We explore why e-waste matters — the environmental harm, greenhouse gas emissions, and the precious materials being discarded — and dig into the regulatory landscape in Australia, including how it compares to international standards. Austin shares the challenges he’s faced as a founder, his proudest milestones, and the leadership traits that have helped him thrive.

Whether you're a sustainability enthusiast, a budding entrepreneur, or just curious about what happens to your old electronics, this conversation offers a thought-provoking look at how innovative thinking can turn a problem into purpose.

4o

Support the show

That’s where after. comes in. after. is an Australian platform revolutionizing textile recycling and responsible disposal by connecting consumers and businesses with sustainable solutions for unwanted clothing and fabric waste. Whether it’s through recycling, repurposing, or ethical disposal, after. is working to keep textiles out of landfill and in the circular economy. Since its launch, they’ve already diverted over 30 tonnes of textiles from waste—proving that small actions can lead to big impact.

In this episode, we sit down with Nehal J., co-founder of after., to talk about the urgent problem of textile waste, the barriers to sustainable fashion, and how we can all be part of the solution. As well, Nehal gives us advice about how to start your own company on problems that you care about.

Let’s rethink waste, reshape industries, and reimagine a more sustainable future—together.

#Sustainability #LifeOnPlanetA #TextileRecycling #CircularEconomy #SustainableFashion

Support the show

Erchana reveals her motivations, wildlife encounters, emotional moments, and how she managed to stay injury-free. Looking ahead, Erchana discusses her next daunting challenge in Death Valley and her continued efforts in conservation.

This episode is a blend of inspiration, endurance, and a deep love for nature, as Erchana shares her vision for preserving biodiversity and her message of hope through her adventures. Tune in for a story of determination and the power of one person's efforts to make a difference.

Learn more about Erchana here.

Time stamps:

3:00 - Who is Erchana?

8:30 - Combining forces to create Tip to Toe

11:10 - Pitching to clients

14:50 - Crashing a drone

19:00 - Avoiding getting injured

21:00 - Wilderness Society

30:00 - Trail runs

39:00 - Speed project

Support the show

Support the show

• The Oxygen Project's Mission: Vasser Seydel sheds light on the Oxygen Project's mission to ignite a community of climate champions and accelerate collective action through digital storytelling, activist trainings, and impact campaigns to build a climate-resilient tomorrow.
  
  
• Deep Sea Mining Demystified: Delve into the fascinating world of Deep Sea Mining as we unravel its intricacies. Vasser Seydel provides insights into the extraction processes, debunk the need for minerals in the Deep Sea and which type of mining most interests people.
  
  
• Environmental Impact: Discover the alarming consequences of Deep Sea Mining on our climate and biodiversity. Our discussion explores the devastating effects on marine ecosystems, the delicate balance of underwater life, and the ripple effects on the broader environment.
  
  
• The Call to Action: Vasser Seydel discusses the urgency for countries to Stop Deep Sea Mining and the importance of collective action. Gain valuable insights into what individuals, organizations, and governments can do to mitigate the environmental repercussions.
  
  

Join us in this thought-provoking episode as we navigate the uncharted waters of Deep Sea Mining, bringing awareness to its environmental toll and exploring sustainable alternatives. 

More information on DEM below:

https://www.theoxygenproject.com/deepseamining/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pf1GvrUqeIA

Support the show

Support the show

In this episode, we sit down with Orlando Hayes to unpack his groundbreaking work with CH4 Global and the award-winning Camada daybed. Orlando sheds light on CH4 Global's mission, their focus on designing sustainable facilities, and the vital role of seaweed to reduce methane in agriculture. 

You may have heard of feeding seaweed to cows in the news, this episode is a first hand look into what’s happening in the industry and what sustainability initiatives need to be considered! 

We also delve into the world of sustainable furniture design, exploring the inspiration and intricate considerations behind the Camada daybed—a testament to the perfect balance of aesthetics and sustainability. Join us for this deep dive into the world of conscious design, environmental stewardship, and the future of sustainability in both infrastructure, agriculture and everyday objects.

This podcast was recorded and produced by CORSZA.

Support the show

In episode,  we spotlight the compelling stories of nations that are championing a call for moratorium in deep sea mining. With climate change accelerating and concerns about environmental impacts mounting, countries are raising crucial questions about the sustainability of this nascent industry. 

Time Stamps:

10:00 - SOA campaign to #DefendtheDeep and #StopDeepSeaMining

12:28 - Background on ISA

14:25 - Biases in ISA

20:00 - Exploration licenses

23:00 - Discussion on how ISA gives licenses to mine

29:00 - Moratorium on DSM

30:00 - Meetings in July

46:00 - SOA at the ISA meetings

54:00 - Meaning of Life to Emily

Support the show

Juliet provides share her extensive knowledge and experience, shedding light on the importance of high-quality offsets and their role in mitigating climate change. Whether you're an individual looking to offset your personal carbon footprint or a business aiming to become net zero, this podcast episode will equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions in the world of carbon credits. If you are looking to purchase good quality offsets please reach out to Juliet.

Juliet Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliet-kirby/

Website: https://www.gentoo.earth/

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro to Juliet

5:57 - Carbon Markets

9:36 - Types of carbon credits

14:00 - Additionally 

17:20 - Quality

19:44 - Carbon removal technologies

28:00 - Green washing

35:00 - Chubb review

38:00 - Bad carbon credit practices

40:00 - Good carbon credit practices

42:30 - Who is Gentoo.Earth?

Support the show

Join us for an insightful podcast episode with Moana from Alphinity, where we delve into the fascinating world of ESG within factories in Bangladesh and Vietnam. 🎧✨

Discover the social cost of ESG in factories across Bangladesh and Vietnam. We will learn from Moana about the impact of ESG policy on workers, labor conditions, and the overall well-being of the local communities.

Don't miss out on this engaging conversation that sheds light on the intersection of sustainability, and social progress! 

Tune in now to broaden your understanding of ESG in these dynamic regions. 🎙️🌏

#PodcastAlert #ESG #Sustainability #Bangladesh #Vietnam #Investment #SocialProgress

Time Stamps:

0:00 - introduction to Moana and Sustainable Finance

4:50 - Changes in the sustainability space 

6:06 - Safeguard mechanism

7:44 - Fast Fashion Introduction

11:35 - What are the factories like in Bangladesh and Vietnam 

13:20 - Bangladesh vs Vietnam labor market

20:00 - Career progression for factories workers

24:09 - The social cost of fast fashion

31:50 - GDP and fast fashion

33:23 - Sustainability goals put pressure on the factories 

43:17 - The future of sustainable fashion

45:60 - What can individuals do?

Key ideas and topics discussed in the podcast:

ESG - Environmental, Social, and Governance - ESG refers to a set of criteria used to evaluate the sustainability and ethical impact of a company's operations. The three pillars of ESG encompass environmental factors, social factors, and governance factors.

Safeguard mechanism - The Safeguard Mechanism is the Australian Government’s policy for reducing emissions at Australia’s largest industrial facilities. The Safeguard Mechanism applies to industrial facilities emitting more than 100,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-e) per year.

Fast Fashion - Fast fashion refers to a business model and trend in the fashion industry characterized by rapidly changing clothing collections, quick production turnaround times, and low-cost garments. 

Ready Made Garment (RMG) - Ready-made garment (RMG) refers to clothing items that are manufactured and assembled in factories and are ready to be worn by consumers without the need for further alterations. 

Modern Slavery Act 2018 - The Modern Slavery Act 2018 is a legislative framework enacted in various countries, including the United Kingdom and Australia, to address and combat modern forms of slavery and human trafficking.

Piece rate - Piece rate is a method of payment where individuals are compensated based on the number of units they produce or tasks they complete. 

Rhino Plaza collapse - The Rhino Plaza collapse refers to an incident in which a building named Rhino Plaza, presumably a commercial or residential structure, collapsed due to structural failures or other reasons. 

Fashion cycle - The fashion cycle refers to the recurring pattern of trends, styles, and designs that emerge, gain popularity, and eventually decline in the fashion industry. 

Natural fibers - Natural fibers are materials used in textile production that are derived from plants, animals, or other natural sources. 

Support the show

We were joined by Vow expert and process development associate, Sam Rathbone for our first ever in-person interview! And we couldn't have found a better guest;  we had so much fun and laughs recording this episode so we hope you have just as much learning and listening to it.

Why cultured meat?

1. Feed 10 billion: Our future population needs 50% more food than we’re able to produce today. We need reliable production methods that give us security and control.
2. Preserve the earth: Today’s food system places a heavy burden on our environment and has led to increased deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions and land and water pollution and decreased biodiversity.  We need an alternative.
3. Human and animal welfare: humans need protein to survive but current methods of accessing protein are intensive on Earth's resources and have led to human and animal rights issues. Every year trillions of animals suffer to meet our protein demands and this will only increase as the global population rises. We need a more efficient means of accessing protein that does not harm animals or the environment.

This is where Vow comes in.  

• Vow is not only creating cultured meat, but revolutionising the way we think of meat. 
• Just 4 species (0.02% of all species) make up almost all of our food. What are the odds there are better (tastier, healthier, etc.) animals out there? 
• Removing the need to paddocks, fields and domestication means Vow is free to explore all kinds of meat options.
• What if we could eat unicorn:  narwhal crossed with zebra?
• Vow scientists only need a handful of cells and 6 weeks to produce a delicious finished product which means no animals need to be bred and killed.

Useful links:

• About Vow
• Vow Careers - they're hiring!
• Watch co-founder and CEO, George Peppou on TEDx Talks
• Vow featured on Forbes Asia 100 to Watch 2022
• Listen to Vow co-founder and CEO, George Peppou on Ep 246 of Humans of Purpose podcast.
  
  

Timestamps:
2:00 - Background on Sam Rathbone

10:00 - NeuraLink and becoming a robot

12:00 Getting a job at Vow via hinge?!

14:00 - Intro to Vow

19:00  - How is Vow cultured meat created?

25:00 - What does Vow taste like?

29:00 - Vow co-existing with argiculture - how will this work?

35:00 - Vow, the supply chain and carbon emissions 

43:00 - Hybrid meats at Vow

44:00 - Getting Vow to market - how long until we're eating cultured meat in Aus? And how can you help speed up the process?

50:00 - The meaning of life

Support the show

• Lyka is Australia's only carbon NEGATIVE dog food! All emissions are offset through Green Fleet, the first Aussie carbon offsetter. 
• In 2018, founder Anna (Gabriels partner),  went on a journey to improve her dog Lyka's health. Anna put diet on a homemade diet of fresh, wholefood ingredients and the results were fantastic.
• "Lyka’s transformation was incredible and noticeable within weeks. Not only was Lyka more energetic, but her coat was also glossier, and her skin was also no longer itchy. Even her tooth decay reversed. As a bonus, Anna also noticed her poo didn’t smell anymore and Lyka’s frequent passing wind had ceased completely."
• Team Lyka is a group of ambitious and like-minded dog-lovers with a shared single goal: to serve you and your pupper with the best possible food on the planet (and give our office dogs endless belly rubs.)

Useful links:

• Check out the Lyka website
• Read more about the Lyka story
• Learn more about Lyka's carbon offsets with Green Fleet
• Check out Lyka's interactive breakdown of their scope 1, 2 and emissions here
• Check out a review of Lyka dog food with more info about the nutritional value

Time Stamps:

0:00 - Introduction

7:00 - Introduction to Gigi

10:00 - The story of Lyka

14:00 - What is pet food actually made of?

17:00 - What s the most popular pet food?

21:00 -  Sustainability and Lyka

28:00 Experimenting with meats

34:00 Biodegradable versus Compostable? 

40:00 Lyka packaging

Support the show

Support the show

Useful links:

- Carbon collective website

- Sustainable investing 101

Time Stamps:

0:00 - Introduction

5:00 - Introduction to Zach Stain

7:28 - What is an equity fund?

9:09 - Why did Carbon Collective start?

16:00 - Challenges at Carbon Collective

19:00 - Green Washing

26:01 - Project Drawdown

30:00 - Nuclear

42:00 - Hold or to sell?

Support the show

You’ll learn:

- what it’s like fishing with indigenous groups in Fiji? (A crucial part of Sala’s research!) 

- different fishing methods 

- cultural keystone species 

- the relationship between government and indigenous groups in Fiji

Some extra information from the Episode:

Traditional Fijian calendar:https://fijiantraditionalcalendar.blogspot.com/2018/12/the-fijian-itaukei-traditional-lunar.html

Background on Sala: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Salanieta-Kitolelei

Information on island mangroves and crabs: http://coraltriangle.blogs.panda.org/seareefs/mali-island-mangroves-and-crabs

Support the show

• How much of the Pacific is currently powered by renewable energy?
• What are the challenges to increasing this amount?
• Is the Global North doing enough?
• What is a CDM and CER? How are they helping or hindering this process?

Atul is an Associate Professor at the School of Engineering and Physics at The University of the South Pacific, Fiji. You can learn more about his passion and work here.

Support the show

You’ll learn:

• About Sustainable Ocean Alliance Pacific Hub: the SOA Hub for all things Pacific 
• What are the biggest threats to the Pacific?
• What does climate policy look like in the Pacific? Is the community happy with current policies?
• What have we learnt from the Our Ocean Conference in Palau this year?
• What are we hoping to see at the UN Ocean Conference in July?

Useful links:

• Follow SOA Pacific on Facebook (@soapacifichub) and Instagram (@soa_pacifichub)
• Learn more about the upcoming UN Ocean Conference
• Learn more about what happened at the Our Ocean Conference in Palau in April

Support the show

This week Heidi spoke to Blair Palese, Managing Director & Global Climate Editor, Climate & Capital Media. 

You’ll learn:

• who are the teals and what is the independent movement in Australia? 
• an update on Australia and its climate goals
• what happens if we dont reach those goals? 
• which politicians are on track to help us meet our climate goals? 

Tune in before you have to vote on May 21st 2022, to learn more about the Australia parties and what they stand for.

Support the show

• What does freshwater fish farming in PNG look like? 
• How are fish ponds putting an end to violence and tribal warfare?
• How prisoners are learning to farm fish and the huge change this is making in their lives.

Acroynyms used in the episode:
PNG = Papua New Guinea
ACIAR = Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research
ANSTO =  Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation
NFA = Papua New Guinean National Fisheries Authority

Useful links:

• Watch this video to learn how aquaculture is changing lives in PNG - Heidi and I watched many many times!!
• Learn more about the Fish for Prisons Program
• Building research and project management skills in fisheries in staff in Papua New Guinea - Final Report by Janelle Allison
• Read about the 2017 training program led by Professor Janelle Alison and UTAS that enabled fisheries officers to gain critical research skills.  
• Read more of Jes' research
• Keep up to date with the work of Jes and his team at the UNSW Aquaculture Research Group by following their Facebook page

Support the show

• What is offshore aquaculture? How is it different to land based aquaculture (hint: decreased electricity usage, better flow of nutrients)
• What is a Velella?
• What are fish currently fed in aquaculture? How can we make this more sustainable
• More talk about seaweed! (can you ever have too much?)

Useful links:

• Read more about Ocean Era's research projects
• TIME Magazine’s “25 Best Inventions of the Year” for 2012
• Scientific paper discussed at the start of the episode: Farming the Ocean – Seaweeds as a Quick Fix for the Climate? by Troell et al. 2022

Support the show

• What is Asparagopsis?
• How can it stop the production of methane in ruminant animals? What is a ruminant animal?
• More fun facts about sea cucumbers (Bella tries to talk about them every chance she gets)

Thanks so much for joining us Javed, we can't wait to dive with you in NZ soon!

Useful links:

• Learn more about CH4 Global
• Links to many more articles on methane reduction using seaweed
• A video all about CH4's journey and mission
• Learn more about the global exploitation of sea cucumbers

Support the show

• About Thierry Chopin 
• Thierry's start up: Turquoise Revolution 
• Learn about IMTA
• Seaweed Beer introduction

Support the show

• About Ochre Restaurant
• Bush food at Ochre
• The Aus Gov and Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation 2009 report:  Health Benefits of Australian Native Foods 
• Paper: Native Australian fruits — a novel source of antioxidants for food, Netzel et al. (2007).
• More info about the crocodile farms in North Queensland

Support the show

• What is regenerative farming to Brookfarm?
• How can farms control pests without pesticides?
• What is Roll 'N' Recycle and why you should be excited for it
• Can I walk through the rainforest, learn about regenerative agriculture and sip GnT? (YES)

Extra links:

• Visit the Cape Byron Distillery to sip gin and explore the rainforest
• Before and after photos of Brookfarm (1980 to now)
• Buy Brookfarm products at your local Harris Farm, IGA or online.
• Learn more about Brookfarm's Roll 'N' Recycle initiative

Support the show

Support the show

• What is holistic farming (why don't we say wholistic?) How are oranges involved?
• What is natural capital accounting? How is this useful to farmers?
• What are carbon credits? 
• What are biodiversity credits?
• Are these realistic and practical measurements?

Extra links:

1. Volunteer at Lana Farm
2. Farm Online article feat. Tim, about natural capital accounting on farms
3. TED Talk from Alan Savoury, the father of holistic farming
4. The Australian Gov's Carbon + Biodiversity Pilot
5. ABC article about carbon credits and their role in Australia's emissions reduction plan

Support the show

• Seaweed is VERY cool
• How seaweed and seagrass differ and why this is important for storing carbon
• What is Crayweed? Why did it entirely disappear from the Sydney’s East Coast? And what is being done to bring it back (cue Operation Crayweed)?
• Over the last century the UK has lost 92% of it’s seagrass cover and this continues to decline by 7% every year!
• Which other countries are implementing restoration projects? Hint: check out the WWF Seagrass Restoration Project, a plan that aims to restore seagrasses to the shores of the UK.

Thanks again for joining us Alex! 

Useful links:

Operation Crayweed - http://www.operationcrayweed.com/

USC Seaweed Research Group - https://www.usc.edu.au/research/seaweed-research-group

People can also find links to all my socials on my own personal webpage - https://www.alexandracampbell.com.au/

Support the show

• ASMR and how the heck is relates to climate change
• How we could use comedy to cope with climate anxiety
• How the media talks about climate change
• That Heidi and Bella's microphones really aren't equipped to do ASMR and we'll leave it to the professionals (much to everyone's relief)

Some more useful links to things we spoke about:

• Issy's TEDx Youth talk 'Could ASMR be the Answer to Climate Change?' 
• Barnaby Joyce embarresing himself on live TV claiming that he 'did not sign' the COP26 agreement, signed by the Morrison Gov
• The Juice Media's Honest Gov Ad about COP26

Thanks again Issy for joining us and you can find Issy on Insta (@issyphillips) or listen to her show on FBi Radio! 

Support the show

• What is COP26 and what pledges came out of it?
• What is Australia's net zero target and how do we plan to reach it?
• Is this a good target? Can we reach net zero sooner?
• How much warming are we likely to experience?

Useful links:

• Learn more about Mark's work at ANU
• Read the IPCC 6th Assessment Report
• Read more about Australia's fossil fuel expansion plans
• Read Australia's Long-Term Emissions Reduction Plan

Support the show

• What are some of the greatest human rights challenges of our time? And what is #1? (the answer may surprise you!)
• What are some of the solutions to these challenges?
• How is Results Australia at the forefront of these challenges?
• How can you help? and volunteer opportunities with Results Australia

To find out more about Results Australia check out their story, current campaigns and how you can volunteer/work with them.

Support the show

• What's it really like to research in Antarctica? Like, how cold??
• Does Antarctica have a government? Can you be 'President of Antarctica'?
• How is Antarctica governed? Who's calling the shots?
• How is research in Antarctica important for the rest of the world?

Support the show

• What incentives do states have to meet their agreed climate targets? (hint: not a lot)
• What happens if states don't meet these targets (hint: not a lot)
• What is the 'accountability trap'?
• How can we hold states responsible for not meeting these targets?

Also listen in at 17:48 to hear the sweet sweet voice of Sir David Attenborough as he calls out the Aus Gov for their lack of action on climate change.

Susan Park is Professor of Global Governance at the USYD and acting deputy director of the Sydney Environment Institute, where she focuses on how state and non-state actors use formal and informal influence to make the Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) greener and more accountable.

Support the show

• In 1992 leaders from around the world gathered in Rio de Janeiro for 3 major conventions: 
  1. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
  2. Convention on Biological Diversity
  3. United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
• Why then do we only hear about climate change? 
• Why should we be talking about biodiversity?
• How can we mobilise action on this?

To read more about Charlotte's work see University of Sydney profile, read about the Carlsberg project she's leading on decolonizing political action or follow her on twitter @Prof_ch_epstein. Thanks again for joining us Charlotte! 

Support the show

Support the show

• What is Native Title? What does it mean? How is it granted?
• What is cultural burning and what does it do for Indigenous communities?
• What unique opportunities does climate change provide for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people?
• How can we re-connect the ties that have previously been severed, and work with these groups?

Bhiamie Williamson is a Euahlayi man currently undertaking his PhD at the Australian National University Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research, where his research focuses on Indigenous youth, Indigenous Governance, Indigenous Cultural and Natural Resource Management & Indigenous Men and Masculinities.

If you want to learn more about the Uluru Statement from the Heart visit: https://ulurustatement.org/faqs
https://fromtheheart.com.au/

Support the show

• What is Intergenerational Environmental Justice (IEJ)?
• What is our relationship to nature?
• Time is a spiral of past, present and future in which, we are all connected.
• Why have some people lost their connection to nature? How can we repair this?
• How can we (as individuals and the gov.) work with Australian Indigenous communities to re-connect with nature and embrace IEJ?

Christine is a postdoctoral research fellow at the Sydney Environment Institute where her research focuses at the intersection of intergenerational, indigenous and environmental justice. Thank you again for joining us Christine!

Some of the concepts this week were tricky so we'll be posting helpful socials throughout the week to help, as well as a summary in our monthly resource sheet available on our website: https://www.lifeonplanetapodcast.com/ 

Support the show

We learnt:

• How do Australia's climate goals compare to the rest of the world? 
• The U.S. aims cut 50% of their emissions by 2030, why don't we?
• Why isn’t Australia more ambitious in our targets? 
• What is 'the Race to Zero' and how is it helping companies and governments become net zero as soon as possible?

Thanks so much Dean for joining us! Enjoy the show and let us know what you think by tagging @lifeonplaneta_podcast and #lifeonplanetapodcast on your socials.

Useful links:

• Guardian article: ‘No action on anything’: Australia increasingly isolated as US and others ramp up climate ambition, which Dean is featured in.
• Dean and his work at CWP Global
• Learn more about the UNFCCC Race to Zero campaign

Support the show

- What was Zali's experience as a woman in Australian politics? 

- What is the latest news on her climate action bill? 

- What keeps Zali so motivated to push for climate action despite frequent pushback from the Federal Gov?

Learn more about women in Aussie politics by watching Ms Represented. 
Listen now on your favourite platforms and let us know what you think by tagging @lifeonplaneta_podcast and #lifeonplanetapodcast on your socials. Thanks again for joining us Zali!

Support the show

• what is economic risk?
• what risk does climate change pose to the economy?
• how do we calculate such risk? (hint: DICE)
• is the Paris climate agreement useful or redundant?
• what can governments do to halt climate change?

This left us thinking, what is the solution? "I dont know any question to which the answer is so simple as what is the most efficient climate policy - it’s harmonised carbon prices around the world." - Professor William Nordhaus.

Support the show

• What is blockchain? 
• How do we 'mine' cryptocurrency?
• What effect does this mining have on the planet?

If you want to know more about the cryptocurrency, the energy usage of it  and the future of crypto, then this is the podcast for you!

Thank you Barney Tan for all your work and expertise. Learn more about Barney's work here.

Support the show

• What is there to be optismitic about? 
• Australia has incredible opportunities for green jobs, particularly as demand for sustainable products and services increases. 
• Beyond Zero Emissions aims to help Australia create more green jobs and a more sustainable planet. As part of this is their 'Million Jobs Plan', which plans to rebuild our economy after the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic in a way that secures a cleaner future for all Aussies. 
• In just five years, renewables and low emissions projects can deliver 1.8 million new jobs in the regions and communities where these are needed most. 

Useful links:
Read more about the Million Jobs Plan from Beyond Zero Emissions

Support the show

You'll learn:

• How do I even begin to invest?
• What should I know about a company before I invest? Where can I find information?
• How do I know if a company really is 'sustainable' or 'green'? 

You’re in Good Company is an investing podcast striving to disrupt the norms in the finance industry. Check out there podcast here and there Instagram is @yigcpodcast!

Support the show

Time Stamps:

0:00 Introduction

5:05 - UNESCO and the Great Barrier Reef(GBR)

7:44 - Bleaching Events in the GBR

12:58 - GBR and the UNESCO 'In-danger' list

14:00 - Natural Disasters

15:00 - Floods in China

17:13 - Floods in Tajikistan 

19:42 - Floods in Germany 

19:57 - Floods in New York 

21:12 - Wildfires Across the Globe

23:14 - Famine in Madagascar


 

Support the show

• what is the source to sink pathway of marine debris?
• what is the role of NGOs and the government in this space?
• are we doing enough about the plastic problem?
• extra link: NSW Plastic Discussion Plan

Thanks again for joining us Jordan and as usual, let us know what you think by tagging @lifeonplaneta_podcast and #lifeonplaneta on our socials.

Support the show

• What is Plastic Free July about?
• What is biobased plastic? And is it always biodegradable?
• What are the best options we have for plastic alternatives? Incl. Loliware, B'zeos, Ecovative Design.
• Can we start wearing mushrooms and eating seaweed!? (and if yes, where do I sign up?)
• How can we all be futurologists?

Thanks for listening and let us know your thoughts by tagging @lifeonplaneta_podcast and #lifeonplanetapodcast on your socials.

#futurology #mushroombioplastic #bioplastic #seaweedbioplastic #lolliware #plasticfreejuly

Support the show

Support the show

• does the film over-dramatize the dangers of South East Asia?
• what struggles do conservationists go through (often daily) in South East Asia?
• should we stop eating fish?
• what positives are there to look to in the future of the fishing industry?
• what is the meaning of life?

Also, stick around at the end for some news about Life on Planet A's cheeky relaunch. Thanks again Jean and we'll see you all in July! 

Support the show

Support the show

Support the show

10:38 - Epistemic Governance

18:22 - Circular economy

23:16 - Minimal state intervention

27:34 - Fairness versus Entitlement

32:00 - What is a policy?

37:38 - Book recommendations

39:00 - Democracy

42:00 - Human Rights

50:00 - Assigning Responsibility 

Support the show

3:17 - Introduction to Ryan

6:03 - Background on Planet Ark

8:18 - Recycling the Un recyclable 

11:00 - Australasian recycling label

13:50 - Circular Economy 

21:00 - Data and recycling

23:50- Will a circular economy solve our problems?

43:00 - Can everything be made of the same thing?

49:00 - Biogas

53:00 - Advice from Ryan

Support the show

• the plastic problem
• ocean gyres
• Biodegradable vs. degradable
• The Great Pacific Garbage Patch and the difficulty in controlling/governing plastic in the mid-ocean.
• UN Conventions for Ocean Plastic
• NSW Plastic Discussion Plan

Babet is currently researching at the Department of Government and International Relations at the University of Sydney.  Thanks for joining us Babet! Let us know what you think by tagging @lifeonplaneta_podcast on your socials.

3:53 - The struggles of doing honors versus a thesis.

6:00 - Working at GHD

7:02 - What Babet does?

7:17 - Marine Plastic Pollution

7:41 - What is an ocean gyre?

9:07 -Degrading versus biodegradable

10:38 - Photodegradation (plastic degradation)

14:00 - Great Pacific Garbage Patch

20:00- UN Conventions for Ocean Plastic

27:00 -NSW plastic discussion

33:00 - Whose responsibility is it to deal with waste?

36:41 - China’s operational national sword

39:22 - Social and economic effects of plastic pollution

55:03 - Common but differentiated responsibility 

57:15 - Transboundary issue of problem

1:02 - Plastic Myths

Support the show

Support the show

Currently, he is  Founder and Chief Scientist at Otherlab, an independent R&D lab that helps government agencies and Fortune 500 companies understand energy infrastructure and build transformational technologies that bring us closer to 100% decarbonization.

Thank you for all the work you do Saul!

Support the show

Her project sought to answer the question of if and how Queensland can reach zero transport emissions by 2050, with a particular emphasis on the impact of electric passenger and low emission freight vehicles. It investigated whether it was possible for Queensland to eliminate transport tailpipe emissions by 2050. It was confirmed that the goal could not be achieved under business as usual conditions, and that government controls on vehicle sales and registrations would be required. To attain near complete emission abatement by 2050, sales of light internal combustion vehicles would need to cease by 2030. Similarly, the sale of heavy vehicles with internal combustion engines would need to end by 2035, with the remaining ICVs in the 2050 fleet to be de-registered.

She recommends at the end "that policy makers consider boosting investment in the electrification offreight vehicles as well as the industry sectors that underpin the development of a successful hydrogen fuelled fleet." As well, future studies may consider repeating this process for the remaining vehicle categories,motorcycles, buses, and non-freight trucks, to develop a complete profile for the entire roadfleet. Further, the work may be adapted for non-road transport.

It was a very interesting interview - Follow us on @lifeonplaneta on Instagram and Facebook and our website lifeonplanetapodcast.com.au

Support the show

Her project sought to answer the question of if and how Queensland can reach zero transport emissions by 2050, with a particular emphasis on the impact of electric passenger and low emission freight vehicles. It investigated whether it was possible for Queensland to eliminate transport tailpipe emissions by 2050. It was confirmed that the goal could not be achieved under business as usual conditions and that government controls on vehicle sales and registrations would be required. To attain near-complete emission abatement by 2050, sales of light internal combustion vehicles would need to cease by 2030. Similarly, the sale of heavy vehicles with internal combustion engines would need to end by 2035, with the remaining ICVs in the 2050 fleet to be de-registered.

She recommends at the end "that policymakers consider boosting investment in the electrification of freight vehicles as well as the industry sectors that underpin the development of a successful hydrogen-fuelled fleet." As well, future studies may consider repeating this process for the remaining vehicle categories, motorcycles, buses, and non-freight trucks, to develop a complete profile for the entire road fleet. Further, the work may be adapted for non-road transport.

It was a very interesting interview - Follow us on @lifeonplaneta on Instagram and Facebook and our website lifeonplanetapodcast.com.au

Here is a breakdown of the podcast:

0:00 - Heidi Introduction

3:56 - What does Tierney think of nuclear?

5:50 - Introduction to Tierney

8:49 - Australia's carbon targets

9:21 - Paris Agreements

11:04 - How Australia is doing against Paris Agreement?

23:57 - Hydrogen

25:25 - Bella Enters the Show

29:40 - Hydrogen Freight Vehicles

32:35 - Transport Sector emissions

Support the show

Support the show

• What is hydrogen? 
• How do we use it for energy? Get your chemistry hat on tight! We're in for a bumpy ride
• What is green cement and steel (hint: not just a pretty colour)
• Can we store energy in hyrogen batteries? Is this viable compared to storing in electric batteries?

Thank you for joining us Anthony. 

Useful links: 

• Read more about Anthony's work here.
• ABC YouTube video about green hydrogen

Support the show

Support the show

• Basic definitions of hydrogen and fuel cells
• Collecting waste from cows & wastewater to turn into hydrogen 
• Hydrogen is already used in crude oil and petrol production
• Biomass gasification 

Useful links:

• Australias National Hydrogen Strategy
• Video on Hydrogen Strategy
• Read more about Anthony's work here.
• ABC YouTube video about green hydrogen

Support the show

• What does the future of wind and solar look like in Aus?
• What are the roadblocks slowing down our renewable future?
• Do wind turbines injure as many cats as Trump claims?

Enjoy and let us know what you think by tagging @lifeonplaneta and #lifeonplaneta. Email lifeonplanetapodcast@gmail.com if you have any questions or want to get into contact with Shane.

Support the show

Support the show

Support the show

In the future, renewable energy will be a mix and Stephen thinks nuclear should be considered as a part of the energy mix. 

Benefits of Nuclear:

• The new nuclear reactors have less waste than the first nuclear reactor.
• Nuclear also has zero carbon emissions (besides the manufacturing of the plant).
• The new nuclear reactors are modular reactors and are pre-constructed and sent to sites; therefore cheaper.
• Floating nuclear power stations.
• Blockchain technology is being used to track where the fuel rods go and then reprocess them.

Stephen suggests reading the report Managing System Strength during the transition to renewables.

Managing System Strength During the Transition to Renewables is a report intended to promote a broader understanding of system strength.
As Australia’s power system transitions toward renewable forms of power generation, system strength has emerged as a prominent issue and has led to difficulties in developing and operating renewable generation projects.

Here is the report.

Support the show

• What is system strength? In short, a measure of the network’s ability to maintain voltage levels during fault conditions
• What will the transition to renewables look like?
• As Australia’s power system transitions toward renewable forms of power generation, system strength has emerged as a prominent issue and has led to difficulties in developing and operating renewable generation projects.

Further reading: Stephen suggests reading the report Managing System Strength during the transition to renewables.

Support the show

There are issues with traditional shoes but Westrive is trying to resolve these issues by making shoes from Pi±atex®, a material made from pineapple leaves, which usually go into landfills after harvest.

The sole is natural and made from virgin rubber milk, the natural milk of the lactate hevea tree. No deforestation takes place to harvest the milk - this is the fruit of sustainable forestry.
 
Then they ship directly from the factory to you, meaning that you don't have to pay for a middle man to ship your shoes. If you fancy a trip to rural Hungary or happen to be in the area - you are welcome to pick your shoes up in person! Peter is happy to give you a tour of the factory, he is a nice guy.

 It was great to speak with Regina this week and if you want to donate to this great shoe company go to their Kickstarter page below and check out their Facebook!
 
 On this episode we also learn about starfish - you do not want to miss out on all of the fun facts!

Facebook page
Kickstarter page

Support the show

• Tripod Coffee is an Aussie brand creating certified compostable, Nespresso compatible, deliciously sustainable coffee pods.
• These pods are made from plant-based materials making them 100% compostable
• The pods are broken down into methane and fertilizer - some of which are used at a local NSW succulent farm!

Thanks for joining us David and we hope you guys enjoy it! Let us know what you think by tagging @lifeonplaneta and #lifeonplaneta

Support the show

• why use hemp fabric? what are the benefits?
• Heidi's obsession with robots
• What can individuals do to be fashionable and sustainable?

Thank you Kel and Em for joining us, we had so much fun talking to you! 

Support the show

Support the show

• what is the ‘living wardrobe’?
• how to extend your garment lifetime
• how important are consumers and influencers in promoting slow fashion?
• what can you do as an individual to be fashionably sustainable?

Find Jo's website 'The Living Wardrobe' here, where she has created beautiful, timeless, and innovative garments. For each piece, she has included instructions on how you can repair and modify the garment to prolong its lifetime. 

Support the show

• What is Fast Fashion?
• What is Slow fashion?
• How does fast fashion affect the environment?

Stay tuned next week for Part 2 where we learn the solutions Jo is proposing (hint: she focuses on the garment use phase). See you then!

Support the show

• Veganism/plant-based diet
• Collective action
• Travel consciously (less flying)
• Reduce waste & reduce consumption
• Fast fashion and thrift shopping

You can find lots of useful links on a blog written by Bella, here.

Support the show

Support the show

• why is it unsustainable to buy/own investment properties?
• what are cohousing and cooperative housing?
• what do cohousing and cooperative housing look like in practice?

Here are the links for some of the projects discussed:
Nightingale Housing, Melbourne, AUS
LILAC, Leeds, UK
Mietshäuser Syndikat, Germany

Support the show

• What is environmental justice? What is multi-species justice?
• Can we give rights to the environment?
• How can we put this into practice?
• How are we adapting to climate change?
• What are some of the contemporary environmental justice movements in this space? - who are they, where are they happening?

Useful links:

• The Sydney Environment Institute and find them on socials @SEI
• Learn more about Prof. Schlosberg and his work here
• For more info on carbon capture technology, read here
• The Guardian article about the trouble with gas in AUS
• Plastic Rain!? 
• Wilflife caught in shark nets

Support the show

We spoke with Corey about Deadly Science and some of the amazing work they are doing; as well as what it has been like growing up as an Indigenous man. Corey also described to us what life is about and how we should all take care of ourselves and the environment instead of hate and biases.

https://deadlyscience.icu/

Support the show

What you'll learn:

• the various methods used by the fossil fuel industry to deny climate change 
• these include creating think tanks such as The Heartland Institute and funding climate science denial research
• the 'revolving door' and 'golden escalator' movements of staffers between coal lobbies and government 
• how to talk to climate deniers and internet trolls (and learn from Bella about what not to do)
• traceable and untraceable donations

To learn more:

• Watch the Greenpeace documentary 'Dirty Power' and visit their website.
• visit the Michael West Media website and learn about the staffers and MPs moving through these 'revolving doors'

Support the show

Support the show

- maritime archaeology in the Meditteranean and worldwide

- fertility cults (Heidi's like of 3 nipples and excitement over hot, Paeonian singles)

- what is a Paeonian single?

- sustainable tourism 

- has Mieke found Atlantis?

Thank you, Mieke for joining us and letting us dive into your fascinating world of maritime archaeology 

Support the show

In a recent article titled ‘A typology of Avoidance’ (we'll post the link) for the Sydney Environment Institute, Ainsley highlighted how the global race to address the climate crisis has overlooked the negative impacts of the global shift to renewable energy.

We tackle a lot of big questions this week, so strap your boots on and get ready to learn!

About Dr. Elbra:
For her master's thesis, Ainsley examined private governance as a solution to Africa's resource curse. Lately, Ainsley’s research seeks to understand the displacement effects of mining and renewable energy, with a focus on developing states. She is currently co-leading a research project on multinational corporate tax avoidance. This work looks at voluntary governance solutions and firms' responses to calls for greater tax transparency.

Support the show

Support the show

Support the show

• Earth Day: How far have we come in 50 years since the first Earth Day
• Micro-plastic contamination in East Antarctic sea ice
• The environmental price of fast fashion

We talked to Kara Robinson from the company the South Pole to discuss environmental policy and break down some of the common terms we hear and describe what it means for emissions. 

For example, some of the questions we asked were:

• Companies such as New Forests have committed to becoming carbon-neutral businesses under a new climate action plan. Rio Tinto has pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2050 and BHP last year confirmed its own net-zero target. What does this mean? 
• Is carbon offsetting the answer? What role does offsetting play in reducing carbon emissions?
• What is your opinion of the Scope 3 Bill? What does this Bill say about the NSW government's motives towards combating climate change?

Support the show

Support the show