PROTECT

The sharing economy is in full swing but you may not know just how good it is for the environment and for our physical and mental health.

There is so much opportunity in getting the design right in our public parks, community squares, gardens and our neighbourhood streets. And we're now moving from a place of accessibility to inclusivity ensuring everyone from a toddler to an elderly person can find enjoyment and comfort in these spaces.

Today, to help me explore this thoughtful topic is Tobias Volbert, who is a landscape architect and co-founder and spokesperson of the 7 Senses Foundation.

Tobias details the 7 Senses and why sensory design is crucial to our spaces. We look at the benefits of engaging with our community and mother nature and how we can all be a part of the design process from our backyard to our neighbourhood skatepark.

I hope you enjoy the episode.

You can stay updated with Tobias and his team at 7 Senses Foundation by signing up here or visit Urban Play for playground design consultations or updates.

Our oceans are in a severe state with the Australian Marine Conservation Society reporting that 8 million tonnes of plastic are dumped into our oceans every year.

Today I speak to Dr Michelle Blewitt on microplastics (defined as plastics less than 20mm in length) and the damage they're creating in our oceans and beyond.

Dr Blewitt is the Program Director of AUSMAP (Australian Microplastic Assessment Project) and a Marine Scientist with over 30 years' experience, with a passion for education, research and conservation.

With a PhD in marine mammal bioacoustics and the effect of human disturbance, her main focus now is marine debris, particularly microplastics. She is a passionate Environmental Scientist, involved in research as well as extensive community service activities, public speaking and implementing marine education programs, particularly about the impact of litter in the aquatic environment.

Today we discuss the primary forms of microplastics found in Australian waters and the detrimental effects they're having on marine and human life. Michelle also introduces us to the AUSMAP method and how we can all help keep microplastics out of the water.

You can learn more about AUSMAP on their website or sign up to one of their local events at https://www.facebook.com/pg/ausmap.au/events/

I hope you enjoy the episode.

Orangutans are highly intelligent creatures that share 97% of human DNA. But these beloved primates are also critically endangered and so are the habitats they live in.

Today's episode is a conversation with world-renowned orangutan expert Leif Cocks who is also the founder and president of The Orangutan Project and has 30 plus years experience working with orangutans and advocating for rainforest protection and building sustainable local communities.

We take a deep look into what it takes to protect orangutans in the wild which is crucial to their saving. We also explore climate change initiatives which include avoiding deforestation, investing in improved agriculture practices in indigenous and local communities and why a sustainable economy is the way forward.

This episode has a lot of heart and it will explore the collective opportunity that is present to protect people, animals and the planet and the urgency to do so.

Following the episode, you can reach out to The Orangutan Project for more information, to donate or receive updates on their incredible work.

Zero-waste is a goal for so many of us who want to lower our carbon footprint as we rethink consumption, single-use plastics and developing more eco-friendly habits.

Today, I speak to Zero-waste advocate Erin Rhoads who is sought-after speaker and community activist, on a mission to engage with individuals, business, and government to redefine what waste is and how we can create less of it. She is the author of two books, Waste Not and Waste Not Everyday, runs a blog called The Rogue Ginger, and has co-founded impactful environmental groups.

Today, Erin provides some wonderful insight on the environmental benefits of a zero-waste lifestyle, how to start, appreciation of the makers of our things and dealing with eco-guilt.

You can find Erin at The Rogue Ginger and below are the educational and app resources she mentions in the episode.

A Plastic Ocean

Fort Negrita the Co-op

Responsible Cafes

The Clean Bin Project

War On Waste

Sharks and rays are critical to healthy oceans and protecting them is key as they are under threat due to shark finning, fisheries, outdated culling programs and ocean pollution.

So let's learn how we can help.

In today's extended episode, we talk all things sharks and rays with Lawrence Chlebeck, a marine biologist and science communicator with Humane Society International and Dr Leonardo Guida, a shark scientist and campaigner at the Australian Marine Conservation Society.

We explore the biology of sharks, current threats and campaigns these organisations are working on to protect them.

Worried about shark attacks? Don't be, they're rare despite what you hear in the media and mostly a case of mistaken identity according to Lawrence who also provides insight on outdated culling programs and staying safe in the water.

Dr Guida then talks to us about shark behaviours, threats, keeping the community balance and why you should reconsider your fish n' chip order.

At the end of this episode I hope you will be informed and inspired to be a part of the Shark Champions community and get to signing some worthy petitions. All links mentioned in the episode are listed below. I hope you enjoy the episode.

Sign up at Shark Champions https://sharkchampions.org.au/

Check the GoodFish App https://goodfish.org.au/

Reach out to Dr Leonardo Guida on Twitter

From a meatless Monday, to a pescatarian or a full vegan diet, any reduction of animal products can positively help the environment. Today I speak to Ondine Sherman who is the Co-founder and Managing Director of Voiceless, the animal protection institute.

She is a life-long animal advocate, passionate about promoting respect and compassion for all creatures. Ondine is a director of conservation NGO, This is My Earth (TiME) and a director of the MCT8-AHDS Foundation and Sherman Foundation.

Ondine Sherman is the author of a memoir, The Miracle of Love, several YA fiction books and the recent ​Vegan Living - an easy guide to a cruelty-free, vegan, plant-based life.

I speak to Ondine about her new book and we explore the environmental benefits of veganism, animal agriculture and also some of the challenges people may face when removing animal products from the diet from a health or societal point of view.

No, you don't have to be a vegan to listen to this one. Ondine offers a warm yet informed introduction to a vegan lifestyle and I hope you enjoy this episode.

(A full transcript of today's episode is available on my website).

Concrete and steel have a rising competitor warming up the built environment - mass timber. I speak to Nick Hewson who is a chartered structural engineer specialising in the field of mass timber construction and is currently the Head of Design for XLam.

Nick lends his expertise to discuss the environmental, health and structural benefits of building with timber.

I've also created a transcript of Nick's notes for your reference on my website. I hope you find this episode valuable.

[Audio Disclaimer: Nick and I recorded this remotely during a Melbourne COVID-19 lockdown so the audio quality is a little patchy but still very listenable. I hope you enjoy the episode]

Ever feel helpless or depressed by the current state of the climate? Dr Susie Burke is here to normalise those feelings and provide you with some strategies to help you navigate this anxiety. She is a psychologist, climate activist and parent who has developed resources on coping with climate change, raising children for a climate altered world, and disaster preparedness and recovery.