In this episode of the Carbon Copy Podcast, host Isabelle Sparrow is joined by Vera Zakharov, Local Action Coordinator at Sustain, to speak about food partnerships and how the Sustainable Food Places programme is supporting the creation of a better, more connected food system across the UK. We meet guests from two very different food partnerships – Martin Carle from Granite City Good Food, in Aberdeen; and Augusta Lewis from Bwyd Sir Gâr Food, the sustainable food partnership for Carmarthenshire in Wales. 

Listen now to learn: 

• How organisations including businesses, charities, community groups, schools and colleges and NHS trusts can benefit from coming together in partnership around food. 
• About the different Sustainable Food Places awards and what they mean. 
• How everyone is connected by food – and why it is such an important way in to creating better, healthier, more environmentally friendly places. 

Full transcript available at: https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/create-a-food-partnership

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Show notes 

• Find out more about creating a food partnership: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction/create-a-food-partnership  
• Discover all 25 Big Local Actions for climate and nature: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction     
• Listen back to previous episodes of the Carbon Copy Podcast: https://carboncopy.eco/podcast  
• Send us your feedback: [email protected] 
• Learn about Sustainable Food Places: https://www.sustainablefoodplaces.org/ 
• Read about Sustain’s Good Food Local programme: https://www.sustainweb.org/good-food-local/ 
• Read about the Campaign for Real Bread: https://www.sustainweb.org/realbread/ 
• Read more about Granite City Good Food: https://www.granitecitygoodfood.org/  
• Learn about Bwyd Sir Gâr Food: https://www.bwydsirgarfood.org/  
• Listen to our previous episode with Sustain, Produce Local Food: https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/produce-local-food  

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In this episode of the Carbon Copy Podcast we explore the origins and the impacts of The Carbon Literacy Project. We speak to co-founder Phil Korbel, about how and why the initiative started, and about its exponential growth over the last thirteen years. We meet Linda Foley, an experienced educator and Manchester City Councillor, who discovered Carbon Literacy in her efforts to engage more of the school community with sustainability, and who says the project is the “silver bullet” she was looking for. And we chat to Jen Gale: author, podcaster and founder of Sustainable(ish), about her journey to becoming a Carbon Literacy trainer. 

Listen now to hear: 

• How peer-to-peer learning is central to the ethos of Carbon Literacy. 
• How embedding Carbon Literacy into organisations’ mandatory training is helping more people to get on board with climate action. 
• How to become Carbon Literate yourself, and how you could help to train and engage others in your community. 
• About The Carbon Literacy Project’s ambition to make Manchester the world’s first Carbon Literate City by 2027. 

Full transcript available at: https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/engage-your-community

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Show notes 

• Find out more about engaging your community: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction/engage-your-community    
• Discover all 25 Big Local Actions: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction      
• Listen to previous episodes of the Carbon Copy Podcast: https://carboncopy.eco/podcast       
• Send us your feedback and comments: [email protected]    
• Read more about what Carbon Literacy is: https://carbonliteracy.com/what-is-carbon-literacy/ 
• Find out about bringing Carbon Literacy to your workplace or community group: https://carbonliteracy.com/organisation/ 
• Learn more about the ambition for Manchester: https://carbonliteracy.com/mclc/ 
• Find out more about the Carbon Literacy courses that Jen Gale has developed and how you can participate in training with her: https://www.asustainablelife.co.uk/carbon-literacy/ 

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In this episode of the Carbon Copy Podcast, host Isabelle Sparrow is joined by Isabel Mack, founder of the Party Kit Network CIC, to discuss the world of possibilities offered through borrowing. Whilst most people are familiar with book libraries, there are now hundreds of initiatives across the UK (and beyond) that allow the borrowing of other items –from household appliances to sports equipment and everything in-between.  

Listen now to hear: 

• About why Isabel Mack started the Party Kit Network CIC and how this simple idea has helped prevent enormous numbers of single-use items being used and thrown away. 
• From Chris Hellawell, founder of Edinburgh Tool Library, about how this casual side-project became a full-time job and a thriving charity which has lent over 60,000 tools to people over the last decade. 
• From Becky Harford, co-founder of Benthyg Cymru, about how a people-based, place-based approach is at the heart of their work, and how sharing and borrowing can bring people together and create more connected communities. 
• From Gavin Fernie-Jones, founder of Re-Action Collective, about the need for better policy and support for the sharing economy, to make borrowing the obvious and first choice wherever possible. 

Full transcript available at: https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/borrow-dont-buy

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Show notes 

• Find out more about borrowing, not buying: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction/borrow-dont-buy   
• Discover all 25 Big Local Actions: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction    
• Listen to previous episodes of the Carbon Copy Podcast: https://carboncopy.eco/podcast     
• Send us your feedback and comments: [email protected]  
• Read about the Party Kit Network CIC on Carbon Copy: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/party-kit-network  
• Read about Edinburgh Tool Library on Carbon Copy: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/edinburgh-tool-library  
• Learn more about Benthyg Cymru: https://www.benthyg-cymru.org/  
• Learn more about Re-Action Collective: https://re-action-collective.org/  
• Read about the Alternative High Street: https://www.partykitnetwork.org/post/re-action-alternative-high-street  

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In this episode of Do Something Bigger from the Carbon Copy Podcast, join host Isabelle Sparrow with guest co-host, Kiloran O’Leary from Sustain to learn how producing and eating local food can help people connect with each other and bring positive change to their communities. 

Listen now to learn: 

• How Sustain is supporting food-related businesses to help more people on lower incomes to access local, healthy and sustainable produce. 
• How the people of Carrickfergus in County Antrim came together to create Northern Ireland’s first community-owned greengrocer, and how this is helping the community connect to local growers and farmers. 
• Why Growing Communities is encouraging more public sector organisations and schools to use small farms and market gardens to supply their catering needs. 
• How Incredible Edible is campaigning for a community "Right To Grow,” and their vision for how this could transform the food system. 

Full transcript available at: https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/produce-local-food

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Show notes 

• Find out more about producing food locally: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction/produce-local-food 
• Discover all 25 Big Local Actions: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction 
• Listen to previous episodes of the Carbon Copy Podcast: https://carboncopy.eco/podcast 
• Send us your feedback and comments: [email protected] 
• Learn more about Sustain: https://www.sustainweb.org/  
• Find out about the Bridging the Gap programme: https://www.sustainweb.org/bridging-the-gap/  
• Read Sustain’s Local Food Growth Plan report: https://www.sustainweb.org/reports/apr25-local-food-growth-plan/  
• Read about Growing Communities: https://www.gcvegscheme.org/  
• Read about Carrick Greengrocers: https://carrickgreengrocers.org/  
• Read about Incredible Edible: https://www.incredibleedible.org.uk/ 
• Read about the community Right To Grow campaign: https://www.incredibleedible.org.uk/what-we-do/right-to-grow/  

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In this episode of Do Something Bigger, from the Carbon Copy Podcast, hosts Isabelle Sparrow and Bradley Ingham meet three guests who are trying to improve the perception and the reality of using public transport in the UK. We hear from Michael Solomon Williams, Head of Campaigns at the Campaign for Better Transport and learn why it is still relevant in 2025, more than fifty years after the campaign was launched. We speak to Neil Barnfather, Chief Commercial Officer at GoodMaps, about how the app which began as a tool for blind and partially sighted people is now being used by people of all abilities to navigate transport terminals; and we meet Shahiesta Raja, Education Development Officer at Community Rail Lancashire, who has led a group of women to adopt Accrington rail station and become advocates for train travel in their community. 

Listen now to learn: 

• About campaigns from the Campaign for Better Transport that are helping more people in more places to access buses and trains. 
• How GoodMaps’ technology reduces journey times and restores freedom for people with accessibility needs. 
• How support from Community Rail Lancashire has had life-changing results for members of the local community in Accrington. 

Full transcript at: https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/turn-to-public-transport

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Show notes 

• Find out how to turn to public transport: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction/turn-to-public-transport  
• Explore all 25 Big Local Actions: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction           
• Listen back to previous episodes and series of the Carbon Copy Podcast: https://carboncopy.eco/podcast    
• Email us with your feedback: [email protected]  
• Read more about the Campaign for Better Transport: https://bettertransport.org.uk/ 
• Learn more about GoodMaps: https://goodmaps.com/  
• Learn more about Community Rail Lancashire: https://communityraillancashire.co.uk/  
• Discover the whole Community Rail Network: https://communityrail.org.uk/  
• Read about the Government’s Integrated Travel Strategy: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/integrated-national-transport-strategy-for-england  
• Learn about the Bus Stop Standard campaign: https://bettertransport.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2411-Better-Bus-Stops-Creating-a-national-bus-stop-standard.pdf  

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Following the UK’s driest spring on record, and England’s hottest June, this episode explores the causes of heatwaves, and what we can do to reduce the health and wellbeing impacts of extreme temperatures. We learn about the urban heat island affect with Professor Stefán Smith, Researcher and Lecturer at the University of Reading, and we look at the importance of water efficiency and soil health with Dr Laurence Couldrick, CEO at the Westcountry Rivers Trust. 

Listen now to discover: 

• Why towns and cities get warmer and stay warmer than surrounding rural areas. 
• How introducing more vegetation and bodies of water can have a localised cooling effect. 
• How communities can come together to provide places of sanctuary for vulnerable people during heatwaves. 
• How animals also suffer in the heat and what farmers can do to protect their livestock. 
• Why it’s crucial to make space for water across the UK, to build resilience against the effects of our changing climate.

Full transcript available at: https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/prepare-for-heatwaves

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Show notes 

• Find out more about preparing for heatwaves: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction/prepare-for-heatwaves  
• Explore all 25 Big Local Actions: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction         
• Listen back to previous episodes and series of the Carbon Copy Podcast: https://carboncopy.eco/podcast  
• Read about Westcountry Rivers Trust’s work on drought resilience: https://wrt.org.uk/our-projects/  
• Read about Stefán’s research related to how people move around urban environments during extreme weather: https://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=NE%2FW002965%2F1  
• Learn about the Making Space for Water campaign: https://theriverstrust.org/making-space-for-water  
• Discover initiatives that are related to water security and resilience: https://carboncopy.eco/impact/safe-water  
• Contact us with comments or feedback: [email protected]  

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In this episode of the Carbon Copy Podcast, we explore how sharing ownership between many people enables communities to protect valuable buildings, businesses and green spaces for the good of all. Join hosts Isabelle Sparrow and Bradley Ingham as they discuss the challenges and the benefits of raising money through a community share offer; and how three initiatives: Jubilee Farm in Northern Ireland, SOS Frome in Somerset and Fordhall Farm in Shropshire did just that. 

Listen now to hear: 

• How community ownership creates opportunities for people locally to affect positive change in their own area. 
• What kinds of businesses and assets can be community owned and different ways to get involved. 
• How raising funds with a share offer works and how community-owned organisations are managed. 
• Top tips and advice from those with experience, and inspiration for anyone thinking of taking community ownership where they live! 

Full transcript available at: https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/take-community-ownership

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Show Notes

• Find out more about taking community ownership: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction/take-community-ownership  
• Explore all 25 Big Local Actions: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction       
• Listen back to previous episodes of the Carbon Copy Podcast: https://carboncopy.eco/podcast    
• Learn about the We’re Right Here campaign and hear more from Charlotte in our Lobby For Change episode: https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/lobby-for-change  
• Learn more about community owned energy in our Generate Energy Locally episode: https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/generate-energy-locally  
• Email your feedback to us: [email protected]  
• Read about Jubilee Farm: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/jubilee-farm  
• Read about SOS Frome: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/sos-frome  
• Read about Fordhall Farm: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/fordhall-farm  
• Find support from Plunkett UK: https://plunkett.co.uk/  
• Find support from Co-operatives UK: https://www.uk.coop/start-new-co-op/convert/what-community-buyout  
• Read about the Community Right to Buy: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/landmark-devolution-bill-brings-new-dawn-of-regional-power  

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In this episode of the Carbon Copy Podcast, host Isabelle Sparrow and producer Brad Ingham are joined by expert guests, Lottie Trewick, Research Analyst at nature restoration company Nattergal, and Steve Micklewright, CEO of Scottish charity Trees for Life to discuss the importance of boosting biodiversity through UK rewilding initiatives. 

Listen now to hear: 

• How re-introducing key species like beavers, otters, lynx and wild cattle can have a huge impact on whole ecosystems. 
• About the enormous funding gap for nature recovery globally, and how natural capital markets like those traded by Nattergal can bring in much needed contributions to meet this deficit. 
• How important engagement is to ensure local people, landowners and farmers feel included in plans and will support them. 
• What you can do to bring more nature into your local area. 

Full transcript available at: https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/rewild-land

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Show notes 

• Find out more about rewilding: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction/rewild-land    
• Explore all 25 Big Local Actions: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction     
• Listen back to previous episodes and series of the Carbon Copy Podcast: https://carboncopy.eco/podcast    
• Email your feedback and suggestions to us: [email protected]  
• Read about Trees for Life’s Tauros project: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/rewilding-tauros-wild-cattle  
• Read about Nattergal’s first site, Boothby Wildland: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/boothby-wildland  
• Learn more about Nattergal: https://www.nattergal.com/ 
• Learn more about Knepp: https://knepp.co.uk/ 
• Explore other Trees for Life projects: https://treesforlife.org.uk/
• Get more information about rewilding from: 

1. Rewild Britain: https://www.rewildingbritain.org.uk/  
2. The Scottish Rewilding Alliance: https://www.rewild.scot/  

• Listen to our previous podcast episode about rewilding, Heal The Wild: https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/all-nature-heal-the-wild  
• Learn about Biodiversity Net Gain: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/biodiversity-net-gain  

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Plastic, specifically single-use plastic, is ubiquitous in all of our lives. Food, beauty products, household items – nearly all come with in plastic bag, container or even both. In this episode of the Carbon Copy Podcast, host Isabelle Sparrow is joined by Daniel Webb, founded and CEO of Everyday Plastic, to discuss how we can collectively reduce the 1.7 billion pieces of plastic thrown away in the UK every week. We learn about plastic-busting campaigns led by City to Sea (the organisation behind Refill), from CEO Natalie Fée, and about the challenges and of starting a plastic-free beauty brand from KinKind founder Victoria Coe. 

Listen now and hear: 

• About the Big Plastic Count, the biennial citizen science project to determine the current situation with plastic waste in the UK. 
• The story of City to Sea – how witnessing plastic pollution in her home city led Natalie to start her amazing organisation. 
• About the opportunity for retailers and big brands to lead the way in reducing plastic.

Full transcript available at: https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/use-less-plastic

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Show notes  

• Find out more about using less plastic: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction/use-less-plastic  
• Explore all 25 Big Local Actions: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction   
• Listen back to previous episodes and series of the Carbon Copy Podcast: https://carboncopy.eco/podcast   
• Find out about Everyday Plastic: https://www.everydayplastic.org/ 
• Learn about the Big Plastic Count: https://thebigplasticcount.com/ 
• Visit the City to Sea website: https://www.citytosea.org.uk/  
• See the work of Chris Jordan and watch the film Albatross: https://www.albatrossthefilm.com/  
• Find out more about KinKind: https://kinkind.co.uk 
• Read about the Global Plastics Treaty: https://www.unep.org/inc-plastic-pollution 
• Find out about the Refill campaign: https://www.refill.org.uk/ 
• Read about the Plastic Free Communities initiative: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/plastic-free-communities  
• Listen to our podcast episode, Bottle By Bottle: https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/bottle-by-bottle  

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In this episode of the Carbon Copy Podcast we explore campaigns where local action is integral to national progress. We hear about We’re Right Here, the campaign for the Community Power Act. We chat to two of the campaign’s local leaders, Claude Hendrickson MBE, a diversity and inclusion expert and community housing advocate based in Leeds; and Charlotte Hollins, tenant farmer at Fordhall Farm, the UK’s first community-owned farm. We also learn about Zero Hour, the campaign for the Climate and Nature (CAN) Bill. We speak to Political Communications Manager Allan Gray, who tells us about a new push for people across the UK to show their support for the bill through constituency-specific open letters. We uncover how Climate Emergency UK’s latest Council Climate Action Scorecards can be used as a lobbying tool locally and at a national level to call for better funding and support for councils to implement their climate action plans, and hear about the call for climate statutory duty for councils, which would make targets legally binding for local authorities, and could help to accelerate action across the UK. 

Listen now and learn: 

• Why engaging your MP and building a rapport could be the key to securing more political support for climate and nature. 
• How delegating responsibilities for decision-making and service provision to local people could save time, money and resources. 
• How to use the council climate action scorecards to learn more about the issues in your area so you can lobby for change locally. 
• How to get involved by adding your voice to high-impact campaigns for climate and nature. 

Full transcript available at https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/lobby-for-change

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Show notes 

• Find out more about lobbying for change: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction/lobby-for-change 
• Explore all 25 Big Local Actions: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction 
• Listen back to previous episodes and series of the Carbon Copy Podcast: https://carboncopy.eco/podcast  
• Find your Council’s Climate Action Scorecard score: https://councilclimatescorecards.uk/ 
• Learn about Climate Statutory Duty for councils: https://climateemergency.uk/were-behind-on-our-climate-targets-for-2030-so-make-action-a-council-duty/ 
• Learn about the We’re Right Here campaign: https://www.right-here.org/ 
• Read about the Climate and Nature Bill, and sign an open letter in your constituency: https://action.zerohour.uk/ 
• Take part in The Climate Coalition (TCC)’s Mass Lobby event: https://www.theclimatecoalition.org/act-now-change-forever  
• Share your thoughts, feedback or suggestions with us: [email protected]  

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