Responsible Futures

Join me in welcoming Tash Morgan-Etty, the visionary founder of Write Rabbit, as we delve into the intricate world of sustainability communications. Together, we unravel the veil of deceptive practices and illuminate the paramount significance of authenticity in this landscape.

Tash eloquently underscores the pivotal role of internal communication in fostering alignment among employees toward sustainability initiatives. Furthermore, she astutely examines the regulatory framework's crucial role in combatting greenwashing and ensuring the veracity of sustainability claims.

Drawing from her wealth of experience, Tash underscores the transformative power of storytelling in sustainability communications. She offers compelling examples from industry trailblazers such as Who Gives a Crap and The Body Shop, demonstrating how effective narratives can drive meaningful change.

Moreover, Tash keenly identifies sectors like consulting and finance as areas where sustainability efforts may be lacking, signalling the urgent need for heightened awareness and action.

As our dialogue unfolds, Tash offers invaluable insights into future trends, foreseeing a landscape characterised by heightened audience scrutiny and the imperative of positive behaviour change messaging in sustainability communications.

Ultimately, our conversation serves as a beacon, illuminating the path to navigating the complexities of sustainability communications. Through a lens of authenticity, storytelling, and alignment of internal and external messaging with sustainable values, we pave the way towards a more conscientious future.

In this enlightening discussion, I am joined by Clare Brook, the inspirational CEO of Blue Marine Foundation, to explore the ambitious goals and vital mission of the organisation. Blue Marine Foundation is dedicated to safeguarding and replenishing life in our oceans, with a bold target of effectively protecting at least 30% of the world's oceans by 2030. Clare underscores the pivotal role of the ocean as a carbon sink and oxygen supplier, emphasising the urgency of their mission.

Delving into the roots of Blue Marine Foundation, established in 2010 and inspired by the impactful documentary "The End of the Line," Clare provides insight into the organisation's evolution and notable achievements in sustainable marine conservation over the years. She passionately articulates the critical need to reverse the effects of overfishing and advocates for the sustainable management of the entire ocean.

We touch upon the challenges the organisation faces in advocating for marine protection, including issues with policy implementation, governance, and the vital role of community participation. Scientific nuances related to carbon absorption in the ocean and the repercussions of overfishing on marine ecosystems are also thoroughly examined.

Clare sheds light on Blue Marine Foundation's innovative use of technology, employing virtual and augmented reality to educate and raise awareness about the ocean. Emphasising the power of individual actions, she stresses the importance of making informed choices, particularly in seafood consumption.

The dialogue unfolds to highlight the indispensable role of policy advocacy in Blue Marine Foundation's endeavours. Addressing topics such as marine protected areas, sustainable fishing practices, and equity in the fishing industry, Clare calls upon businesses to actively support marine conservation initiatives through strategic partnerships.

As our discussion draws to a close, we glimpse into the future projects of Blue Marine Foundation, with a focus on ecosystem restoration in the Solent and efforts to secure greater protection on the high seas. Clare expresses her excitement about the potential impact of these initiatives on the broader landscape of marine conservation, leaving us inspired by the dedication and innovation propelling Blue Marine Foundation forward.

I am delighted to introduce this week’s Sustain Talks, where we uncover the incredible journey of John Good Group's transformation! In today's episode, we're joined by Adam Walsh, the dynamic CEO leading this sixth-generation company through a significant evolution.

Picture this: a legacy company with a 190-year history in travel, shipping, and logistics. A year ago, we had the privilege of getting an insider's view when we delivered their sustainability and social responsibility training. What we discovered was a company with a heart—a passion for purpose, a commitment to a warm family environment, and a genuine concern for every employee and stakeholder.

But the story doesn't end there. Today, Adam Walsh is here to share the inside scoop on John Good Group's mission for planet, people, and performance. In the past couple of years, the company has undergone a strategic shift, including the sale of one of its largest trading businesses, Good Logistics, and a change in leadership to the sixth generation of shareholders, spearheaded by the visionary Tim Good.

Imagine aligning an entire organisation with values that go beyond profit margins. Adam was brought in to do just that. He'll take you through the challenges and choices faced by the group's diverse businesses—warehousing, corporate travel, shipping, and more. The group acknowledges the environmental impact of its industries but sees an opportunity to be a driving force for positive change.

So, if you're eager to discover how a legacy company is not just adapting but thriving in the sustainability game, it's time to tune into Sustain Talks. Adam Walsh will guide us through a journey of making impactful choices, being accountable for their footprint, and navigating the complexities of a purpose-driven business.

Given what is going on in the world right now happiness seems elusive and employee morale could be at an all-time low, so we find ourselves asking the crucial question: How can we truly understand our team's emotional well-being and provide the necessary support?

Today, we bring you a compelling episode of Sustain Talks that delves into this very topic, featuring a remarkable guest, Matt Phelan. Matt is not only the co-founder of The Happiness Index, a cutting-edge SaaS platform empowering HR and people professionals to gauge their team's happiness and engagement but also an accomplished author of the recently released book, "The Happiness Index."

In this riveting conversation, we explore the significance of employee happiness within the workplace, unravel the mysteries of measuring happiness, and dissect the irrefutable business case for fostering a happier workforce.

But that's not all. Matt takes us on a captivating journey through the top four universal needs that drive engagement and happiness in the workplace, unveiling the key factors that often lead people to depart from their companies.

Whether you're seeking valuable insights or practical tools to uplift your team's spirits, this episode promises to be an eye-opener. Don't miss out!

You can even grab a copy of Matt's enlightening book here https://www.amazon.co.uk/Happiness-Index-Employee-Emotions-Tomorrows-ebook/dp/B0CJ612QWH/ref=sr_1_1 or dive deeper into The Happiness Index at https://thehappinessindex.com/

I am delighted to introduce this week's edition of Sustain Talks featuring none other than James Murray, Editor-in-chief of Business Green. In this engaging conversation, we delve into a multitude of topics surrounding sustainability, climate change, and the formidable challenges and exciting opportunities that businesses and industries are currently facing and includes James thoughts on the trends rapidly changing our world in sustainability.

Our discussion commences with a candid exploration of the overwhelming information overload and a plethora of news stories concerning sustainability and climate change. We pinpoint the pressing challenge of discerning credible information amidst the noise, as well as the prevalent issue of "greenwashing," whereby companies project an environmentally conscious image without substantial actions to back it up.

The dialogue seamlessly transitions to the meteoric rise of the renewables sector, with a special focus on the burgeoning realms of solar and wind energy. We also delve into the exponential growth of electric vehicles (EVs) and their increasing integration into the mainstream. James shares his insights on the realm of Carbon Removal Technologies.

Our conversation then navigates towards the intricacies of businesses prioritising sustainability initiatives, particularly in the midst of economic downturns. We explore the pivotal role that businesses play in driving sustainability and climate action forward.

Furthermore, we shine a spotlight on the upcoming Net Zero Festival—a pivotal event designed to inform, connect, and inspire individuals and businesses operating in the sustainability sphere. The festival boasts a diverse lineup of speakers, including luminaries such as Joanna Lumley, Alistair Campbell, Chris Skidmore, and leaders from industry giants like Amazon, John Lewis, Triodos Bank, and OVO, among others.

In summation, this conversation underscores the paramount urgency of addressing climate change, showcases the immense potential for businesses to spearhead positive change, and underscores the pivotal role of informed, collaborative efforts in achieving our collective sustainability objectives.

You can find out more and register for the upcoming Net Zero Festival here - https://www.netzerofestival.com/

Welcome to Sustain Talks, where we dive deep into the stories of remarkable individuals who are making a real impact on our planet. Today, we have an extraordinary guest, Chris Desai, a true force of change in the world of conservation.

Chris, the global director at UOCEAN and UEARTH since 2015, wears many hats - founder of The Vayyu Foundation, CEO at Vayyu, conservationist, philanthropist, captain, diver, and tireless advocate for a mission to remove one billion kilos of river and ocean plastics. But Chris's journey didn't start in the world of sustainability or conservation.

Born in the heart of rural England, specifically Leicester, which couldn't be farther from the ocean in the UK, Chris's early life was far from privileged. His father was a refugee who had to flee his country at gunpoint, and Chris grew up with a deep appreciation for nature, even though conservation was not on his radar initially.

Chris's career took him into the worlds of music and fashion in central London, where he spent a decade as an art director for a major fashion firm. It was during his travels around the world, witnessing the environmental damage caused by the fashion industry, that Chris's perspective shifted. He realized that while oil and gas were often vilified, fast fashion was equally unsustainable and lacked a meaningful societal impact.

This awakening led Chris to start the organic and sustainable brand Vayyu, focusing on eco-friendly practices and ethical production. But starting a sustainable fashion brand was no easy task, and Chris faced numerous challenges and setbacks.

However, Vayyu eventually found success, becoming one of the UK's most ethical fashion brands. Despite this achievement, Chris felt that he was still not doing enough to address the urgent environmental issues facing our planet. This realization prompted him to search for a charity dedicated to ocean and river plastics removal but found none that aligned with his vision.

Determined to make a difference, Chris founded The Vayyu Foundation, which would later evolve into UOCEAN. He embarked on a journey to normalize conservation efforts, especially among young people and underrepresented communities. His commitment led to the creation of a massive movement, with thousands of volunteers joining the cause.

UOCEAN is not only cleaning up rivers, beaches, and local areas but also breaking down barriers and stereotypes associated with conservation. The organization has chapters across the UK and internationally, fostering social cohesion among diverse groups and proving that conservation knows no boundaries.

In just a few years, UOCEAN has removed over 350,000 kilos of plastic by hand and is now implementing innovative solutions like Global River Barriers and empowering isolated communities to become conservationists.

Chris's story is a testament to the power of one individual's determination to make a positive impact on the world. Join us as we dive deeper into his inspiring journey and the remarkable work of UOCEAN.

Find out more about UOCEAN here: https://uocean.org/

In this Sustain Talks we discuss:

What is net zero?

Can anyone really get to net zero?

Why do SMEs need to get to net zero?

How challenging is it for them to do so?

What simple things can they do?

What are the benefits of SMEs becoming net zero?

How can we engage future generations?

Do companies need to completely transition in the race to zero?

What happens if SMEs don’t get on board with net zero?

What's next for Net Zero Nation?

I'm joined by Santiago Navarro, CEO & Founder of Packamama the climate tech geeks that reinvented the wine bottle to help save the world.

In this interview, we discuss the 100% recycled bottles that Packamama designed and why the shape and weight make them more energy efficient than glass and have a lower carbon footprint.

For an industry that has 25-30 billion units per annum, this is a game changer for the wine industry, an industry that is hugely affected by climate change.

To combat climate change, waste and packaging we need to find new and better solutions and this just makes sense.

We also discussed the issues with plastics in the sea and why those plastics can't be recycled, why the weight and shape of the bottle matters and how that reduces emissions, the longevity of the material and so much more.

This was a truly educational conversation. If you are interested in packaging, plastics, waste, recycled materials and circular economy solutions this interview is for you.

In this weeks Sustain Talks I’m joined by Lorna Cummings-Bruce marketing lead at ActionFunder an organisation that connects businesses and communities and makes it easy to fund community action and celebrate the impact.

In just two years the ActionFunder platform has raised £1.4million to support over 540 charities and community grassroots projects.

In this talk, we discuss why businesses should engage in charity partnerships and why they should be a priority.

Lorna shares her views on how corporate giving has changed over the last 10 years and what makes a good corporate and charity partnership.

We also discuss the benefits from both sides and when a true partnership works really well.

In this weeks Sustain Talks I'm joined by Karen Hutchings. Karen is the Global Head of Travel Meetings and Events at EY.

With 70% of EY’s scope 3 emissions being business travel we talk about how they are planning for a 35% reduction by 2025.

Pre covid sustainability and reduction weren’t a priority for many businesses but times have changed and with EY’s ambitions to get to net zero, Karen shares how her division is transforming the way they think about travel and meetings with sustainability at the forefront.

Whilst travel is still important Covid proved that people could still do business and not have to be in front of everybody all of the time.

Karen shares what policies they have put in place to reduce emissions, she talks about key behaviour changes, the changes in the policy for day trips which has had a significant reduction as well as changes to choose rail over air and no of travellers on each trip.

We also discussed how educating travellers before they have booked their trip on the carbon emissions of that trip encourages their employees to make smarter more responsible trips.

It’s great also to hear more about how EY collaborate with their clients to support their net zero goals by having the conversations early on about how often they meet and what that looks like to reduce emissions.

We also talked about Technology, Sustainable Aviation Fuel, Carbon Budgeting, Sustainable Events and so much more.