Green Sense in association with Earthology and Phoenix FM

If you want to reach people outside the sustainability bubble, then this episode of Green Sense is for you! We talk to Aisling O’Rourke of The Communications Coach about your sustainability messaging, especially if you’re a Green Team trying to land your message with the rest of the workforce.

Aisling’s top 3 tips for climate communicating are:

1. Simplify the message. Often sustainability jargon can put people off.

2. Lead by example. If you want more people to cycle to work, then show them how.

3. The Attention Economy. Make your message short and sharp to attract attention.

As Aisling says, ‘We live on a beautiful island and I’d like to keep it that way’.

Listen to the whole episode for more advice on bringing people with you on the journey. 

After all, we don't need 8 billion people doing sustainability perfectly, as that doesn’t exist! We need 8 billion people taking action, imperfectly.

Do you know here your food waste goes in a restaurant or canteen? Does it get composted or incinerated? In this episode we talk to Shane about biodigesters! These magic machines turn food waste into a nutrient rich compost overnight.

Using a combination of heat and digestive enzymes, the food is broken down into a dry powdery compost that can be used in gardens and crop growing.

Shane's top 3 tips for climate action:

1- Vote! The government needs to fund more innovative technologies that will support our transition to a clean tech economy.

2- Move to renewable energy where at all possible.

3- Reduce your waste both in a commercial environment and on a personal front. There is no 'away' and increasing the volume of your recycling isn't the answer. Less is more!

This episode is all about leading from the front with sustainability. How leaders can really shape the future of the companies they work for. We talk to Sile Walsh who works with Senior Leaders to help them develop the skills they need to succeed.

We discuss diversity, equity and inclusion and what skill set leaders will need to face climate adversity.

Sile's top 3 tips for Climate Action are:

1- More guerilla gardening! Plant pollinator friendly native seeds on unused patches of land. Or protect them from being mowed!

2 - Upcycle what you have rather than throwing away and buying new.

3 - Check your suppliers sustainability credentials. Do they know what their Carbon Footprint is and what are they doing to reduce it?

In this episode of Green Sense we talked to Jo Linehan, Editor of the CLIMATE supplement with the Sunday Times. 

We discuss Climate Journalism and what we can all do to raise our voices and stand up for the planet.

Jo’s top 3 tips for climate action are:

1 - Take 3 for the sea. Pick up 3 pieces of rubbish every time you are out for a walk.

2 - Ask the hard questions from your politicians. Elections are comimg up and the more we ask what they’re doing about it, the more they’ll put it on their agenda.

3 - Divest your pension. Where is your pension invested? Most have big oil companies in their portfolios. 

Tune in for a healthy dose of climate optimism!

Meet Patricia Sheehan, a member of the Castleknock Climate Action Group (Aka Tidy Towns). Patricia talks to us all about the plans for the group and what they've been up to in the last 12 months or so.

We discuss the Global Action Plan Challenge - Climate Heroes and how your community group can get involved.

Patricia has lots of ideas and advice on how to engage the community and there are some real nuggets in here about connecting with people that could be useful for anyone looking to make local or neighbourhood changes.

Patricia has a professional background in change management and training from working in pharmaceuticals. She has really used this experience in her previous career to help change hearts and minds.

The community reuse and exchange group has saved over 6000 items from landfill in the last 18 months.

On this episode we talk to Bernard and BM from Feeds Meal Plan App on eating seasonally and sustainably. We all know we should be eating more fruit and veg to stay healthy but sometimes with busy lifestyles it's not that easy.

Enter BM and Bernard who have created An app that helps you eat more veggies, save money - and the planet. What's not to like!

This app is the perfect way to avoid all those moments when you open the fridge wonder what to cook that's healthy for you and the planet.

No more aspirational shopping and gone off ingredients! They include a ready-made shopping list which takes all of the hassles out of providing for your family. It helps you save time, money and the planet.

This chat was a joy from start to finish and we hope you enjoy listen to it too!

This episode focuses on empowering a sustainable workforce for a better future. We talk to Jack Dwyer, Founder of Vyra, all about unlocking the power of collaborative learning for enduring, environmentally conscious companies.

Vyra's Vision: As an edtech company, Vyra is on a mission to reshape the corporate world by equipping businesses with the tools to foster company-wide collaborative learning. Their goal is to empower the global workforce with skills aimed at spearheading the reduction of global carbon emissions.

Embracing Change: In today's evolving landscape, businesses have a unique chance to reevaluate their strategies. Vyra steps in to guide them, highlighting the opportunities that arise from prioritizing environmental sustainability, benefitting both the planet and its people.

Jack talks through some useful strategies and gives his top tips for climate action in the workplace.

In this episode with talk to Peter from Glasnevin about his innovative Circular Economy Business: Green Bubble.

Every bubble counts toward a positive impact on our planet and society!

Starting with used bubble wrap from Dublin's furniture warehouses, Green Bubble repurposes materials, diverting waste from incineration and reducing carbon emissions.

Teaming with Sunflower Recycling isn't just collaboration; it's empowering long-term unemployed individuals toward meaningful employment.

Engaging with organizations like the Rediscovery Centre and Fingal County Council, they educate and connect local businesses, fostering sustainable practices.

Already diverting over 5000 square meters from incineration, Green Bubble aims for a lasting impact, partnering with Sunflower Recycling to enhance social and environmental value.

At Green Bubble, their commitment to a positive impact permeates every process, aligning practices with core sustainability values.

Find out more here:

In this episode of Green Sense, we're diving into the world of plant-based living with a passionate advocate and the creator behind Thanks Plants, Aisling Cullen. If you've ever considered going vegan or vegetarian, or if you're just curious about the incredible benefits of a plant-powered lifestyle, this is the episode for you.

Aisling is no stranger to the food industry, having previously operated a coffee house & restaurant before shifting to manufacturing. She shares her personal journey, from her motivations to the challenges she faced when transitioning to a vegan/vegetarian diet. As a seasoned expert in the field, Aisling offers practical advice and insightful tips on making the shift towards a more sustainable and compassionate way of eating.

Join us as we explore the environmental, ethical, and health aspects of a plant-based diet, debunk common myths, and discuss delicious and nutritious recipes from her business Thanks Plants to keep your taste buds tantalised. Whether you're a seasoned herbivore or simply exploring the idea of a more plant-focused diet, Aisling's wealth of knowledge and warm personality will inspire and guide you on your journey.

Tune in to discover how going vegan or vegetarian can not only benefit your health but also make a positive impact on the world. 

Join us on GreenSense this week as we sit down with Ritamary from Powerstown Allotments to discuss Allotment Sustainability. We'll dig deep into the world of sustainable gardening and how allotments play a crucial role in promoting eco-friendly practices. 

Allotment Demand: Allotments have seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, driven by increased interest in sustainable living, organic gardening, and food security. Waiting lists for allotments in some areas can be quite long, reflecting the high demand.

Environmental Benefits: Allotments contribute to various environmental goals, including increased biodiversity, reduced carbon emissions through local food production, and improved soil health through organic cultivation methods.

Health and Wellbeing: Gardening on allotments is known to have positive effects on mental and physical health. Many allotment holders cite stress reduction, increased physical activity, and a sense of purpose as benefits of allotment gardening.

Education and Training: Allotments provide opportunities for education and training in gardening, horticulture, and sustainable agriculture. Many allotment associations offer workshops and resources for both beginners and experienced gardeners.

Discover tips, tricks, and inspiring stories that will help you cultivate a greener, more sustainable lifestyle. Tune in to the GreenSense podcast and get your hands dirty in the world of allotment sustainability!

On this week's episode of GreenSense, we're thrilled to have Brian from TU Dublin join us for an insightful conversation about Sustainability in University Education.

We'll dive deep into how institutions of higher learning are integrating sustainability into their curriculum, fostering eco-conscious leaders of tomorrow.

Join us as we explore the exciting initiatives and innovative approaches that are transforming education for a greener, more sustainable future. Knowledge and sustainability go hand in hand!

Unveiling Wheels of Change: Cars, Sustainability, and Historical Innovation

In this episode we talk to Kevin Reid from Ireland Made about cars, their history, and their environmental impact. Kevin is an avid car enthusiast who has some fascinating insights into what might constitute a sustainable vehicle and some interesting stories from Ireland’s past that can give us hope for the future. 

Our guest's passion for cars and their history runs deep. As we unveil the hidden truths about emissions stemming from the production of new cars, Kevin offers insights into eco-friendly alternatives that align with a greener future.

Drawing inspiration from history, we delve into pivotal moments of social transformation that reshaped the way we work and live. We discover the inspiring tale of Honda 50’s rise from humble beginnings to a household name.

But it's not just history that holds the keys to transformation. As we discuss solutions to combat carbon emissions, our guest sheds light on notable Irish inventors who pioneered groundbreaking ideas. From the visionary Charles Parsons and his steam turbine to other unsung heroes, their ingenuity serves as a reminder that solutions exist; we just need to embrace and implement them.

If you're curious about cars, sustainability, history, and the potential to drive positive change, don't miss this episode of Green Sense.

Join us on this week's episode of GreenSense as we have an enlightening conversation with Angie from Bladebridge.

We're delving into the fascinating world of repurposing wind turbines. Discover how innovation is turning retired wind turbine blades into valuable resources and contributing to a more sustainable future. It's a remarkable journey of transformation and environmental stewardship that you won't want to miss.

Tune in and explore the innovative solutions that are shaping the green landscape on the GreenSense podcast.

Angies top tips for Climate Action?

• Think about where products you buy are coming from and where they are going at the end of their life
• Think repurpose and repair before buying new

• Spend your time wisely! Visit parks and woodlands, go for walks rather than visiting shopping centres

Get ready for an eco-friendly adventure on this week's Green Sense podcast!

Join us as we sit down with Sarah from ShareClub for an inspiring episode that delves deep into the world of reusable cups. We'll uncover the profound impact of eco-conscious choices, share practical tips, and embark on a journey toward a greener future.

We take on the mission to reduce single-use plastics and explore a sustainable lifestyle, one cup at a time. Don't miss out on this eye-opening conversation that's sure to leave you motivated to make positive changes for our planet. Tune in now and be part of the solution!

Sarah's top tips for climate action?

• Every action matters, small things done by 8 billion people really make a difference
• Lead by example, be the change you want to see in the world
• Use Circular Economy principles at work and at home. Think about reducing waste and using existing resources

In this episode we talk to Hans Zomer at Global Action Plan all about their employee and community engagement schemes.

We discuss some of the key things that mean behavioural change:

• Knowledge
• Opportunity
• Motivation

Han's tips for more climate action?

• Get talking about it! Make it normal, don't rely on the media
• Just START, don't be a perfectionist, small wins are better than no wins!
• Make it competitive! People love a challenge

Find out more:

In this episode we talk to Nicole O'Brien, Chief People Officer at The Project Foundry about the social side of sustainability. As a global project management company with a diverse workforce that operates mainly remotely, The Project Foundry know a thing or two about inclusivity.

We discuss flexible working options, wellness initiatives and how to embrace differences. Setting up a culture council has helped them to initiate projects that start at ground level with employees.

We all know that culture eats strategy for breakfast and particularly with sustainability. There are some really great takeaways in this episode for anyone trying to accelerate change and even more so with a remote workforce.

Thinking about setting up your own community garden or green space? Listen to this episode for great tips and advice from Head Gardener, Lee Geoghegan. What a joy this conversation was!

Fingal County Council, Global Action Plan and TU Dublin have collaborated on a community garden called Glas @ TU Dublin. Following the success of the Glas Garden model in Ballymun, these three partners are bringing the concept to Dublin 15.

The community garden is a place where individuals, community groups and schools can come to learn about gardening and sustainability, or to simply enjoy being out in the Irish weather, growing healthy food. The garden is a space where people get to meet and share, discover new skills and reconnect with nature. The space is for

• Individual volunteering: for members of the community who are interested in social horticulture;
• Nature Explorer: an inclusive programme of nature connection activities for members of the community, particularly those who have little or no access to green spaces;
• Youth Gardening: horticulture activities for young people;
• Green Living workshops: workshops on composting, growing vegetables and waste reduction;
• Businesses can volunteer their time to help shape the garden.

Find out more here:

In this episode we talk to founder Louisamay Hanrahan about her new business venture that is making it easy for business to decarbonise their operations. Onescope is on a mission to make it easy for SMEs & Enterprises to report their greenhouse gas emissions, allowing them to make data-driven decisions that can save money and reduce their carbon footprint.

Onescope is using powerful ai driven technology that helps business to cut carbon. The platform can grow as the company does, taking in information from different sources and driving behavioural change to reduce emissions.

Louisamays top tips for reducing carbon in the community?

• Help others to enable climate friendly behaviours
• Play to your strengths and use what you know to reduce emissions
• Avoid the negative and accentuate the positive!

In this episode we talk to John O'Neill at Hub360. We discuss reducing transport emissions using next generation software that saves time and money too! The software uses planning tools that optimise carbon emissions through efficient load planning & management of resources. Some customers of Hub360 have achieved nearly 50% reduction in delivery-related carbon emissions through efficient and sustainable distribution processes.

John gives us his top tips for climate action:

• Smaller steps pay dividends, don't try to do it all at once
• Start at home as well as at work
• Don't be afraid of change accept it
• Don't do things for the sake of it, get behind initiatives

In this episode we talk to Rosie Webb - Head of Decarbonisation for TU Dublin University. We discuss their climate action roadmap and the plans they have to curb their emissions as a university. This is an excellent listen for any business looking to decarbonise and set Net Zero targets.

We talk about creating a register of opportunities and how to map an action plan. Your sustainability strategy will need to a 'live' document that changes as you tick things off your roadmap. We talk about taking a baseline year and using that to set targets from.

Rosie's key takeaways are:

• Be accountable for your own Carbon Footprint
• Look at energy saving opportunities
• Make sure anything new you buy is super energy efficient
• Take public transport where you can
• Think progress not perfection when it comes to making a start

In today's episode, meet Mike Keane from Hibra who is changing the way we think about electrification of vehicles. We dive into the electrification of industrial vehicles, exploring the transformation happening in this crucial sector. Join us as we uncover the benefits, challenges, and the future of electrifying these workhorses of industry.

We discuss the environmental and economic factors driving the need for electrification in the industrial vehicle sector. Explore the detrimental impact of fossil fuel-powered vehicles and the urgent call for cleaner, more sustainable alternatives. We also highlight the potential cost savings and efficiency improvements that come with electrification.

We explore how electric vehicles reduce greenhouse gas emissions, noise pollution, and reliance on fossil fuels. We discuss how we need to think about the journeys that a vehicle makes rather than trying to electrify existing models.

In this episode we explore the innovative company behind these eco-friendly aprons and discuss how they are revolutionising the industry. Join us as we discover the story, benefits, and impact of compostable PPE aprons. Learn about the inspiration behind their mission and their dedication to sustainability. We discuss how they blend functionality and style with environmentally friendly materials, without compromising on quality.

We explore the science and technology behind creating aprons that can break down naturally, leaving zero waste behind. Hear from experts who shed light on the composting process and its positive environmental impact.

We discuss how these aprons reduce our carbon footprint, contribute to a circular economy, and promote sustainable practices in various industries.

Superfy is on an exciting mission to change the world, by making a significant difference to how organisations measure and reduce their carbon emissions as well as their operational costs. Superfy delivers sustainable smart resource management solutions through technology, empowering enterprises and connecting cities. Their solutions cover sustainability, waste, recycling, operations, workforce and fleet management.

Superfy believe we have the power to create a positive impact on the world.

That business can be a change maker for a more sustainable world to benefit people, communities and planet.

In this episode we talk to Donagh Quigley of the Handmade Soap Co all about sustainability for small business. We discuss what it's like to start a small business with purpose and how to embed sustainability throughout your business. You'll hear about starting a business from the ground up and what you can do to start now. Key takeaways:

• Be hopeful for the future and that we can turn things around
• Watch more David Attenborough and marvel and nature and what it can teach us
• Start where you are with what you've got

In this episode we talk to Lorraine D'Arcy from TU Dublin all about active transport and how to get more people walking or cycling. Lorraine is currently the Sustainability and Research Action Lead at TU Dublin, with a particular focus on Transport & Health.

We discuss walkable cities, carcitecture, and how to design better places to live and work from a transport point of view. We also discuss Walk 21, the global walking summit that Lorraine helped to bring to Ireland in 2022. It's a conference that helps people to visualise a more sustainable future for everyone.

Not unsurprisingly, Lorraine suggests that we should all walk or cycle more as part of taking more climate action!

Nathan and the team believe the millions of hours the world spends playing mobile games can yield something beyond a dopamine hit! They've developed a games engagement platform for climate conscious organisations.

• They design games based on climate positive solutions to key climate challenges.
• They want to connect committed organisations with their stakeholders in a scalable way.
• Games are based on specific climate action problem areas and then customised for their clients.
• Their first pilot game is with Technological University Dublin, helping them engage their students on waste management with their aim to reduce waste contamination, single-use plastics and disposable coffee cups.
• The game can be customised to be used as an employee engagement tool for waste education in an office, a university or directly to consumers.

TU Dublin are on a mission to be the greenest university there is. They are well on their way with several projects that are making the campus, staff and students more sustainable. With several locations and a large number of buildings and labs, there is lots of work to do!

TU Dublin is using the UN Sustainable Development Goals as their north star for sustainability. They have a specific sustainability team and are embedding it within all the courses that are being taught. There are plenty of lessons here for green teams getting set up and working across multiple disciplines.

The campus is looking at geothermal heating to help drive down their carbon emissions and doing more when it comes to energy, waste and water. They have several areas for biodiversity and are re-wilding parts of the campus.

Find out more:

How do you know where your food and consumer items come from? How can we be sure of the provenance of an item? In this episode we talk to Mike Byrne, CEO of GS1 all about traceability in supply chain. GS1 is responsible for millions of checkout 'beeps' every day. They help to ensure that companies and consumers can be sure of where an item comes from.

Barcodes on products provide the link between an item and information about it. GS1 uses unique codes distinguish all products, logistics units, locations, assets and relationships across the supply chain from manufacturer to consumer.

Find out more about GS1 and their leading European sustainability program lean and green.

Digital is physical. Digital is not green. Digital costs the Earth. Every time we download an email, we contribute to global warming. In this episode we discuss the footprint of digital devices and what we can do to lighten the load on data centres. Gerry McGovern is an authority on all things digital carbon footprints and has written a book on it called World Wide Waste and has his own podcast devoted to the topic. 

• 1.6 billion trees would have to be planted to offset the pollution caused by email spam.
• 231 million trees would need to be planted to deal with the pollution caused as a result of the data US citizens consumed in 2019.
• 16 million trees would need to be planted to offset the pollution caused by the estimated 1.9 trillion yearly searches on Google. 
• Around 90% of data is never accessed three months after it is first stored, according to Tech Target. 

Gerry gives his top tips for minimising digital waste and how to create less in the first place!

Find out more on 

Want to know how to save money on the rising cost of your energy bills? 

• We've put together some top tips that we've learnt on the best ways to save money and save the planet.
• We discuss everything from appliances and cooking to renewable energy and digital. 
• You'll be surprised at how much you can save when you make small changes. 
• What's good for you is good for the planet. 

These are some great sources of info and inspiration:

Clare set up her chocolate company in 2016 because she wanted to produce outstanding confectionery that tastes fantastic, looks amazing, and represents the highest standards of food ethics. Hers was a journey that involved a career change and full immersion in the fabulous world of luxury chocolate making. Now offering a stunning range of chocolate bars and bonbons, Chocolatey Clare treats are definitely gifts you'll be proud to give and proud to receive!

During our chat, Clare discusses her own sustainability journey and what she does to be a greener business. She also shares her top 3 tips for being more sustainable.

Useful links:

We talk to Maria Tormey all about Blakestown Community Group and their fantastic environmental projects in the area. Their group has 3 aims; education, ecology and community. Maria has some great tips for communities and businesses looking to green their local area. The group gives all its projects names and everyone has a role to play. We discuss top tips for keeping a group like this going:

• All Ireland Pollinator Plan inspiration
• How to get a group mobilised for action
• One project, 'Project Polar Bear', is all about murals in schools
• Connecting children and adults with their local community
• Replicating Jane Goodalls motto: Think global, act local
• Food for life and how food is grown
• Education on recycling

We talk to John all about planting mini forests in communities. Stepping Stone Forests are small dense woodlands which are planted in schools using native species of trees and shrubs. Their work is inspired by the work of world-renowned botanist Prof. Akira Miyawaki. Listen to find out:

• Planting small dense woodlands in schools and communities
• How stepping stone forests get kids out of the classroom and into nature
• How to get tree planting initiatives off the ground
• How stepping stone forests benefit biodiversity

We talk to Geraldine Corcoran all about cycling in Ireland and why a cargo bike is the way to go! Even the most timid cyclist will be inspired by listening to Ger talking about cycling and why it's not just good for the planet but good for you too. We talk about:

• Tips for cycle safety
• Cycle helmet cameras
• Why cycling is a convenient and cheap way to get around
• What her cargo bike is, how much it cost, what else you need
• Getting fit!
• It's like having a second car for a fraction of the cost

We talk to Michael O'Hara from Data Solutions about the Techies Go Green initiative. Their mission is empowering tech 'To Go Green' and supporting IT and technology businesses to become carbon neutral by 2030. We discuss:

• The global problem of e-waste from tech
• Data centres and their demand for energy
• How technology can facilitate climate solutions
• Helping companies to go green
• Putting sustainability at the heart of what you do

We talk to Pamela Conroy about how to set up a local environmental group like Laurel Lodge and the projects that they've been involved in. Pamela rallied a group of people to improve the local environment. It started with litter picking but has grown to become much more! We discuss:

• How to take environmental action in your community
• What engages people and where to focus your actions
• 40+ active community members who do anything from admin and gardening to litter picking and managing areas biodiversity
• Communicating with people on climate actions they can take
• The All Ireland Pollinator Plan
• No mow areas

Check out how to engage with the group on their social media channels.

Peter Donegan is an amazing landscaper who has been an environmentally conscious garden designer and landscaper, long before it was fashionable. His gardens always consider the natural environment.

From 2019 - 2022 The RHS silver medalist became the series garden designer for RTE‘s DIY SOS The Big Build Ireland. He was selected to represent Ireland to design & realise the Irish WW1 Centenary Peace Garden at Chateau de Péronne in 2018, and returned to design a second inaugurated garden in 2022. 2023 sees Peter design at Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show - the Southern Hemispheres largest flower show. We discuss:

• The DIY SOS challenges and keeping it green
• Using locally sourced materials like stone and wood
• Keeping existing materials in situ, especially soil for biodiversity
• The cost of removing 'waste'
• Planting schemes for wildlife
• Overuse of particular plants

Find out more about Peter and his amazing projects

We talked to Gearoid Hodgins of Blanchardstown Tidy Towns group about everything they are doing in their community space for the environment. Gearoid discusses the balance of humans and nature and his top tips for:

• Keeping a community group motivated
• Gardening for biodiversity from a few pots to large areas of bushes and trees
• Balancing bold and beautiful flowers with a more natural look that is more beneficial for wildlife
• Litter picking with kids and businesses
• Creating a sense of community
• Mindfullness 

If you're thinking of volunteering, find out more about their group:

Aoife has a life time of gardening experience and a masters in Horticulture. She is a font of knowledge when it comes to sustainable gardening. In this episode we talk about gardening for biodiversity and Aoife gives her top tips for:

• Wildflower meadows - what to plant and what not to
• The benefits of rewilding
• Peat free compost
• Feeding the soil not the plants
• Bees, not just the honey bee but our other 98 species too!
• Gardening for well being

Aoife works with businesses, councils, libraries and community groups to get them on the right growing path.

Connect with Aoife:

We chat to Fiona about volunteering with tidy towns and how to get projects off the ground. We discuss:

• Community gardening for pollinators
• The fine balance between aesthetics for humans and whats attractive to nature
• How to get started with a community gardening group
• No gardening experience needed!
• Plenty of ideas for your local area
• Positive community vibe

Emma is a font of knowledge when it comes to bees. Emma established Bees on the Roof in 2019.  Emma is a professional beekeeper with a passion for nature, biodiversity and making a real difference to Ireland’s declining bee population. 

Emma is inspired by a deep love for nature and the serenity of working with bees, where working on “bee time” reinforces the need for being present in an often busy, deadline driven world. In this episode we find out:

• There are approximately 24,000 honey bee hives in Ireland which can be home to up to 40,000-50,000 honey bees in each
• How and why our bee populations are declining
• What we can do for pollinators
• How to put a beehive on your workplace roof
• What honey bees can teach humans
• How a beehive can support sustainability initiatives

Have you ever wondered how to get more trees planted in your community? We talk to Orla Farrell about tree planting. We find out:

In this episode we talked to Annie Lee at fiid all about their B Corp journey and their sustainability credentials.

In 2021 fiid became the world’s first carbon neutral ready meal.

One fiid bowl generates 0.5kg of CO2, the same amount as 8 bowls of oats.

fiid have taken a “cradle-to-customer plus waste” approach, calculating the life cycle of raw materials and packaging, relevant logistics, manufacturing, delivery to their customers, and the disposal of fiid and its packaging.

Since day one, they’ve partnered with Mary’s Meals because of their singular focus on ensuring that every child receives a nutritious daily meal in a safe place of education.

B Corporations use business as a force for good. Receiving this certification means meeting the highest standards for sustainability, social responsibility, transparency, and holding ourselves accountable.

FoodCloud is a social enterprise with a mission to transform surplus food into opportunities to make the world a kinder place. Their Vision is: A world where no good food goes to waste. We talk to Philip Hyland, their Sustainability Manager, all about their mission to reduce food waste (one of the top things the western world can do about climate change) and how they support local charities and communities. 

We end with some top tips from Philip about how to manage your own carbon foodprint!

FoodCloud takes food from suppliers, like supermarkets, that would otherwise be wasted and donates it to charities in the local area.

They are always looking for people to volunteer, particularly as drivers. Full training is given.

Sharon is on a mission to change the toy industry, one eco toy at a time. Listen to this episode to find out what's happening in the toy industry and how to turn the tide on plastic. Sharon has some inspiring ideas for eco-toy alternatives that quite literally don't cost the earth!

• Unsustainable materials: 90% of toys are still from new plastic: Extracting and refining the oil to make this releases so much CO2, it would take 1 billion trees to absorb it all; 
• Some plastics and the chemicals that make them are toxic. A 2017 test by four EU countries of 104 Chinese-made plastic toys found illegal levels of chemicals in over 30%
• Most plastic toys are mixed materials and can't be recycled.
• High toy-miles: 80% of toys are made in China - that's 22,000km of transport, adding another 20% to their carbon footprint.