HappyPorch Radio: Circular Economy & Technology

Welcome back to HappyPorch Radio! 

We are delighted to share our special episode which is part of Podcasthon - the world’s largest podcast charity initiative that brings together podcasters in over 45 countries and over 1650 podcasts to raise awareness globally for charitable causes. Each participating podcast is dedicating an episode to a cause that truly matters to them, and for us, the choice was clear—the vital role that charities and social enterprises play in the circular economy. 

In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Michael Cook, CEO of Circular Communities Scotland, an organisation that represents a dynamic network of more than 260 charities and social enterprises dedicated to advancing the circular economy across Scotland. 

Michael shared invaluable insights into how Circular Communities Scotland supports third-sector organisations in achieving their circularity goals, from facilitating collaboration to advocating for policies that enable sustainable change. He also talked about some of the member organisations, their fascinating projects and initiatives that range from reuse and repair programs to innovative ways of reducing waste and extending the life of products and materials. Michael highlighted the strong connection between environmental and social benefits in the circular economy, explaining how it creates jobs, supports marginalised groups, and helps break down employment barriers.

Tune in to learn more about the challenges and opportunities of embedding circular practices into communities across Scotland and how community-led initiatives are creating a more resilient and environmentally responsible society!

Welcome to the highly anticipated finale of our mini-series on Happy Porch Radio - "Exploring Circular Tech: Re-commerce in Fashion." In this compelling Episode 3, your hosts Barry O'Kane and Emily Swaddle, alongside a stellar line-up of guests, continue their exploration into the dynamic world of fashion re-commerce. Get ready to dive deep into the transformative impact of technology on the second-hand market, pushing boundaries and fostering a new era of digital thrift.

Join us as we traverse the landscape of re-commerce, shedding light on the myriad opportunities it holds while addressing the inevitable challenges that crop up along the way. We’ll talk pricing and quality control, delve into shopping experiences for consumers and sellers alike, and reveal how innovations are shaping a new future for the industry. This episode isn't just about insights - it's an invitation to think differently about fashion, sustainability, and the circular economy.

Welcome to the second episode of our intriguing mini-series on HappyPorch Radio-"Exploring Circular Tech: Re-commerce in Fashion". Your hosts, Barry O'Kane and Emily Swaddle, navigate the fascinating realms of re-commerce in the fashion industry alongside esteemed guests Joe Metcalfe from Thrift+, Jessica Potter from Used and Loved, and Wilson Griffin from Recurate.

In this compelling episode, dive into the exploration of different marketplace models, from managed marketplaces like Thrift+ to peer-to-peer platforms like Vinted and eBay. Our hosts and guests untangle the complexities of pricing, underline the critical need for quality control, and shed light on optimising the shopping experience for both buyers and sellers in the re-commerce context.

Our guests share their valuable experiences and insights on how technology bolsters re-commerce. Discover the transformative power of software solutions that assist brands in managing resale and creating distinctive listings. Let's also venture into the future landscape of AI, image recognition, and predictive intelligence in the re-commerce sphere.

However, our mini-series isn't just about us revealing insights—we want you to shape the final chapter of this narrative with your unique experiences and perspectives on re-commerce. 

Connect with us at [email protected]. Your thoughts, questions, and feedback are invaluable, and we aim to include them in the final, third episode, airing this May. We don't want you just to listen; we want you to partake in and influence the unfolding story of re-commerce in the fashion industry.

Behind the Threads: The Interplay of Tech and Circularity in Fashion Re-commerce

Welcome to the first episode of a brand-new mini-series on HappyPorch Radio-"Exploring Circular Tech: Re-commerce in Fashion". We delve deep into the transformative effect of re-commerce within the fashion industry, focusing on the role of software and technology, the digital enablers for circularity, in this sustainable solution. Join hosts Emily Swaddle and Barry O'Kane as they probe into the potential of re-commerce in the circular economy. From reducing waste and promoting sustainable consumption to its impact on the excesses of the fashion industry.

The episode features insights from industry experts: Cynthia Power, founder of Molte Volte; Andy Ruben, founder of Trove; Gerrard Fisher and Kristina Bull from QSA Partners; and J.R Siegel of Worldly. Together, we discuss and debate the sustainability of re-commerce and its impact on reducing waste. 

We don't just want you just to listen; we want you to be part of the story. Your thoughts and experiences are crucial to this narrative. Reach out with your perspectives, questions, or feedback ([email protected]), and we will include them in the final 3rd episode (in May). 

We are back with a special season of HappyPorch Radio!

Our hosts Barry O’Kane and Emily Swaddle are back and excited to take a deep dive into the role of technology in the dynamic realm of fashion re-commerce. 

What can you expect from this upcoming 3 episodes special? 

• The role of technology in shaping the second-hand marketplace
• Unique challenges and innovative solutions within re-commerce
• Diverse perspectives on e-commerce's current and potential impact on consumers, brands, and the planet
• And much more

Stay tuned, the first episode is coming out in early April.

Welcome to our final, Wrap-Up episode of Season 7!

In this episode, we reflect on all the fascinating conversations we’ve had in season 7. We have spoken to a range of consultants, experts, trainers and advisors who help others transition to circular economy practices. We express our gratitude for the diverse and inspiring guests who have shared their insights and experiences in this field, and pull out our favourite themes from the whole season.

One central theme that emerged throughout the season is the idea that circularity cannot exist in isolation and requires systemic change. We discuss the complexity of circularity, it can be both transformational and prone to misdirection.  Embracing complexity and understanding context within the system is crucial.

Another prominent theme is the evolution of the circular economy over the past few decades. Guests on the show have witnessed changes in how people engage with and access circular economy concepts. This shift is a turning point in history, with various aspects of life and systems undergoing transformation, offering both challenges and opportunities for those leading the change!

Tune in to hear more about our Season 7 “Pioneering Sustainable Solutions for a Circular Future” impressions!

Welcome to episode 16 of HappyPorch Radio!

In this, final episode of Season 7 we have a fascinating conversation with Dr.Lynn Wilson, an expert in circular fashion and sustainable design and CEO at Circular Design Synergy (Circular DS).

Dr. Lynn talks about the importance of shifting from linear models to circular ones, emphasising that true sustainability lies not just in materials but also in the entire lifecycle of products. She also explains the role of policy advocacy in promoting circular supply chains and the importance of evidence-based approaches in driving policy change, staggering environmental impact of textile waste and the need for policy measures that incentivize sustainable practices. She shares her thoughts about how important it is to approach policy with the mindset that it is with people and not being done to people..

Further in the conversation we discuss the significance of cross-party collaboration, engaging civil society, NGOs, and government to create a critical mass for change by understanding consumer behaviours and household dynamics.

Tune in to hear how important incentives are in circular transitions and how businesses can find practical solutions that benefit their operations while aligning with circular principles!

Welcome back to HappyPorch radio and our newest episode!

In episode 15 we engage in a captivating discussion with Nellie Cohen, the Director of Circular Business Models at Anthesis Group, a leading global sustainability advisory firm and certified B Corp. 

Nellie talks about the shift in circularity over the past decade, from merely suggesting the idea to now acknowledging that circular models are happening and businesses need to decide how to engage with them. She also explains the evolutionary moment of synergy between operational providers and technology providers within the Circular Economy.

Our conversation describes the shifts from simply recycling to prioritising products with smaller footprints and creating circular systems to maximise product lifespans. We also explore the importance of brands taking an active role in the secondary market experience of their customers and how by ensuring quality and reliability in used products, companies can retain customer loyalty and foster a more sustainable circular ecosystem.

Tune on to hear more about valuable insights into circular economy practices, their relevance across industries, and the challenges and opportunities in embracing circular business models!

Welcome to another episode of HappyPorch Radio!

In episode 14 our hosts engage in a very insightful conversation with Cécile van Oppen, who is the Co-Founder of Copper8, a consultancy that helps build the circular economy. 

The conversation explores the shift from circularity as a niche topic to a mainstream strategic focus, as well as the emergence of post-growth strategies and the questioning of traditional growth models. 

Cécile talks about Copper8's unique business model emphasising their intentional focus on selected projects aligned with their vision and their investment in research for societal transition. She also explains how their Clients explore post-growth strategies and consider the risks and impacts of continued growth and seek stable-state economic well-being while incorporating environmental and social considerations.

Tune in to hear more about the importance of the need to balance technical expertise with the social and human aspects of circularity, embracing the complexity of sustainability challenges!

Welcome back to a new episode of Season 7!

In this episode we interview incredible guests Christian van Maaren, founder and CEO of the Excess Materials Exchange and Anne Rademaker, an independent adviser and consultant in the Circular Economy space. 

We continue the theme of zooming out to gain a higher perspective on the transition to a Circular Economy. Christian and Anne discuss the passion and personal motivation driving individuals in this field, emphasising the importance of collaboration and collective action. The conversation delves into the work of the Excess Materials Exchange, which uses machine learning to connect buyers and sellers of secondary materials. 

The guests express their dedication to the Circular Economy and the challenges they face in making the transition happen. They draw inspiration from the tenacity of visionaries in history and the opportunity to shape the future.

Tune in to hear about the passion, challenges, and collaborative efforts involved in transitioning to a Circular Economy and the importance of persistence and tangible actions in making this transformation a reality!