Episódios
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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 -
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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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It was my birthday a couple of weeks ago and to celebrate we did things a little differently. Kate, one of the team from Business, but Better joined me and peppered me with millions of questions.
It's a behind the scenes peek at my life, business thoughts and sustainability advice. Kate wouldn't let me leave until she had asked all the questions she wanted.
In this episode we share:
- What the process of rewilding my yard was like at the start
- What is holding kiwis back from developing their lawn into something environmentally supportive
- My tips on how to be sustainable
- The times that she cried over Ethique
- The 3 questions people always ask Kate about Brianne
- The kind of businesses who should contact Insprie
- Why not all mentors work well for all mentees
- How we make social enterprise business the mainstream
- My guilty pleasures that I wouldn’t normally share
Key Quotes
“At the end of the day being sustainable is about doing everything you can with stuff you already own.”
“Not every mentor works for everybody”
“I don’t like the term social enterprise, because I think that that should just be all business.”
You can get involved with the podcast online
Find our full podcast plus our sister podcast via the website here: https://www.nowthatswhaticall.com/
Or follow the podcasts on our socials: 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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It’s world Bee Day, and to delve further into the topic, I have been very lucky to get Ruud Kleinpaste (or you may know him as ‘the bug man) onto the podcast. He is a bug enthusiast, tv presenter and is always happy to share his face with a wētā so who better to join my on the annual day of the Bees!?
In this episode Ruud shares:
- What his actual background and education is
- How to get people to not be scared of insects anymore
- How and why he keeps wētā in his home
- What his career highlight is
- Why the insect apocalypse is bad for us all
- How we can get adults to care about insects and the environment
- Why we are having an insect apocalypse
- Why ‘sustainable’ is the wrong word to be using
- How Aotearoa compares to the rest of the world in how it treats the environment
- What the inaturalist app is and why you should use it
- What biomimicry is and how it can help us in the human world
- Things we can all do to make our homes more insect friendly
- How we can learn to work together from nature
- Why he is not scared of most spiders
- Why he believes bees are not in trouble
Key Quotes
“Have you ever seen a 90 degree bend in nature?”
“If you've got kids doing this, they will teach 3 generations for the price of one.”
“I do full frontal nerdity.”
You can get involved with the podcast online
Find our full podcast plus our sister podcast via the website here: www.nowthatswhatsicall.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 moreabout Incrediballs here: https://incrediballs.com
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If you’re like me, you might have constantly conflicting feelings about travel
On one hand I can’t help but feel a little bit guilty about all the associated impacts.
But of course on the other hand there are the benefits of that travel for both the traveler and they places they go to.
This usually results in a very confused conscience. So to help clear things up a little, maybe, today I am going to be talking about how to travel sustainably, or as I prefer to call it, travel fairly.
To help me unpack all of this I am joined by Jessica Lockhart from Lonely Planet. Jessica is one of their authors and her specific focus is on how to make travel fairer and kinder to ensure it gives back to those it should.
She is an award winning journalist, has contributed to loads of books on travel and has a specific interest in science and conservation.
In this episode Jessica shares:
- What she would describe sustainable travel as
- What the Tiaki promise is
- Her thoughts on carbon offsetting and travel
- Why we shouldn’t stop travelling
- What community based tourism is and why it is important
- Examples of community tourism you can partake in
- Ways we can make sure we are actually helping out communities when we visit
- What people should not do when travelling
Key Quotes
“Not everyone wants to go on holiday and partake in cultural tour after cultural tour…but it is doing that research and making sure that as much of the money that you’re spending is staying in the local community.”
“I will say about carbon offsetting, there are good projects and there are bad projects, you need to do your research.”
More about Jess and Lonely Planet
If you want to look up the article Jessica wrote about sustainable/ethical travel you can find it here: https://www.vergemagazine.com/articles/beyond-the-guidebook/2677-essential-guide-to-responsible-ethical-travel.html
For more on Jess you can find her online here: https://www.instagram.com/wynnelockhart/?hl=en
The lonely planet site for their sustainable handbook is here: https://shop.lonelyplanet.com/en-au/products/the-sustainable-travel-handbook
You can get involved with the podcast online:
Find our full podcast plus our sister podcast via the website here: www.nowthatswhaticall.com
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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Caring about the environment can be quite isolating.
The news is rarely cheerful about the state of the planet (despite plenty of good things going on) and that is leading to skyrocketing rates of eco-anxiety even in children as young as five.
There is a general sense of apathy is settling in amongst people who are beginning to feel it is too late. It certainly isn't. And I did an episode about that a few weeks ago, so I won't rehash that story.
But I want to tackle the isolating part. Because you are not alone.
Millions of people around the world are working every day to protect and rehabilitate our planet. Just listen. I put the call our on social media last week for people to send me in messages with what they do to make the world a better place.
Some of you sent in voice messages, some of you sent in written ones, and I am going to share them here, so you don't feel so alone.
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Happy Earth Day everyone! It can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people and this year I have decided to make it about sharks. Obviously.
I am obviously somewhat obsessed with sharks, but people are so scared of them, sometimes to the point of wanting to cull them all. But sharks are essential for our planet and I am going to explain why and how you can help them in this episode.
To help I am joined by my guest co-host Kate, one of the team from Business, but Better, who is also a sustainable events planner.
In this episode we share:
- Why removing sharks would be bad for everyone and everything
- The ways that sharks help biodiversity and the ecosystem
- The scary number of sharks we kill every year
- Some fun shark trivia facts
- My experience diving with sharks
- How we can protect sharks better
- How to check if seafood is sustainably sourced
- My sharky request to film makers
Key Quotes
“If sharks vanished from the oceans we'd all fucking die, end of story.”
“I know a few people who think we should get rid of sharks altogether. Not only is that a tragedy it would be a death sentence for our oceans.”
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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When it comes to being sustainable there is often a lot of bullshit we have to wade through in order to find the right way to live AND help the environment.
There is honestly a shitload of myths around sustainability and in this episode we are going to be shining a light on the top 10 so that you’ll know what to choose and what to avoid.
Some of these were suggested by you on Instagram, so thanks for the assist!
In this episode I share:
- Why we falsely believe sustainability is more expensive
- Something we can all do to live sustainably and affordably
- Why recycling isn’t the solution to the plastic pollution crisis
- How big polluters are behind the recycling myth
- What we should do instead of focusing on recycling
- Why the myth that eco friendly products do not perform is wrong
- The shocking truth about green cleaning products effectiveness vs non green ones
- The myth about whether or not EV's are better
- The big difference in energy wasted by petrol cars vs electric cars
- The direct health benefits of EV's
- Why it is a myth to believe that some single use products are sustainable
- Is it too late to make a difference?
- The proof that we can make a difference when we unite
- The various other ways we can be sustainable that isn’t about the environment
- Why Tech will not solve our environmental problems
- The tech inventions that people are pining their hopes on that are not actually helpful
- Why natural is not sustainable
- Examples of how natural products can be destructive for the environment
Key Quotes
“Sometimes synthetic is just better. Actually in fact that's almost always.”
“As we know natural doesn’t mean safe. Because arsenic and radium are perfectly natural and you do not want to smear either of them on your skin.”
“When we talk about sustainability its not talking about leaving people behind. It’s about creating a world that is better for us.”
“Living sustainably isn’t more expensive in total. But the upfront costs can be and those are out of reach of many of us.”
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/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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