Straight Talking Sustainability

In this episode, I’m joined by Karen Sutton, founder of the Global Good Awards, for an eye-opening conversation about what really goes on behind the scenes of awards in the sustainability world. 

We get into vanity awards (yes, the ones that “nominate” you and then ask for £3K), why some schemes are all fluff and no substance, and how the Global Good Awards are pushing the bar way higher.

We talk judging transparency, AI-written entries, greenwashing, and whether a plant-based menu really matters. Karen shares how she’s using her awards to drive real change - not just hand out trophies. 

If you’ve ever questioned the point of awards or felt like they were out of reach, this one’s packed with truth, tips, and a few surprises.

Here are the highlights:

Karen Sutton's Background and Career Journey (2:25)

Global Good Awards and Their Impact (5:26)

Trends in Sustainability Awards (7:21)

Challenges and Ethics in Awards (13:14)

Judging Process and Criteria (19:33)

Supporting Entries and Feedback (28:38)

Innovation and Impact in Sustainability Awards (32:42)

Connect with Karen:

Patagonia – We’re all Screwed – Flip the Narrative

Divide and rule - Wikipedia

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Not Sustainable

We keep hearing that people won’t take action on sustainability because it means sacrifice. But is that actually true - or just an outdated story we’ve been telling ourselves? 

In this episode, I’m unpacking the myth of sustainability as deprivation, and exploring how flipping the narrative can unlock real behaviour change.

I’ll walk you through how simple reframing can shift people from overwhelm to action, why most of us aren’t being asked to give up as much as we think, and how psychology plays a huge role in how we respond to climate messaging. 

If you’ve ever wondered why some people get stuck at “what’s the point?” - this one’s for you.

Here are the highlights:

Reframing Sustainability: Personal Experiences (2:38)

Identifying the Right Audience for Sustainability (5:08)

Practical Actions and Positive Framing (7:23)

The Change Curve and Acceptance (8:33)

Reframing Sustainability as a Challenge (10:37)

The Role of Positive Reinforcement (12:18)

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Not Sustainable

We talk a lot about recycling, plastic, and Net Zero - but what if I told you that food waste is a bigger climate issue than fashion and aviation combined? 

In this episode, I’m joined by Tessa Clarke, co-founder of Olio, the app that's redistributed over 100 million meals (and counting). We get into the emotional and environmental impact of waste, why most of it actually happens at home, and how simple, hyperlocal actions can create massive change.

We also unpack why sustainability messaging needs a rebrand, how women’s voices are often missing in the climate conversation, and why leading with personal impact - not just planetary stats - is key to getting people to care. 

If you’ve ever wondered what really makes a difference (and what doesn’t), this one is packed with clarity and perspective.

Here are the highlights:

Tessa's Background and Personal Connection to Food Waste (2:03)

Challenging the Status Quo and Olio's Impact (4:34)

The Importance of Food Waste Reduction (9:35)

The Role of Women in Sustainability (15:44)

The Future of Sustainability and Olio's Vision (29:05)

Connect with Tessa:

Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessaclarkeolio/

Olio LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/olio-share-more-waste-less/posts/?feedView=all

Website - www.olioapp.com

TED talk

Project Drawdown

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Not Sustainable

Ever found yourself stuck in a conversation with someone who thinks climate change is a hoax? In this episode, I break down exactly how to handle climate deniers - whether it’s a heated online debate or an awkward professional situation.

I share the five most common arguments they throw out, why they’re flawed, and how to respond without getting trapped in an energy-draining argument.

We’ll also talk about when to engage, when to walk away, and how to redirect the conversation toward actual climate action.

If you’ve ever worried about getting caught off guard, this episode will leave you feeling prepared, confident, and ready to tackle these conversations without losing your sanity.

Here are the highlights:

Common Arguments from Climate Deniers (3:39)

Strategies for Dealing with Climate Deniers (9:45)

Professional and Personal Approaches to Climate Denial (15:37)

The Climate Divide (16:16)

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Not Sustainable

In this week’s episode, I sit down with Katie Carey, an ESG and sustainability expert with 17 years of experience working with major brands like Amazon. Katie breaks down how small, data-driven changes can lead to massive impact (and cost savings), making sustainability a business superpower instead of just another compliance headache.

We chat about integrating sustainability into core business strategy, overcoming decision paralysis, and why operations - not just finance - should take the lead. Plus, Katie shares her unique approach that blends hard data with creativity to create real, measurable change. 

If you’re tired of sustainability feeling like an abstract concept, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you take action - without the overwhelm.

Here are the highlights:

(2:25) Katie Carey's Background and Career Transition

(6:14) The Importance of Small Changes and Data-Driven Approaches

(10:27) The Role of Creativity and Structure in Sustainability

(18:02) Challenges and Common Excuses in Sustainability

(25:19) The Business Case for Sustainability

(38:11) Authenticity and Transparency in Sustainability Storytelling

Connect with Katie:

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-kathleen-carey-6020b81a/

Website - bigdayclimate.com

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Not Sustainable

Spring is here, and it’s the perfect time to refresh your sustainability efforts! In this episode, I’m sharing 52 easy, impactful hacks to help you live and work more sustainably - without overhauling your entire life. 

From creating a native wildlife pond and building a bug hotel to active travel tips and reducing your carbon footprint at work, these small changes add up to something big.

We’ll also cover repair cafés, local food swaps, reusable products, and even why your toilet paper choice matters more than you think.

Whether you're a sustainability pro or just getting started, this episode is packed with practical, simple actions you can take today. Let’s make this spring a season of real change!

Here are the highlights:

(2:49) Creating Native Wildlife Ponds and Native Hedges

(5:21) Rain Gardens and Water Butts

(6:24) Building Bug Hotels and Promoting Active Travel

(9:00) Buying Local and Seasonal Food

(11:34) Energy-Efficient Cooking and Reusable Products

(13:51) Sustainable Toilet Paper and Spring Cleaning

(17:19) Repair Cafes and Electronic Spring Cleaning

Download the free 52 Simple Sustainability Hacks e-book: https://lighthouse-sustainability.co.uk/52-simple-sustainability-hacks-a-free-ebook/

Ever wondered what real leadership in sustainability looks like? 

Jane Davidson doesn’t just talk about change - she makes it happen. 

From driving Wales’ groundbreaking Future Generations Act to championing policies that actually deliver results, Jane has spent her career proving that good governance isn’t about ticking boxes - it’s about creating lasting impact. 

In this episode, we get into the real challenges of making sustainability work, the power of regulation done right, and why evidence - not empty promises - should shape our future.

Highlights:

(2:13) Jane Davidson's Career Journey

(3:29) Values and Motivation

(7:56) The Future Generations Act

(10:02) Challenges in Sustainability and Governance

(33:49) The Role of Education and Long-Term Planning

(41:10) The Importance of Values and Passion

Find out more about Jane:

LinkedIn - Jane Davidson LinkedIn

Website - Jane Davidson - Website

Book - #futuregen Lessons from a small country by Jane Davidson

Future Generations Act

Book Recommendation – Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler

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Not Sustainable

Why are women in sustainability less visible on LinkedIn, despite leading incredible work in the industry? 

In this episode, I take a look at a LinkedIn post that sparked over 150 comments and 17,000 impressions. 

From imposter syndrome to time pressures and the mental load, I explore why women’s voices aren’t being heard as loudly and what we can do about it.

I also share practical tips on building visibility with authenticity, embracing personal branding without the burnout, and how both women and men can create a more inclusive conversation. 

If you’ve ever hesitated to speak up or wondered how to grow your audience without compromising your values, this episode is for you.

Here are the highlights:

(2:32) Disparity in Followers and Visibility

(4:12) Themes from the LinkedIn Thread

(7:29) Negative Comments and Mansplaining

(10:17) Time Pressures and Mental Load

(12:23) Desire for Visibility and Quality Over Quantity

(13:33) Tips for Increasing Visibility

Are we being left out in the cold? LinkedIn post 

Second Nature Sisters

Women in Sustainability 

Disrupting, quietly — Caroline Harvey

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Not Sustainable

Fast fashion isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a community issue, too. In this week’s episode, I sit down with Sam Taylor to expose the hidden realities of the fashion industry. 

From supply chain waste to why clothing quality keeps getting worse. We break down why recycling isn’t the solution you think it is and how low-cost fashion brands cut corners in ways you’d never expect.

But it’s not all bad new - Sam shares practical ways we can push back, from smarter shopping habits to supporting local businesses. We also discuss why second-hand shopping is on the rise, how consumer behaviour is shifting, and the one rebellious act that could make the biggest difference. 

If you’ve ever wondered what really happens to the clothes you donate or how to make more ethical fashion choices, this episode is packed with eye-opening insights.

Here are the highlights:

(1:50) Client Challenges and Solutions

(5:17) Business Needs and Consumer Impact

(8:13) Waste and Supply Chain Complexity

(10:59) Consumer Education and Behaviour

(14:21) Recycling and End-of-Life Solutions

(23:03) Impact of EU Green Deal and Regulations

Connect with Sam:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-taylor-pd/

Website: https://www.thegoodfactory.co.uk/

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Not Sustainable

Why do so many businesses hesitate to take real action on climate change? 

In this episode, I break down the five most common excuses people use to avoid action—from believing individual efforts don’t matter to assuming sustainability is too expensive.

I’ll share how to move past these roadblocks with simple, cost-effective solutions that actually make an impact. We’ll also explore how peer-to-peer influence, company culture, and leadership can create a ripple effect for lasting change. 

If you’re ready to cut through the noise and take meaningful steps toward sustainability, this episode is packed with insights to get you started.

Here are the highlights:

(4:12) The Urgency of Climate Change

(6:33) Debunking the Myth of High Costs for Sustainability

(8:06) Individual vs. Collective Impact on Climate Change

(12:07) Creating Conditions for Sustainable Action

(14:29) Encouraging Peer-to-Peer Support and Competition

Carbon Literacy Training for Business | Lighthouse Sustainability

Discourses of climate delay | Global Sustainability | Cambridge Core

The Climate Funnel: a framework to ignite change through effective communication | illuminem

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Not Sustainable