Maybe you’ve done this before: typed into Google, “Where can I buy glass bottle milk?” or “What local butchers will accept my battered tupperware?”. If you have, it’s likely you’ve stumbled upon The Rogue Ginger.

Erin Rhoads is a proud red head whose simple question, “Why is the world filled with plastic?”, changed the course of her life.

Since 2013, this down-to-earth mum from Melbourne has been blogging about how to reduce plastic and waste, and live a more eco-friendly existence. On her website you’ll find years worth of zero-waste resources, amazingly curated lists on where to shop waste-free and wildly practical information about making the change - with a notable absence of dogma. 

Our conversation with Erin goes beyond waste reduction to encompass the psychology of change, on-boarding friends and family with your belief system (or not), localism vs. globalism and what true wealth looks like. 

It’s a laid back, tea-with-a-friend style chat that’ll leave you with a warm sense of solidarity - and renewed enthusiasm for making positive change. 

SHOW NOTES

• Erin highlights the importance of sharing our stories of joy and contradictions while we embark on change - so it doesn't feel impossible for others to follow.
• Finding ways to create uplifting and engaging challenges for individuals (rather than dutiful misery).
• As consumers, our voices are loud. Erin gives us ideas for sharing our thoughts about how companies can do better (in ways that are actually effective).
• Practical ideas for actioning your beliefs.
• The merits of Localism vs. Globalism.
• Why it’s worth developing a sense of obligation within our communities to bring about lasting change.
• How giving people tools (particularly kids) is a great way to engender hope and positive action: food growing, seed saving, fire lighting and cooking are as important as maths.
• Connecting with your local council is a great starting point for blossoming changemakers.
• Why it’s time for communities to lead rather than waiting for governments to fill the gap.
• Have Australians ever faced real challenges collectively? This might impact our understanding (and appreciation) of community initiatives.
• The power of third parties like films, music, books and docos when trying to influence change in friends.
• How life as a new mother opened up a can of worms on her plastic-free mission.
• Ideas for overcoming the cyclical phases of new initiatives that sees initial traction followed by a dip in interest and engagement.
• ‘Gamification’ as a possible way to incentivise community engagement.
• The value of initiatives that are easy to set up and participate in - but have far-reaching outcomes such as nature strip gardens and free food pantries.

LINKS 

• ABC’s War on Waste 
• Plastic Free July 
• The Clean Bin Project [documentary]
• An Inconvenient Truth [documentary]
• Bag It [documentary]
• “How to save the world” - Katie Patrick

Support the show