global warming- The one positive thing he wants everyone to know- Why the myth that climate scientists are paid to fake results is wrong Key Quotes “We really need to be responsible citizens for the future and unfortunately we’re not doing that.” “Science is based on facts, not imagination.” You can get involved with the podcast onlineFind our full podcast plus our sister podcast via the website here: https://www.nowthatswhaticall.com/green.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowthatswhaticallgreen You can follow me on socials on the below accounts.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannemwest/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briannemwestLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannemwest/ For our latest big project, find out more about Incrediballs here: https://incrediballs.com
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So, bottled water is kind of scam. People think it is healthier and safer despite no evidence showing that... So is it all one big marketing scam?! Well... kinda.I’m going to take you through the history of bottled water to show exactly how we ended up where we are, and why it is so, so, so bad that we are where we are.
In this episode I share:
- the surprisingly long history of bottled water
- what needed to happen to make bottled water really popular
- the weird correlation between bottled water purchases and countries with safe tap water
- The statistical break down of where people are buying bottled water
- The surprising difference in testing requirements between bottled and tap water
- How the bottled water companies negatively effect the countries they come from
- Some of the reasons microplastics could be really bad for our body
- Why bottled water isn’t always safer than tap water
- The facts about fluoride and chlorine in tap water
- Why nitrates in our water are a concern
- The shocking amount of water it makes to make a bottle of water
Key Quotes
“The question is why are we buying so much bottled water on masse, when it's literally on tap in our homes.”
“Standards for bottled water are the same for tap water, but the testing requirements to ensure those standards are upheld, are not.
“Bottled water on average contains 325 micro plastic particles per litre, whereas tap was only 5.4.”
“People seem to have this peculiar belief that if it’s in a bottle, then it's healthier.”
You can get involved with the podcast online:
Find our full podcast plus our sister podcast via the website here: https://www.nowthatswhaticall.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowthatswhaticallgreen You can follow me on socials on the below accounts.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannemwest/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briannemwest
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannemwest/
For our latest big project, find out more about Incrediballs here: https://incrediballs.com
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Welcome to another This or That episode where I break down the least impactful options from things you have asked.
This weeks selection has a very controversial topic as well as one that maaay just surprise you.
There is also a prize for participating in this one so make sure you listen until then end!
In this episode I share:
- What uses more energy, turning off lights or energy efficient bulbs
- What has less of an impact, Paper or plastic bags
- What resources and processes are made to make paper bags
- What matters more, what you eat or where its from
- What parts of your food intake you should reduce to help lessen your impact.
Key Quotes
“Paper bags are worse than plastic ones if you less them less than 4-43 times.”
“Everything is made out of something and all of that something that it’s made out of has to come from the environment.”
You can get involved with the podcast online
Find our full podcast plus our sister podcast via the website here: https://www.nowthatswhaticall.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowthatswhaticallgreen
You can follow me on socials on the below accounts.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannemwest/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briannemwest
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannemwest/
For our latest big project, find out more about Incrediballs here: https://incrediballs.com/
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Happy Plastic Free July! PFJ is a grass roots movement that is all about encouraging us all to reduce our use of plastics and be part of the solution to plastic pollution.
So who better to talk to than the founder of this very movement, Rebecca Prince-Ruiz. I am honestly so excited to talk to Rebecca and hear all her wisdom, advice, tipsand even a few kernels of optimism about the plastic pollution problem.
In this episode Rebecca shares:
- Her background and how she got into plastic free July
- Why she found her first experience with a recycling facility so confronting
- How difficult she found her first plastic free month
- How plastic free July grew to the size it is now
- The impact she has seen of Plastic Free July have since it started.
- What the global plastics treaty is
- If she thinks politicians are doing well with this the plastics issue
- Why a tax on virgin plastic products could help
- Whether she has companies pushing back against Plastic Free July
- Why the solution is to have plastic companies involved in the full life of their products, not just until the point of sale
- Some good news about the plastic pollution problem
Key Quotes
“For me visiting a recycling facility was really confronting”
“We're just creating a growing problem that we're always playing catch up and we're never going to be able to recycle our way out of”
“We have states in the US where there is legislation to ban a plastic bag ban”
“It's still cheaper and easier for manufacturers to use virgin plastics than it is to use recycled content”
You can get involved with the podcast online
Find our full podcast plus our sister podcast via the website here: https://www.briannewest.com/podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowthatswhaticallpodcasts/
You can follow me on socials on the below accounts.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannemwest/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briannemwest
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannemwest/
For our latest big project, find out more about Incrediballs here: https://incrediballs.com/
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Big news! Now, That’s What I Call Green is going to become a weekly podcast! I have put the business podcast on hiatus and we will be going weekly podcasts here, but there is a twist.
We’ll be alternating between different styles of episode. On one week you’ll have deep dives and interviews, but on the other we’re going to be something new, and that’s what we’re doing today.
It’s time for This or That, where I analyse different options and reveal the most environmentally friendly option and for our first episode we are going to start off with some big topics, and you’ll have a chance to win free ncrediballs by listening.
In this episode I share:
- An update on the direction of the podcast and a few changes
- What this new bi weekly style of episode is going to be
- Comparing baths and showers and which is worse
- How much power it takes to heat bath water
- Dishwasher vs hand washing and which is worse
- Things you can do to lessen your impact if you use a dishwasher
- What the worst option for all straws is
- The best option for reusable straws
- The problem with reusable straws
- How you can win free incrediballs from listening to this episode
Key Quotes
"The dishwasher wins. Hooray! No more hand washing. Or does it?"
“I have a passionate hatred for baths. They’re like human soups.”
“You fill the sink, you wash the dishes, then you let them drip dry…or am I washing dishes wrong?”
You can get involved with the podcast online:
Find our full podcast plus our sister podcast via the website here: www.nowthatswhaticall.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowthatswhaticallpodcasts/
You can follow me on socials on the below accounts.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannemwest/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briannemwest
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannemwest/For our latest big project, find out more about Incrediballs here: https://incrediballs.com/
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This is going to be a very deep episode. We’re talking human rights violations, genocide and human trafficking and it all comes down to the devices you use and the batteries that power them.
While Electric Vehicles are definitively better than fossil fuel vehicles, they are not perfect and it’s important to understand why. I’m not doing this episode to induce guilt or horror, but before we can make impactful change, we often need to first understand exactly what is going on.
In this episode I share:
- Why EVS are definitively better than fossil fuel vehicles
- Why EVS are not perfect
- The downside that comes from getting the metals we need to make EV batteries
- The horrific human cost of mining Cobalt
- Why the horrifying history of the congo laid the groundwork for the present day humans rights abuses
- The appalling crimes happening in the congo because of the mines resources
- How western companies have been funding conflicts in the congo
- One of the biggest companies involved in causing these problems
- Some of the companies that are doing better when it comes to congo mining
- How battery technology development may help
- How to recycle your tech
- Why I see positive change on the horizon
Key Quotes
“You do not want to be responsible for someone else’s horrific struggles, but also what are we going to do about it?”
“We talk a lot about fast fashion, we don’t talk about our obsession with tech. And it’s actually a very similar premise and arguably just as destructive.”
“We all need a phone, we often need a laptop, so don’t feel guilty that you need these things. But you can do better with what you buy and how long you keep it.”
More Information
Some places you can learn more and donate to help the situation in the congo:
https://friendsofthecongo.org/children/
https://donate.unhcr.org/int/en/democratic-republic-congo-emergency
https://www.wfp.org/countries/Congo
https://goodweave.org/the-issue/child-and-forced-labor-in-artisanal-cobalt-mining-in-the-congo/
https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2023/02/01/1152893248/red-cobalt-congo-drc-mining-siddharth-kara
https://www.theclimateclub.co/environmental-healthblogs/347zlomifb9x9jsyogvi4kymlynxfb
More information about Fair Phone: https://www.fairphone.com/nl
You can get involved with the podcast online
Find our full podcast plus our sister podcast via the website here: https://www.nowthatswhaticall.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowthatswhaticallpodcasts/
You can follow me on socials on the below accounts.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannemwest/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briannemwest
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannemwest/For our latest big project, find out more about Incrediballs here: https://incrediballs.com/
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Today it is all about World Oceans Day (8th June).
They are the life blood of our planet, but they are under incredibly serious threat.
For this episode I’m going to be blunt and maybe a little bit depressing, at least to start with.
Our oceans face multiple threats and there is already catastrophic damage being done to them. Don’t worry, in this episode I’ll also offer some hope and some options on how to help, but to start I’m really going to reveal how dire things are.
In this episode I share:
- Why less than 10% of coral reefs are going to survive global warming
- Why coral reefs are so important for our continued survival
- The horrifying mass bleaching event we are experiencing right now
- What ocean acidification is and why it is life threatening for a lot of ocean life
- Why plastics in the oceans are actually getting worse
- What dead zones are and why it's horrifying
- The 30 by 30 campaign and why it's important
- The disappointing amount of oceans that Aotearoa is protecting
- The ways we can make change to help our oceans
Key Quotes
“At the end of the day if the ocean fails, we do too, end of story.”
“Climate change is not something that is going to happen, it is happening now.”
“You may like them, but our oceans cannot cope with people liking fish.”
“They cannot do studies on how microplastics are affecting humans, because they cannot find a control population. Which means they cannot find any human that has not been affected by microplastics.”
“We're doing a bloody poor job of looking after our oceans.”
You can get involved with the podcast online
Find our full podcast plus our sister podcast via the website here: https://www.nowthatswhaticall.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowthatswhaticallpodcasts/
You can follow me on socials on the below accounts.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannemwest/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briannemwest
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannemwest/
For our latest big project, find out more aboutIncrediballs here: https://incrediballs.com/
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