For What It’s Earth

Greening the music industry: Can gigs, touring and our listening habits be more sustainable?

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 05:35:00 +0000

The music industry is an ecosystem in itself, and one that's come under fire lately for its massive associated carbon footprint and waste production. Between the recording, live shows and touring, music publishing, digital streaming, distribution, and promotion, music is increasingly dominant in the modern landscape of entertainment. There are endless not-so-green elements, and we're here to explore the endless potential improvements, too.

This show was originally delivered as part of the wonderful British Science Festival in Liverpool!

Get in touch

We're on Instagram, Bluesky, and email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Send us your Listener Questions and weekly One Good Thing For The Planet.

Support the show:

Help us keep podding with a donation through Ko-fi or grab an organic cotton FWIE tee.

& subscribe so you never miss an episode!

For What It’s Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024).

Dairy: How can we get it right? with Tom White, at Yeo Valley Organic

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 05:33:00 +0000

Can we still enjoy yoghurt and eat well for the planet? We’re fully immersing ourselves in one of the biggest food-based climate and sustainability topics: dairy!

To provide a bit of real-world insight, we sat down with Tom White, the Regenerative Farming Manager at Yeo Valley, to talk about organic, nature-friendly farming, the role of climate change on farming as well as farming's own impacts on the planet, and how consumer choices and markets dictate a lot of what our farmers are able to do.

Get in touch

We're on Instagram, Bluesky, and email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Send us your Listener Questions and weekly One Good Thing For The Planet.

Support the show:

Help us keep podding with a donation through Ko-fi or grab an organic cotton FWIE tee.

& subscribe so you never miss an episode!

For What It’s Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024).

[Recycled] A deep dive on Black Friday

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 05:01:00 +0000

Happy Halloween, Samhain, Bonfire Night, Thanksgiving and, of course, Black Friday month. This week we’re leaning in to the seasons and being oh so eco-friendly by recycling an autumnal episode from about a year ago.

Get in touch

We're on Instagram, Bluesky, and email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Send us your Listener Questions and weekly One Good Thing For The Planet.

Support the show:

Help us keep podding with a donation through Ko-fi or grab an organic cotton FWIE tee.

& subscribe so you never miss an episode!

For What It’s Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024).

[Listener Questions] Rights of nature, the sustainability of the London Underground, and lobbying councils

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 04:06:00 +0000

All aboard the Lizzie Line! In this week's listener questions episode, we're on a journey to understand how eco friendly the London tube might be, and whether newer developments like the Elizabeth Line are being built more sustainably. Plus, we ask how we can push our councils to reduce light pollution, and explore ⁠how giving nature rights can help us deal with environmental issues.

Get in touch

We're on Instagram, Bluesky, and email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Send us your Listener Questions and weekly One Good Thing For The Planet.

Support the show:

Help us keep podding with a donation through Ko-fi or grab an organic cotton FWIE tee.

& subscribe so you never miss an episode!

For What It’s Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024).

Natural Disasters: Can taking action on climate change have an impact?

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 05:29:00 +0100

As the climate changes, natural disasters are becoming more frequent, intense, and harder to predict and recover from. This week we're learning about tsunamis, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, and exploring how taking action on climate change could help change or influence the trajectory of these events.

Get in touch

We're on Instagram, Bluesky, and email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Send us your Listener Questions and weekly One Good Thing For The Planet.

Support the show:

Help us keep podding with a donation through Ko-fi or grab an organic cotton FWIE tee.

& subscribe so you never miss an episode!

For What It’s Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024).

[Listener Questions] Sustainability of B-corps, running and garden decking materials

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 05:20:00 +0100

Is B-corp still a reliable accreditation for business/product sustainability? How can I make my love for running more sustainable Does composite decking have any environmental credentials? This week Emma and Sophie dive into your green-living questions.

Get in touch

We're on Instagram, Bluesky, and email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Send us your Listener Questions and weekly One Good Thing For The Planet.

Support the show:

Help us keep podding with a donation through Ko-fi or grab an organic cotton FWIE tee.

& subscribe so you never miss an episode!

For What It’s Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024).

Gardening: How can we adapt to or mitigate climate change? [From Yeo Organic Valley Garden Festival]

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 08:00:00 +0100

We took For What It's Earth to the heart of the Yeo Valley's first ever Garden Festival to chat about something every gardener’s thinking about: climate change. From exploring the power of ponds and trees as temperature control systems, to tips for building resilient soil, and planting for biodiversity, we explore how our gardens can adapt to, as well as fight back against, a changing world. While still being a beautiful, joyful space, of course!

Get in touch

We're on Instagram, Bluesky, and email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Send us your Listener Questions and weekly One Good Thing For The Planet.

Support the show:

Help us keep podding with a donation through Ko-fi or grab an organic cotton FWIE tee.

& subscribe so you never miss an episode!

For What It’s Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024).

Nuts: Superfood, climate problem, or sustainable solution?

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 05:10:00 +0100

Shell we go a little bit nuts together? This food group is having a bit of a *moment*; equally at home in our diets and social media feeds. We're told they're fantastic for our health, but they can also cause environmental damage. It's only natural that Emma and Sophie should investigate.

Plus, squirrel season is in full swing: Many tasty morsels are in season right now in the UK (think hazel nuts, walnuts), and some inedible nuts that still have brilliant natural uses, like horse chestnut (also known as a conker). Yes, there will be foraging tips in this episode.

Get in touch

We're on Instagram, Bluesky, and email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Send us your Listener Questions and weekly One Good Thing For The Planet.

Support the show:

Help us keep podding with a donation through Ko-fi or grab an organic cotton FWIE tee.

& subscribe so you never miss an episode!

For What It’s Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024).

[Listener Questions] Green mobile providers, white pavements, and house plants

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0100

Is it possible for mobile service providers to be more environmentally friendly, and should I switch to a greener one? Are houseplants a gateway drug for environmental activism? And what happens if we paint all the pavements white to reflect the sun's energy back out to space? We're joined by Osian England, our wonderful social media volunteer, to answer these q's!

Get in touch

We're on Instagram, Bluesky, and email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Send us your Listener Questions and weekly One Good Thing For The Planet.

Support the show:

Help us keep podding with a donation through Ko-fi or grab an organic cotton FWIE tee.

& subscribe so you never miss an episode!

For What It’s Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024).

Pets & Pesticides: Keeping our best friends and the environment healthy

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 05:28:00 +0100

Pet treatments and pesticides have been in the news this year for their polluting power. Join us to learn more about the ways that we interact with our beloved dogs and cats, which can lead to toxins reaching the wider environment. Can we be better pet owners and creature custodians? The answer is yes, and we'll find out how...

Get in touch

We're on Instagram, Bluesky, and email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Send us your Listener Questions and weekly One Good Thing For The Planet.

Support the show:

Help us keep podding with a donation through Ko-fi or grab an organic cotton FWIE tee.

& subscribe so you never miss an episode!

For What It’s Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024).

Minisode: Updates, bonus bits & events

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 19:30:00 +0100

We've got a few exciting things coming up, so we've packaged some of them up into a teeny weeny episode of extra bits.

Join us at British Science Festival for a Live Podcast Episode and a To Have or To Hold book Interview with Sophie.

To access upcoming VIDEO episodes, clips, and exclusive content, you can support us through Ko-fi and help keep the show running!

Get in touch

We're on Instagram, Bluesky, and email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Send us your Listener Questions and weekly One Good Thing For The Planet.

& subscribe so you never miss an episode!

For What It’s Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024).

[Listener Questions] Beekeeping, nature on the curriculum, and menstrual cups

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 05:26:00 +0100

Is beekeeping bad for the environment? They say menstrual cups last for just 10 years; is silicone bad for us or the planet? Do we need an emotionally engaged relationship with nature as an essential part of the early learning curriculum? All this and more in this week's episode!

To have your eco-queries answered, send us your listener questions for our next episode!

Get in touch

We're on Instagram, Bluesky, and email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Send us your Listener Questions and weekly One Good Thing For The Planet.

Support the show:

Help us cover our running costs with a donation through Ko-fi or grab an organic cotton FWIE tee.

& subscribe so you never miss an episode!

For What It’s Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024).

On The Farm [Part 2] Dung beetles and organic dairy cows with Will Mayor, Yeo Valley

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 05:15:00 +0100

Ever tried to podcast while surrounded by curious cows? It's as fun and chaotic as it sounds. Today we're still touring the organic farm, so make sure you've listened to part 1 first! Join us in the fields with Yeo Valley Organic's Farms Development Manager, Will Mayor, searching for dung beetles in the fresh cowpats and getting up close with the organic dairy cattle.

Thanks to our friends at Yeo Valley Organic for supporting this series and to Will for a brilliant farm experience.

Get in touch

We're on Instagram, Bluesky, and email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Send us your Listener Questions and weekly One Good Thing For The Planet.

Support the show:

Help us cover our running costs with a donation through Ko-fi or grab an organic cotton FWIE tee.

& subscribe so you never miss an episode!

For What It’s Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024). This episode was recorded on location by Mark Skinner.

On The Farm [Part 1] Sniffing soil and going organic, with Will Mayor, Yeo Valley

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 05:15:00 +0100

Going organic is essential for combating the climate and nature crisis. But what does that look like for British farmers producing our food? Farm Development Manager and all-around soil guru, Will Mayor, took us out into the fields for a Yeo Valley Organic farm tour. Join us up to our knees in grasses to smell happy soil in the herbal lays, search for quinoa-shaped signals of healthy plant roots, and understand more about the impacts of the climate crisis on our farmers.

And there's more... Join us on Friday for part 2, where we meet some very happy cows.

Thanks to our friends at Yeo Valley Organic for supporting this series and to Will for a brilliant farm experience.

Get in touch

We're on Instagram, Bluesky, and email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Send us your Listener Questions and weekly One Good Thing For The Planet.

Support the show:

Help us cover our running costs with a donation through Ko-fi or grab an organic cotton FWIE tee.

& subscribe so you never miss an episode!

For What It’s Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024). This episode was recorded on location by Mark Skinner.

[Listener Questions] Sustainable home improvements, and beauty Vs function in ecological spaces

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0100

When embarking on a kitchen extension (how exciting!), how can you make the process and build more sustainable? When looking at ecological landscapes, what’s more important, the way that something looks, or the way it works? And what career choices led us to start podcasting?

To have your eco-queries answered, send us your listener questions for our next episode!

Get in touch

We're on Instagram, Bluesky, and email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Send us your Listener Questions and weekly One Good Thing For The Planet.

Support the show:

Help us cover our running costs with a donation through Ko-fi or grab an organic cotton FWIE tee.

& subscribe so you never miss an episode!

For What It’s Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024).

Whales: Why conserving them IS climate action

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 05:57:00 +0100

More whales have been spotted off the coast in the UK this year, including humpbacks off the coast of Cornwall. Exciting? Sure! But changes like this lead us to question what's bringing or driving these incredible marine mammals to waters they’re not usually found in. The whales & climate change conversation is not just one of distress, it's also one of hope; join us to find out how whales, though a climate victim, can actually offer powerful climate solutions.

Orca whales using tools: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jun/23/killer-whales-kelp-grooming-tool-use

Get in touch

We're on Instagram, Bluesky, and email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Send us your Listener Questions and weekly One Good Thing For The Planet.

Support the show:

Get access to BONUS content through Ko-fi or grab an organic cotton FWIE tee.

& subscribe so you never miss an episode!

For What It’s Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024).

[Listener Questions] Green gardening with Sarah Mead, Head Gardener at Yeo Valley Organic

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 05:31:00 +0100

Sometimes, you've just got to take your eco-friendly growing questions to an expert. This episode was recorded in a stunning glasshouse at Yeo Valley Organic with the brilliant Head Gardener Sarah Mead (see it on Instagram). Think: keeping ants out of your compost bin without chemicals, sowing spectacular wildflower lawns, and empowering soil to love your seedlings. Oh, and water butts for all!

Tickets for Yeo Valley's Organic Garden Festival: https://www.yeovalley.co.uk/events/yeo-valley-organic-garden-festival-2025

Get in touch

We're on Instagram, Bluesky, and email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Send us your Listener Questions and weekly One Good Thing For The Planet.

Support the show:

Help us cover our running costs with a donation through Ko-fi or grab an organic cotton FWIE tee.

& subscribe so you never miss an episode!

For What It’s Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024).

Invasive species: The good, the bad and the innocent(?)

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 05:30:00 +0100

Invasive non-native species have been called the silent threat to our ecosystems. They are a key driver of global biodiversity loss. We’re understanding what an INNS actually is, learning about issues these plants and animals can bring with them when they arrive and get comfortable in a new ecosystem, and we’re asking, can we actually blame invasive species for their damage? Or is there another direction to point the finger at? Hmm.

Get in touch

We're on Instagram, Bluesky, and email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Send us your Listener Questions and weekly One Good Thing For The Planet.

Support the show:

Help us cover our running costs with a donation through Ko-fi or grab an organic cotton FWIE tee.

& subscribe so you never miss an episode!

For What It’s Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024).

[Listener Questions] Environmental benefits of space travel, guerilla rewilding, and hydroelectric dams

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 06:02:00 +0100

In the first listener questions episode of series five, we do our best to answer, 'Are hydroelectric dams good or bad?' and, 'Can I move some plants around when I go for a walk and help rewild my town?' Plus, we even had help from the wonderful Jake Foster from the Royal Observatory Greenwich to find out, 'Is there any environmental benefit to space travel?'

LIVE Show

Get your free ticket to see us record an episode at the British Science Festival in Liverpool on Friday 11th September:

https://britishscienceassociation-tickets.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173666323

Get in touch

We're on Instagram, Bluesky, and forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Send us your Listener Questions and weekly One Good Thing For The Planet.

Support the show:

Help us cover our running costs with a donation through Ko-fi or grab an organic cotton FWIE tee.

& subscribe so you never miss an episode!

For What It’s Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024).

Farming: Can farming feed us AND save species from extinction?

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0100

To start the series, we're taking a closer look at nature-friendly farming. Can changing farming practices and land management methods offer a helping hand for biodiversity, as well as support farmers in producing nutrient-dense, good local food? We explore some of the brilliant, innovative and old-school ways that wildlife, soil and water are being looked after on farms, to ensure a healthier future for nature and us.

Get in touch

We're on Instagram, Bluesky, and email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Send us your Listener Questions and weekly One Good Thing For The Planet.

Support the show:

Help us cover our running costs with a donation through Ko-fi or grab an organic cotton FWIE tee.

& subscribe so you never miss an episode!

For What It’s Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024).

Season 5 Trailer

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Do you need more hopeful climate conversations in your week? Well, you’re in luck, because we’re back with a brand new series of For What It’s Earth! 🌍

If you’ve ever wondered how to save the planet without moving to a yurt and making your own clothes, this is the podcast for you. We're diving into everything from whales, to soil, to invasive species

Environment campaigner Emma Brisdion and author and science communicator Sophie Pavelle are your Wednesday companions who investigate the eco-curiosities we all share, like, can farming save species from extinction and feed us? How can I look after my pet without poisoning nature?

Expect laughs, learning, and the occasional eco-cringe at our failed attempts to be more sustainable.

Subscribe to For What It’s Earth Podcast, and join us on Instagram for more.

Bonus: To Have or To Hold, an exclusive look at Sophie Pavelle's new book

Wed, 07 May 2025 05:35:00 +0100

Sophie's only gone and written another brilliant book (and no, she's not writing this episode description). In To Have or To Hold, she unearths and marvells at some of nature's strangest symbioses and oddest relationships. In this bonus episode of For What It's Earth, Sophie and Emma sit down to chat about the book, dig into the story of a truly mysterious freshwater parasite, and share with you why Emma asked (politely) for a specific word to be removed from an early draft. PLUS, enjoy a sneak peak at the audiobook! Thank you to Bloomsbury for allowing us to share an extract of the book, for your listening delight.

Order your hardback copy of To Have or To Hold or join Sophie on tour!

Get in touch

We're on Instagram, Bluesky, and email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Send us your Listener Questions and weekly One Good Thing For The Planet.

Support the show:

Help us cover our running costs with a donation through Ko-fi or grab an organic cotton FWIE tee.

& subscribe so you never miss an episode!

For What It’s Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024).

Bonus: Wild Cities with Chris Fitch live at Stanfords

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 05:00:00 +0100

How green is your city? And what can we learn from the international urban metropolises that are bringing inviting nature back? Last week, Wild Cities was published, and Emma was invited to join author Chris Fitch at Stanfords bookstore in Bristol to chat about the book. We chatted about fast-tracking ancient forests, gardens in skyscrapers, beavers, birdwatching and, of course, asked, 'What one good thing have you done for the planet this week?'

Send us a voice note listener question (via Instagram @forwhatitsearthpodcast or email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com) for your chance to win a Wild Cities seed bomb packet!

Thank you to Chris, Stanfords, and Harper Collins for putting the event on and for letting us record the evening for a bonus episode of the podcast.

Get in touch

We're on Instagram, Bluesky, and email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Send us your Listener Questions and weekly One Good Thing For The Planet.

Support the show:

Help us cover our running costs with a donation through Ko-fi or grab an organic cotton FWIE tee.

& subscribe so you never miss an episode!

For What It’s Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024).

[Listener Questions] Solar roads in the UK, water use in airports and cleaning up the North Sea oil tanker crash

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 05:00:00 +0100

We've got three absolutely corking listener questions on the show this week, including one from the wonderful Gillian Burke! We're answering: A South Korean motorway has a solar panel-covered bike lane in its central reservation - can we do this in the UK? How much water and waste accumulates at airport security, and can we reduce it? What's the env. impact of the north sea oil tanker crash, and how do we clean jet fuel/nurdles out of the ocean?

Get in touch

We're on Instagram, Bluesky, and email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Send us your Listener Questions and weekly One Good Thing For The Planet.

Support the show:

Help us cover our running costs with a donation through Ko-fi or grab an organic cotton FWIE tee.

& subscribe so you never miss an episode!

For What It’s Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024).

Moss: The quiet (but very cool) climate ally

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000

We’re plunging our hands into the soft green bits you find in woodlands, and shining a spotlight on moss. Can the many life-giving, pollution-gobbling, and carbon-storing species of moss on earth be the quiet antidote to climate change?

Get in touch

We're on Instagram, Bluesky, Twitter and email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Send us your Listener Questions and weekly One Good Thing For The Planet.

Support the show:

Help us cover our running costs with a donation through Ko-fi.

Organic cotton FWIE tees & merch

& subscribe so you never miss an episode!

For What It’s Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024).

[Listener Questions] Boycotts, sustainable tea and coffee, and Wild deodorant

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000

This week we're answering your questions! First, we explore whether environmental boycotts actually work, and ask whether we should all stop buying Wild deodorant since the news that Unliver are purchasing the brand. Finally, we settle down with a steaming mug to find out whether our teas and coffees can be more sustainable.

Get in touch

We're on Instagram, Bluesky, Twitter and email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Send us your Listener Questions and weekly One Good Thing For The Planet.

Support the show:

Help us cover our running costs with a donation through Ko-fi.

Organic cotton FWIE tees & merch

& subscribe so you never miss an episode!

For What It’s Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024).

Scrubbing up: What's the MAKE UP of make up, SPF, and personal care items?

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 00:25:00 +0000

This week we’re talking about make-up - or more specifically - the make-up of it, alongside other personal care products, and what that means for our environment. Shampoo, eye cream, and SPF, we're coming for ya.

Get in touch

We're on Instagram, Bluesky, Twitter and email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Send us your Listener Questions and weekly One Good Thing For The Planet.

Support the show:

Organic cotton FWIE tees & merch

Help us cover our running costs with a one-off donation or sign up for monthly support through Ko-fi.

& subscribe so you never miss an episode!

For What It’s Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024).

[Listener Questions] Book sustainability, wildflower lawns, and rats

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 00:29:00 +0000

Are wildflower lawns the best thing to do with your garden? Do rats deserve their bad rep? Can books be more sustainable, and am I still allowed to buy new ones sometimes? This week we're answering your big green listener questions, and we're introducing two new members of the For What It's Earth team!

An RHS guide to making wildflower meadows: https://www.rhs.org.uk/lawns/creating-wildflower-meadows

Pre-order Sophie's upcoming book, To Have or To Hold: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/to-have-or-to-hold-9781399412162/

Get in touch

We're on Instagram, Bluesky, Twitter and email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Send us your Listener Questions and weekly One Good Thing For The Planet.

Support the show:

Organic cotton FWIE tees & merch

Help us cover our running costs with a one-off donation or sign up for monthly support through Ko-fi.

& subscribe so you never miss an episode!

For What It’s Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024).

Wildfires: How ready are we for extreme climate events?

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Things are hotting up. As global temperatures increase, so too does extreme fire risk. Parts of LA are still burning, and this week we’re exploring all things wildfire in a changing climate. As we watch fires erupt on our TV screens, we ask: In the UK, are we really as sheltered from wildfires as we might think?

More info:

State of Wildfires Report: https://tyndall.ac.uk/news/state-of-wildfires-report-2023-2024/

Beavers and fires Fairfax stop-motion animation: https://emilyfairfaxscience.com/research/firebeavers/

Met Office’s Fire Severity Index https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/fire-severity-index/#?tab=map

Get in touch

We're on Instagram, Bluesky, Twitter and email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Send us your Listener Questions and weekly One Good Thing For The Planet.

Support the show:

Organic cotton FWIE tees & merch

Help us cover our running costs with a one-off donation or sign up for monthly support through Ko-fi.

& subscribe so you never miss an episode!

For What It’s Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024).

[Listener Questions] Cruise holidays, medication in poo and greener banking

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:01:00 +0000

What's the environmental footprint of taking a cruise? Does medication you take end up in your composting toilet or the sewage system, and if so, what happens next? And can you bank in greener ways? All this and a bonus mini-q on this week's Listener Questions episode.

Get in touch

We're on Instagram, Bluesky, Twitter and email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Send us your Listener Questions and weekly One Good Thing For The Planet.

Support the show:

Organic cotton FWIE tees & merch

Help us cover our running costs with a one-off donation or sign up for monthly support through Ko-fi.

& subscribe so you never miss an episode!

For What It’s Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024).

Driving electric: Is the UK ready for EVs?

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 00:01:00 +0000

As climate change marches on, and transport is under a spotlight for significantly contributing to carbon emissions, we’re exploring electric transport. Are we ready for it, particularly in the UK when compared to other countries? What is outstanding in electrification/decarbonisation? And is it a realistic climate ambition?

Show notes:

Hinkley Point Petition: https://win.newmode.net/hinkley-point-nuclear-power-station-fish-protection

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/jan/02/uk-needs-to-ban-full-hybrid-cars-by-2030-or-face-net-zero-catastrophe

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/dec/23/do-electric-cars-really-produce-fewer-carbon-emissions-than-petrol-or-diesel-vehicles

Get in touch

We're on Instagram, Bluesky, Twitter and email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Send us your Listener Questions and weekly One Good Thing For The Planet.

Support the show:

Organic cotton FWIE tees & merch

Help us cover our running costs with a one-off donation or sign up for monthly support through Ko-fi.

& subscribe so you never miss an episode!

For What It’s Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024).

[Listener Questions] Long-term environmental habits, recycling, and cleaning with bleach

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 00:01:00 +0000

This week you asked us which environmental habits and green-living changes we've managed to keep up the longest, whether things actually get recycled, and whether bleach should (or shouldn't) be our go-to household cleaning product. PLUS, Sophie beefs with her neighbour over bin etiquette, and we realise that all of our listeners are called Andrew.

Get in touch

We're on Instagram, Bluesky, Twitter and email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Send us your Listener Questions and weekly One Good Thing For The Planet.

Support the show:

Organic cotton FWIE tees & merch

Help us cover our running costs with a one-off donation or sign up for monthly support through Ko-fi.

& subscribe so you never miss an episode!

For What It’s Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024).

Vapes: Environmental impacts & the single-use ban

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 00:40:00 +0000

The sale of single-use vapes is set to be banned in the UK in June, and the environmental impact of e-cigarette-style devices was a key lever in the campaign that fought for this legislation. So, we're following the lifecycle of a vape and exploring the many moments in which these electronic devices can cause planetary problems.

Get in touch

We're on Instagram, Bluesky, Twitter and email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Send us your Listener Questions and weekly One Good Thing For The Planet.

Support the show:

Organic cotton FWIE tees & merch

Help us cover our running costs with a one-off donation or sign up for monthly support through Ko-fi.

& subscribe so you never miss an episode!

For What It’s Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024).

Join the team: Could you be our Social Media Volunteer?

Sun, 26 Jan 2025 13:45:00 +0000

We’re seeking a talented and passionate volunteer with digital marketing and editing experience to join the FWIE team in 2025!

This year we're taking the pod to exciting places, but working full time in the environment sector AND making the podcast ourselves means we have little time to do the whole ‘digital’ thing. We need a hand making reels, cutting down clips, making graphics for carousels, nailing the algorithm (blah blah), and we hope in return you'll gain valuable science communication experience working as part of a tiny audio team, who have heads and hearts in the right places.

So if this sounds good to you - and you would like to volunteer with us at FWIE for just a few hours a week - we’d love to hear from you! Get in touch with some information on your experience and any ideas for getting the podcast 'out there' this year, at forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com.

Thanks a million,

Emma, Sophie & Mark

For What It’s Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024).

[Listener Questions] Eco tattoos, laundry detergent and environmental heroes

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 00:09:00 +0000

In Listener’s Questions this week, we’re sharing who in the environment sector inspires us, chatting laundry detergent choices (and recipes…) and exploring top tips for keeping green while getting tatted!

Get in touch

We're on Instagram, Bluesky, Twitter and email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Send us your Listener Questions and weekly One Good Thing For The Planet.

Support the show:

Organic cotton FWIE tees & merch

Help us cover our running costs with a one-off donation or sign up for monthly support through Ko-fi.

& subscribe so you never miss an episode!

For What It’s Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024).

Zoos: The good, the bad and the frozen

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 00:01:00 +0000

Zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, and seed banks: Is keeping animals and wild creatures in captivity for entertainment ever ok? Or are zoos the conservation powerhouses and the biodiversity arks that we need as wildlife declines across the globe?

Get in touch

We're on Instagram, Bluesky, Twitter and email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Send us your Listener Questions and weekly One Good Thing For The Planet.

Support the show:

Organic cotton FWIE tees & merch

Help us cover our running costs with a one-off donation or sign up for monthly support through Ko-fi.

& subscribe so you never miss an episode!

For What It’s Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024).

[Listener Questions] Book recommendations, Vinted and search engines

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 00:10:00 +0000

We're back with another episode in which we answer your burning eco-living questions. Find out whether Vinted is as good for the planet as it seems, what the climate impact of search engines may be, and what we're loving reading.

Get in touch

We're on Instagram, Bluesky, Twitter and email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Send us your Listener Questions and weekly One Good Thing For The Planet.

Support the show:

Organic cotton FWIE tees & merch

Help us cover our running costs with a one-off donation or sign up for monthly support through Ko-fi

Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

For What It’s Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024).

Climate-friendly Food Choices: Is vegan always best?

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:02:00 +0000

We're brushing away the crumbs of Christmas, readying to weather the month of Veganuary spam, and trying to get to the bottom of the big heavy question: What should or shouldn't I be eating, if I want to be kind to the planet?

Get in touch

We're on Instagram, Bluesky, Twitter and email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Send us your Listener Questions and weekly One Good Thing For The Planet.

Support the show:

Organic cotton FWIE tees & merch: https://forwhatitsearth.teemill.com/

Help us cover our running costs with a one-off donation or sign up for monthly support using Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/forwhatitsearthpodcast

Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

For What It’s Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024).

[Listener Questions] Sustainable Christmas gift ideas, plastic grass and road salting

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 00:27:00 +0000

Left your Christmas shopping to the last minute? We've got you. This episode is packed with environmentally friendly gift ideas, from experiences to things to look out for in charity shops before the big day. We also answer listener questions on the environmental impact of both plastic grass, and of salting our roads during icy weather this winter.

We're taking a break over the Christmas week, so will be back in your feeds on January 1st. Happy holidays!

Get in touch

We're on Instagram, Bluesky, Twitter and email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Send us your Listener Questions and weekly One Good Thing For The Planet.

Support the show:

Organic cotton FWIE tees & merch: https://forwhatitsearth.teemill.com/

Help us cover our running costs with a one-off donation or sign up for monthly support using Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/forwhatitsearthpodcast

Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

For What It’s Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024).

Hen & Stag Dos: How to throw a sustainable party

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Like many a party, hen and stag dos (or bachelor/bachelorette parties) can come with a big carbon footprint and create a lot of waste. But they can still be special events without being polluting.

We’re looking at these milestone gatherings and trying to help you throw one in ways that don’t leave the planet with a sore head too. This episode contains a toolkit, and many of our top tips can be applied to any event on your horizon.

Get in touch:

We're on Instagram, Bluesky, Twitter and email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Send us your Listener Questions and weekly One Good Thing For The Planet.

Support the show:

Organic cotton FWIE tees & merch: https://forwhatitsearth.teemill.com/

Help us cover our running costs with a one-off donation or sign up for monthly support using Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/forwhatitsearthpodcast

Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

For What It’s Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024).

[Listener Questions] Not-so-eco things, gyms as energy generators, and big green career choices

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 17:15:55 +0000

We're asked whether gym equipment could actually generate enough electricity to power the gym, we try to divulge some useful career advice to a climate-concerned listener, and our classic 'what one good thing have you done for the planet this week?' prompt gets flipped on its head.

Get in touch

We're on Instagram, Bluesky, Twitter and email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Send us your Listener Questions and weekly One Good Thing For The Planet.

Support the show:

Organic cotton FWIE tees & merch: https://forwhatitsearth.teemill.com/

Help us cover our running costs with a one-off donation or sign up for monthly support using Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/forwhatitsearthpodcast

Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

For What It’s Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024).

Black Friday: How to avoid environmental catastrophe

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 00:01:00 +0000

We're zoning in on Black Friday; the holiday that celebrates binge-shopping and leaves the environmental credentials of the retail sector in tatters. For the sake of the planet, put your bank cards away! Do you really *need* that thing that's on a super duper exclusive promotion and will never (wink wink) be that cheap again? Sure, you might, and that's fine. But if you're keen and able to try to participate less, or better, in Black Friday, here's our guide to trying to reduce the environmental impact of this international consumption-fest.

References from the episode

Green Pear Eco low waste and refill store: https://greenpeareco.com/

Support The Wildlife Trusts purchase of Rothbury Estate for nature restoration: https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/appeals/rothbury-estate-nature-and-nation

Psychology Today on why we shop Black Friday: https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/consumption-and-lifestyles/202411/why-we-shop-on-black-friday

Forbes did some Black Friday research:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidrvetter/2020/11/24/this-is-how-black-friday-hurts-the-planet-but-attitudes-are-changing/?sh=66b069f92863

And so did Good Energy: https://www.goodenergy.co.uk/blog/black-friday/

Get in touch

We're on Instagram, Bluesky, Twitter and email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Send us your Listener Questions and weekly One Good Thing For The Planet.

Support the show:

Organic cotton FWIE tees & merch: https://forwhatitsearth.teemill.com/

Help us cover our running costs with a one-off donation or sign up for monthly support using Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/forwhatitsearthpodcast

Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

For What It’s Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024).

[Listener Questions] Staying hopeful, plogging, and picking up dog poo

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 00:01:00 +0000

This week we're answering your questions. Join Emma and Sophie for a grand tour of 'plogging', an investigation into whether dog poo is natural enough to be left in the environment, and a chat about how we remain hopeful in the environment sector despite all the bad news.

Get in touch

We're on Instagram, Bluesky, Twitter and email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Send us your Listener Questions and weekly One Good Thing For The Planet.

Support the show:

Organic cotton FWIE tees & merch: https://forwhatitsearth.teemill.com/

Help us cover our running costs with a one-off donation or sign up for monthly support using Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/forwhatitsearthpodcast

Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

For What It’s Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024).

AI: A climate solution or a concern?

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 00:01:00 +0000

This week, we’re diving into one of the most rapidly evolving fields of our time: artificial intelligence. AI takes many forms and is rapidly transforming many industries and sectors - from helping to optimise international supply chains to smarting up energy grids and predicting climate patterns.

But alongside the many celebrated efficiency and problem-solving benefits that AI can offer, there are also many concerns lurking around every virtual corner - including concerns about the massive environmental footprint of AI.

Episode notes:

UNEP World Environment Situation Room: https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/how-artificial-intelligence-helping-tackle-environmental-challenges

Smart Farming: https://www.bsigroup.com/globalassets/localfiles/en-gb/bsi-knowledge/bsi-knowledge-food/bsi_smart_farming_report.pdf

AI e-waste: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/rise-ai-looming-threat-e-waste-how-automation-can-save-day-exnfc/

TUBERSCAN: https://www.harper-adams.ac.uk/research/project/1285/tuberscan-using-deep-learning-and-data-science-to-improve-agronomy-decisions-in-the-potato-industry

Get in touch:

We're on Instagram, Bluesky, Twitter and email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Send us your Listener Questions and weekly One Good Thing For The Planet.

Support the show:

Organic cotton FWIE tees & merch: https://forwhatitsearth.teemill.com/

Help us cover our running costs with a one-off donation or sign up for monthly support using Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/forwhatitsearthpodcast

Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

For What It’s Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024).

Trump: A backwards step for climate change?

Sun, 10 Nov 2024 11:54:19 +0000

What impact will the incoming President have on the climate? The US Election result this week has left many of us in a spin, and in this bonus episode, we take a trip to BCFM's show Love and Science to chat with the lovely Andrew Glester. We share a few of our initial thoughts on the news and explore ways to remain optimistic, look after ourselves and galvanise as a community to ensure climate action isn't forgotten.

Episode notes:

Email your MP: https://www.theyworkforyou.com/

The Climate and Nature Bill: https://www.zerohour.uk/climate-and-nature-bill/

Stop Rosebank and take action on fossil fuels: https://www.stopcambo.org.uk/

Cop 29: https://cop29.az/en/home

BCFM's Love and Science: https://www.bcfmradio.com/show/love-science

Get in touch:

We're on Instagram, Bluesky, Twitter and email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Send us your Listener Questions and weekly One Good Thing For The Planet.

Support the show:

Organic cotton FWIE tees & merch: https://forwhatitsearth.teemill.com/

Help us cover our running costs with a one-off donation or sign up for monthly support using Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/forwhatitsearthpodcast

Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

For What It’s Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024).

[Listener Questions] Eco-bafflement, biogas, and teaching kids about climate

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 00:01:00 +0000

How do we teach children about climate change without causing eco-anxiety? What supposedly environmental thing absolutely baffles you? Is biogas actually carbon neutral? Three hot topics on the table today as we sit down to answer your For What It's Earth listener questions.

Episode notes:

The Adventures of Scout children's books: https://theadventuresofscout.com/

Get in touch:

We're on Instagram, Bluesky, Twitter and email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Send us your Listener Questions and weekly One Good Thing For The Planet.

Support the show:

Organic cotton FWIE tees & merch: https://forwhatitsearth.teemill.com/

Help us cover our running costs with a one-off donation or sign up for monthly support using Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/forwhatitsearthpodcast

Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

For What It’s Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024).

The Olympics: Was Paris 2024 really the greenest games ever?

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 00:01:00 +0000

The 2024 Olympics in Paris aspired to be the first Games ever to be fully aligned with Paris Agreement - but can the world's biggest international sporting event ever really be considered sustainable? From incredible eco-design decisions to the energy and food choices made with the planet in mind, to the burden of private aviation and wasteful merchandise and athleisure, we're taking a metaphorical dive into the bold claims, innovative steps and downright failures associated with Paris 2024.

Episode Notes:

British Association for Sustainable Sport: https://basis.org.uk/2024/07/26/paris-2024-the-greenest-games-ever/

Designing the aquatics centre: https://www.ribaj.com/intelligence/making-buildings-paris-olympic-aquatics-centre-costs-flexible-design

https://aurorasolar.com/blog/2024/04/17/the-2024-paris-olympics-solars-role/

Coca-cola's soda fountain greenwashing: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/aug/07/greenwash-games-french-public-points-finger-at-coca-cola-over-olympics-plastic-waste

Plastic: https://www.plasticpollutioncoalition.org/blog/2024/8/20/are-efforts-to-green-the-olympic-games-enough

Offsetting and clean energy: https://www.spglobal.com/commodityinsights/en/market-insights/latest-news/energy-transition/072324-feature-paris-olympics-to-lean-heavily-on-offsets-clean-power-to-hit-carbon-targets

Get in touch:

We're on Instagram, Bluesky, Twitter and email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Send us your Listener Questions and weekly One Good Thing For The Planet.

Support the show:

Organic cotton FWIE tees & merch: https://forwhatitsearth.teemill.com/

Help us cover our running costs with a one-off donation or sign up for monthly support using Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/forwhatitsearthpodcast

Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

For What It’s Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024).

[Listener Questions]: Dishwashers, phone charging and Clarkson's Farm

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 02:00:00 +0100

Welcome to the first of our fortnightly bonus episodes, in which we answer three green questions sent in by you! Ever wondered whether washing your dishes by hand or in a dishwasher is more environmentally friendly, or whether it's better to charge your phone at home or in your car? Or what our humble opinions on the hit farming series Clarkson's Farm might be? Well, this episode has got you covered.

Episode Notes:

10 eco-friendly laundry products to add to your cupboard: https://www.countryfile.com/how-to/green-living/eco-friendly-laundry-products

Get in touch:

We're on Instagram, Bluesky, Twitter and email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Send us your Listener Questions and weekly One Good Thing For The Planet.

Support the show:

Organic cotton FWIE tees & merch: https://forwhatitsearth.teemill.com/

Help us cover our running costs with a one-off donation or sign up for monthly support using Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/forwhatitsearthpodcast

Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

For What It’s Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024).

Protests: A help or hindrance for the environment?

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 02:30:00 +0100

Environmental protests. Beyond grabbing headlines and successfully irritating segments of the population, do they work as a tool to move the needle for the planet? We're starting this new season by taking to the streets (not literally) and exploring how one of history's most effective but divisive change-making methods is being used to demand action on climate change.

Episode notes:

They Work For You, the website that connects you with your local political representative and makes it easy to contact them: https://www.theyworkforyou.com/

Get in touch:

We're on Instagram, Bluesky, Twitter and email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Send us your Listener Questions and weekly One Good Thing For The Planet.

Support the show:

Organic cotton FWIE tees & merch: https://forwhatitsearth.teemill.com/

Help us cover our running costs with a one-off donation or sign up for monthly support using Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/forwhatitsearthpodcast

Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

For What It’s Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024).

Season 4 Trailer: FWIE is back!

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 03:44:00 +0100

Yes, your favourite climate, nature and sustainability podcast is back! For What It's Earth returns next Wednesday with a shiny new look, new features, and a brand new co-host. Nature writer and science communicator Sophie Pavelle now joins Emma Brisdion for a series exploring a wide range of eco topics - from discussing environmental protests and exploring the green credentials of the Olympics, to finding out how to make your upcoming hen or stag do more sustainable.

Get in touch

Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content between episodes, and get in touch to share your Listener Questions, One Good Things, and to suggest episode topics. Feel free to also shower us with praise, we're fine with that too. We're on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, or you can email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com.

While you're here, subscribe so you never miss an episode, and leave us a 5-star review to help new listeners find us!

Support the show:

Treat yourself to something from our range of organic cotton goodies, from teeshirts to tote bags: https://forwhatitsearth.teemill.com/

Help us cover the pod's running costs with a one-off donation or sign up for monthly support (as little as the cost of a cup of coffee goes a long way) using Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/forwhatitsearthpodcast

For What It’s Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024).

84: Air Pollution (Psst. We’re on a break!)

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 02:17:00 +0100

We are going to take a little break from podcasting for a while, so in a bid to stop our great podcast algorithm overlords from burying For What It’s Earth, we're going to share a few oldies but goodies with you over the coming weeks. Episodes that we enjoyed making for you at some point in the last few years, which perhaps you might enjoy again or if you’re new here, you might not have heard the first time around.

So, here you go, enjoy our adventures through the problems surrounding and solutions for, Air Pollution!

What's going on with the air that we breathe? Well, quite a lot, it seems. We're chatting today about the causes of air pollution, the problems it can cause for our health and things like farming and our food supply, and we explore some of the possible solutions.

Enjoyed the episode?

Got an idea for another topic? Just want to say Hi? We'd love to hear from you! Get in touch with us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter or by email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com.

Don't forget to leave us a shiny review on your chosen podcast platform. We'd super appreciate it.

Support the show:

Treat yourself to something from our range of organic cotton goodies, from teeshirts to tote bags: https://forwhatitsearth.teemill.com/

83: Forget Me Not, with Sophie Pavelle

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 02:05:00 +0100

Sophie's debut book, Forget Me Not, has landed on our shelves, chronicling her low-carbon journeys around the UK searching for 10 charismatic species that are being impacted by climate change. She joins Emma for a chat about her adventures, about the role of JOY when communicating climate science and nature connection, and also a little bit about the Kardashians (it makes sense if you've read the book).

Purchase your copy of Forget Me Not: https://uk.bookshop.org/books/1647217193_forget-me-not-finding-the-forgotten-species-of-climate-change-britain/9781472986214

Hear more from Sophie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophiepavs/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sophiepavs

Get in touch

Enjoyed the episode? Got an idea for another topic? Just want to say Hi? Get in touch with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or by email at forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com.

While you're here, make sure that you've subscribed so that you never miss an episode, and leave us a 5- star review to help new listeners find us!

Support the show:

Treat yourself to something from our range of organic cotton goodies, from teeshirts to tote bags: https://forwhatitsearth.teemill.com/

82. Sam Gandy on nature connection, psychedelics and beavers

Wed, 03 Aug 2022 02:02:00 +0100

Nature connectedness; what is it, why is it important, and can we boost it? Researcher Sam Gandy joins us in this episode to explore the concept of nature connectedness, which is s key predictor of us taking actions that are good for the planet and is also of huge benefit for our mental health and wellbeing. His research takes us to some fascinating places, including the research looking at the role that psychedelics such as psilocybin (found in magic mushrooms) have in quickly and deeply enhancing our feelings of connectedness with nature. Plus, we also take a splash through the role of beaver wetlands in improving feelings of nature connectedness, too.

Hear more from Sam: https://twitter.com/SamwiseGandy

The potential synergistic effects between psychedelic administration and nature contact for the improvement of mental health (2020) https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2055102920978123

Potential psychological benefits of nature enrichment through the reintroduction of the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) to Britain: A narrative literature review (2021) https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sam-Gandy-4/publication/356221528_Potential_psychological_benefits_of_nature_enrichment_through_the_reintroduction_of_the_Eurasian_beaver_Castor_fiber_to_Britain_A_narrative_literature_review/links/61929b7b07be5f31b7846897/Potential-psychological-benefits-of-nature-enrichment-through-the-reintroduction-of-the-Eurasian-beaver-Castor-fiber-to-Britain-A-narrative-literature-review.pdf

Get in touch

Enjoyed the episode? Got an idea for another topic? Just want to say Hi? Get in touch with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or by email at forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com.

While you're here, make sure that you've subscribed so that you never miss an episode, and leave us a 5- star review to help new listeners find us!

Support the show:

Treat yourself to something from our range of organic cotton goodies, from teeshirts to tote bags: https://forwhatitsearth.teemill.com/

81: BOGS (again): Celebrating natural carbon sequestration for #WorldBogDay

Sun, 24 Jul 2022 03:22:00 +0100

You might be wondering why we’ve popped an episode in your feed on a Sunday instead of a Wednesday, so I’m here to clear that up. Today is actually world bog day, a day in which we all celebrate the awesomeness of this underrated habitat, which is fantastic at quietly getting on with an immense amount of carbon sequestration as well as supporting its own army of specialist plants and animals. About a year and a half ago we recorded an episode on bogs, and today is the perfect time to resurface it and for you to find out exactly why I think bogs are super cool. So, if you missed it before, here’s For What It’s Earth, on BOGS!

Plus, we introduce a section called 'Listener Corner' where we discuss this paper https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcosc.2020.615419/full sent to us by one of our lovely listeners. Thanks, Jack!

Get in touch

Enjoyed the episode? Got an idea for another topic? Just want to say Hi? Get in touch with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or by email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com.

While you're here, make sure that you've subscribed so that you never miss an episode, and leave us a 5- star review to help new listeners find us!

Support the show:

Treat yourself to something from our range of organic cotton goodies, from teeshirts to tote bags: https://forwhatitsearth.teemill.com/

80: Eco-Anxiety. What is it, and how can we deal with it?

Wed, 20 Jul 2022 02:16:00 +0100

Many of us feel an existential sense of doom and dread when we think about the state of the environment. (Record-smashing temperatures of 40oC in the UK this week, anyone?) It can wreak havoc with our mental health, and be hard to deal with. In fact, feeling eco anxiety is a perfectly normal reaction to being told that we're in a climate crisis.

In this episode we explore some of the causes of eco anxiety and some of the possible solutions, or tools that might help you when you're feeling stressed. We hope that it might help.

This episode also features a clip sent over by our friend Suzy from the Casual Birder Podcast. Suzy has visited Antarctica and, after listening to our episode on the White Continent, was kind enough to share her experience of responsible tourism. You can hear more from Suzy over on her podcast, The Casual Birder: https://casualbirder.com/

Get in touch

Enjoyed the episode? Got an idea for another topic? Just want to say Hi? Get in touch with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or by email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com.

While you're here, make sure that you've subscribed so that you never miss an episode, and leave us a 5- star review to help new listeners find us!

Support the show:

Treat yourself to something from our range of organic cotton goodies, from teeshirts to tote bags: https://forwhatitsearth.teemill.com/

79: Antarctica. Can we protect it, or survive without it? With Ryan Dalton

Wed, 29 Jun 2022 01:01:00 +0100

The White Continent (and the southern seas around it) is an incredibly important place for wildlife, for the regulation of global ocean currents, and for reflecting a huge amount of the sun's heat back out of our atmosphere (known as the Albedo effect). But Antarctica faces plenty of threats, which we'll take a dive into. You're in for a treat, too, as this week Emma is joined by Ryan Dalton from Into The Wild Podcast.

Get in touch

Enjoyed the episode? Got an idea for another topic? Just want to say Hi? Get in touch with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or by email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com.

While you're here, make sure that you've subscribed so that you never miss an episode, and leave us a 5- star review to help new listeners find us!

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78: Sports! Can we make them more sustainable?

Wed, 08 Jun 2022 08:16:37 +0100

From football and F1, to deciding which trainers to run your next half-marathon in, we're attempting something of an episode heptathlon this week as we explore whether both our big sporting events and our personal sporting ventures can be made more planet-positive.

Things we spoke about:

Trainer recycling: https://www.runnersneed.com/about-us/recyclemyrun.html

Allbirds sustainable trainers: https://www.allbirds.co.uk/pages/sustainable-practices#beginnings

EcoYoga mat: https://www.ecoyoga.uk/ecomats

Forest Green Rovers: https://unfccc.int/climate-action/momentum-for-change/climate-neutral-nhttps://unfccc.int/climate-action/momentum-for-change/climate-neutral-now/creating-the-greenest-football-club-in-the-world-forest-green-rovers

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77: Save the Seagrass, Save Ourselves?

Wed, 18 May 2022 03:57:00 +0100

Take a dive with us into one of the most exciting marine habitats on the planet - and it's often found just a few splashes away from the coast. Seagrass is thought to capture carbon 35 TIMES faster than tropical rainforests, yet it covers less than 1% of the seafloor and we're losing it globally, rapidly. They're also vital habitats for marine life and provide more ecosystem services than we can count (almost). But, In the UK, we've lost more than 90% of our seagrass habitat. What can we do about that, you ask? Listen to find out!

Seagrass restoration volunteering opportunities

Ocean Conservation Trust https://oceanconservationtrust.org/volunteers-needed-to-support-seagrass-conservation/

Recreation Remedies https://saveourseabed.co.uk/get-involved/volunteers/

Project Seagrass https://www.facebook.com/groups/444685045723981

Some of the other things we spoke about

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/seagrass-can-work-as-a-sanitation-service-180980034/

https://seagrassspotter.org/

https://www.projectseagrass.org/

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76: Concrete: Cutting construction’s carbon footprint with Adam Gittins

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 03:09:00 +0100

Oh, it's a sexy subject and a half this episode. Concrete is one of the most widely-used building materials in the world, so we're exploring its environmental impact with Adam Gittins from Cemfree. The manufacture of traditional cement, a key component of concrete, accounts for up to 8% of GLOBAL carbon emissions. But, there are innovative ways to reduce this - from creating ultra low-carbon types of cement (like Cemfree) that can be used, to designing buildings that use concrete smarter and have much more thorough 'end-of-life' recycling plans that can re-use building materials once the structure is no longer needed in its current form. And, as Adam points out, persuading the government to make these changes mandated in projects like the construction of all new homes, would make a huge impact on a very carbon-heavy industry.

Extra reading:

Cemfree (DB Group): https://dbgholdings.com/cemfree/

Cement makers across world pledge large cut in emissions by 2030 (Guardian): https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/oct/12/cement-makers-across-world-pledge-large-cut-in-emissions-by-2030-co2-net-zero-2050#:~:text=The%20industry%20is%20responsible%20for,and%20concrete%20release%20CO2.

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75: Bats! How to save them

Wed, 13 Apr 2022 02:25:00 +0100

Far more than mysterious nighttime creatures of folklore, we dig into why macro bats and micro bats (like this brown long-eared bat here) are fascinating AND important, and what can be done to stop the loss of them from our countryside in the UK.

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74: Saving fish and top pond tips with wildlife cameraman, Jack Perks

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 02:15:00 +0100

This week Emma takes a dive into something she knows very little about; fish in UK rivers, the threats they're under and the fascinating projects working to restore their populations. Joining her to head upstream is wildlife cameraman, author, and podcaster (and almost one of the dullest men in Britain...), Jack Perks! Plus, plenty of fantastic advice for anyone keen to put a pond in their garden to support wildlife, as Emma is attempting to do.

Links:

Jack’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fishtwitcher/

Lizzy Daly’s film ‘Billion Pound Fish’ on Scottish fisheries: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNypmawFLdI&ab_channel=LizzieDalyWildlifeTV

The Bearded Tit (Jack)’s Podcast: https://beardedtit.podbean.com/

Emma’s episode on Jack’s Podcast: https://beardedtit.podbean.com/e/climate-crisis-engaging-with-gen-z-ft-sophie-pavelleemma-brisdon/

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73: Nina Constable on fish passes, filmmaking and families

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 02:22:00 +0000

Join us to chat with e-NGO filmmaking superstar, Nina Constable, who is well known and loved for her beautiful movies highlighting issues that wildlife face and the conservation efforts underway to support them. Watch Nina's latest film, Unlocking The Severn: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsePWhmkeK0

Listen to Beaver Trust's Podcast, The Lodge Cast: https://bit.ly/LodgeCast

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72: Steve Simpson on coral reefs, global change, and hope

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 07:48:31 +0000

“The future is still up for grabs.” In this episode, Emma is joined by Professor Steve Simpson, marine biologist, lecturer and science communicator, to take a dive into the issues that our oceans are facing. We explore the effects of noise pollution on our coral reef communities, discuss harnessing our eco grief to fuel finding innovative solutions, and, given that Steve was part of the influential Blue Planet II series, the role that public science communication can have in helping us improve the state of our seas.

Steve’s TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/steve_simpson_how_ocean_noise_destroys_marine_ecosystems?language=en

Watch Steve on BBC’s Blue Planet II: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b09jbn5f/blue-planet-ii-series-1-7-our-blue-planet

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71: Botanist Leif Bersweden on plants & climate change

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 03:39:00 +0000

How is climate change impacting plant communities? Are there any winners among the losers? Why are plants just as cool as (if not, cooler) than animals? And how does a broken car actually HELP when you're writing a book? Emma is joined this week by botanist and author Leif Bersweden, who has just announced that he's got another book due out in 2022; Where The Wildflowers Grow.

For more from Leif:

https://www.instagram.com/leifbersweden/

https://twitter.com/LeifBersweden

Pre-order Leif's new book, Where The Wildflowers Grow: https://www.waterstones.com/book/9781529349535

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70: Rewilding and reptiles, with Harvey Tweats

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 02:23:00 +0000

We’re digging in to the state of nature in the UK and how the concept of rewilding - restoring land to allow nature to recover and for biodiversity to flourish - could be the key to combating the climate and ecological crisis. In the hot seat this week and bringing a wealth of knowledge with him, is Harvey Tweats, an ecologist passionate about rewinding and one of the founders of Celtic Reptile and Amphibian, a captive breeding programme looking to support the reintroduction of species to the UK landscape.

Find out more about Harvey and Celtic Reptile and Amphibian: https://celticreptileamphibian.co.uk/

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69: Conservation in Africa and life in the bush, with Rosie Miles

Wed, 05 Jan 2022 02:31:00 +0000

🎧 ✨ Conservation in Africa! 🐘 🐆 In the first episode of 2022, Emma travels south (virtually) to find out what it's really like to live in the African bush and work as a conservationist protecting and restoring areas of land in protected national parks. What does 'rewilding' look like in Malawi? What is the issue with colonialism in conservation? How does the conservation sector differ in the UK from Africa? Rosie Miles has spent the last 10 years as a bush guide and conservationist, specializing in tracking and monitoring predator populations. Plus, she's just published her first book 'Girl of the Wild'! Pick up a copy of Girl of the Wild here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Girl-Wild-Misadventures-African-Bush/dp/B099BWT2KM/ref=asc_df_B099BWT2KM/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=534971392961&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3296283785065007070&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006476&hvtargid=pla-1432881554804&psc=1&th=1&psc=1 Follow Rosie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/safari_smiles/

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68: Birds of prey, with Tom Morath from Hawk Conservancy Trust

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 02:10:00 +0000

Why are the predators of the sky one of the coolest parts of our ecosystem? How are they being impacted by climate change, habitat loss, bird flu, and persecution? And just what can we, and conservation organisations do to help?

To chat all things 'bird of prey,' we are joined by Tom Morath, bird of prey expert, Fundraising Events Manager at The Hawk Conservancy, host of Nature’s a Hoot Podcast, and all-round good egg!

Find out more about Hawk Conservancy Trust: https://www.hawk-conservancy.org/

https://www.instagram.com/hawkconservancy/

Listen to Nature's a Hoot: https://www.hawk-conservancy.org/2021/11/02/natures-a-hoot-one-year-on/

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67: Ho, ho, how to have a sustainable Christmas! (Again)

Wed, 08 Dec 2021 03:28:00 +0000

Two years ago, in a pre-pandemic world (remember that?) we sat in the same room to record a Christmas episode and explored ways that we could all make the upcoming festive season a better one for the environment. Instead of doing another episode on the same topic this year, as a bonus pressie, we're pulling this one down from the loft with the Christmas decorations and dusting it off in the hope that it is still relevant and helpful.

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66: Australia on fire, with award-winning filmmaker Eva Orner

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 03:37:00 +0000

What was the role of climate change in the intense ‘Black Summer’ bushfires in Australia in 2019/20, and what can Australia, do to change the increasingly-unstable direction that we’re currently heading in?

As her award-winning climate change documentary, BURNING, is released on Prime Video, Eva Orner joins Emma for a fascinating conversation about how the climate crisis is playing out in Australia.

The documentary (and this episode) explores the stories of the people on the ground fighting these fires and the communities experiencing the devastation first hand, what the warning signs were for our increasingly intense bushfire seasons, how the climate-concerned youth of Australia are shouldering a huge burden in an attempt to change policy, how frustrating the actions of Australian policymakers and media have been in laying roadblocks for mitigating the climate crisis, and what a greener future for Australia could look like.

Watch BURNING here:

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Burning-Eva-Orner/dp/B09M4674WT/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=eva+orner&qid=1637944658&sr=8-2

USA: https://www.amazon.com/Burning-EVA-ORNER/dp/B09M48MGYT/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=burning&qid=1637944569&s=instant-video&sr=1-9

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65: Cambo: Oil, gas and cheesy bottom sponges

Wed, 17 Nov 2021 03:33:00 +0000

What's up with the proposed new oil and gas field exploration off the coast of Scotland? Here's our hot take.

Write to your MP:

https://actionnetwork.org/letters/tell-your-mp-to-stop-cambo

Friends of the Earth letter to parliament:

https://act.friendsoftheearth.uk/petition/tell-government-reject-plans-oil-extraction-cambo-field

Joe Lycett Vs the Oil Giant:

https://www.channel4.com/programmes/joe-lycett-vs-the-oil-giant

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64: Bobbing for truth: Halloween‘s environmental footprint

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 03:44:00 +0100

PUMPKINS! Costumes! Party decorations! Trick or treat snacks! One of the scariest things about All Hallow's Eve is how wasteful the haunting holiday is, so we're diving into some of the classic components of Halloween to try and make them a bit kinder to the planet.

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63: Light pollution: Bulbs, brightness and blinding nature

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 03:38:00 +0100

We’re turning our attention today to a kind of pollution that you can’t just pick up and pop in the bin. Light pollution can occur in many forms and can, of course, have a great many impacts on all that it touches - including our plant and animal chums. Join us to find out how our artificial illuminations are impacting moths, bats, and trees, why we’re second-guessing switching street lights to energy-efficient LEDs, and why residents in California once freaked out when they saw the Milky Way.

Articles we mentioned:

Our nights are getting brighter, and Earth is paying the price

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/nights-are-getting-brighter-earth-paying-the-price-light-pollution-dark-skies

5 Ways To Reduce Light Pollution - Core Glow with the International Dark-Sky Association

https://www.coreglow.ca/news/5-ways-to-reduce-light-pollution-core-glow-with-the-international-darksky-association

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62: Soil: Essential and… Sexy?

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 03:10:00 +0100

Join us this week to get down and dirty in the world of SOIL, dirtiness, earthworms, and carbon being burped from our land when we don’t look after it. Soil is important for food production, for water storage and filtering, for improving both our own and our ecosystems’ resilience to climate change, AND HEALTHY SOILS STORE HEAPS OF CARBON. What can we do to a) make soil sexy and b) save our soils? Listen now to find out…

Documentaries/movies recommended in this episode:

Fantastic Fungi https://fantasticfungi.com/

Fantastic Fungi (Netflix) https://www.netflix.com/title/81183477

Kiss The Ground https://kissthegroundmovie.com/

Kiss The Ground (Netflix) https://www.netflix.com/title/81321999?s=i&trkid=13752289%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0

Biggest Little Farm https://www.biggestlittlefarmmovie.com

Biggest Little Farm (Amazon) https://www.amazon.com/Biggest-Little-Farm-John-Chester/dp/B07R4CFF3M

Also, check out The Soil Association for more great information about the importance of our soil: https://www.soilassociation.org/

Ted Talk about soil carbon and global desertification: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpTHi7O66pI

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61: Eco(ish) home renovation & redecoration

Wed, 08 Sep 2021 07:28:34 +0100

Helpful podcast about sprucing up your home while keeping the planet in mind, or therapy session for Emma and Lloyd in the middle of their own home renovation projects? You decide….

Some of the links that we mentioned:

https://www.savewatersavemoney.co.uk/

https://localtools.org/

https://www.simpleenergyadvice.org.uk/grants

https://www.standard.co.uk/shopping/esbest/home-garden/best-eco-paints-environmentally-friendly-b75193.html

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60: Green pensions, with Make My Money Matter

Wed, 18 Aug 2021 04:07:00 +0100

Did you know that changing your pension provider is one of the biggest ways to slash your carbon footprint?

With over £2.6 trillion in the UK tied up in pension funds, which are often invested by banks in industries like fossil fuels or tobacco, Kenneth and Holly join us from Make Money Matter to explain the power you have by being able to switch your pension to one that invests in a sustainable future instead.

It’s simple. Why would you try to live a low-impact life, but, leaving your growing retirement fund invested in practices which don’t align with your own values? Your pension is supposed to protect your future, but if it’s invested in fossil fuels, it undermines it. Switch to a pension provider which invests in renewables or has pledged to go carbon-free - something that Make My Money Matter is campaigning hard to ensure that the whole industry does.

Find out more about MMMM and their fantastic 21X campaign: https://makemymoneymatter.co.uk/21x/

Watch the Dr Bronwyn King TED Talk mentioned in this episode: https://www.ted.com/talks/bronwyn_king_you_may_be_accidentally_investing_in_cigarette_companies?language=en

Enjoyed the episode? Got an idea for another topic? Just want to say Hi? Get in touch with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or by email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com.

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59: Space tourism: Bad news for terra firma?

Wed, 04 Aug 2021 04:00:00 +0100

With billionaires blasting off to spend a few minutes on the edge of space, some of us who are destined never to leave earth are asking 'Hey, do you really need to do that? Can't we fix some of the problems down here first?'

We're exploring the environmental issues of commercial space tourism, and of scientific space travel, and looking at some of the options for making the industry slightly less bad for the planet. And for space.

Enjoyed the episode? Got an idea for another topic? Just want to say Hi? We'd love to hear from you! Get in touch with us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter or by email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com.

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58: Cryptocurrency: Is Bitcoin burning the planet?

Wed, 21 Jul 2021 03:20:00 +0100

What does bitcoin have to do with climate change? Can anyone mine this made-up-seeming digital money? What even IS cryptocurrency? We're tackling the big questions today after lovey listener McKenna from Ohio sent us in a request to explore the environmental impact of cryptocurrency.

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57: Trees, with Joe Middleton from Woodland Trust

Wed, 07 Jul 2021 03:55:00 +0100

Can we plant our way out of trouble? What’s the best way to plant trees in our gardens or get involved in planting projects? And, more simply, why are trees COOL? Joe joins us to answer all our burning questions about trees, and about their role in the climate crisis and biodiversity crisis solutions

Things we mentioned:

Emma and Joe exploring an ancient woodland and new tree plantation with Woodland Trust: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGrBBmRrx4o

Lloyd’s One Good Thing: wonky bread products from Earth and Wheat: https://www.earthandwheat.com/

Find out more about Woodland Trust: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/

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56: Carbon storage

Thu, 27 May 2021 09:23:36 +0100

What is it? How does it work? Can we sequester ourselves out of the climate crisis?

All this and plenty more in this episode of For What It's Earth, including a celebration of wonderful listener 'one good thing for the planet' submissions and a bit of a general life catch up with Emma and Lloyd.

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55: Renewables with Juliet Davenport, CEO of Good Energy

Wed, 12 May 2021 03:25:00 +0100

How can we make sure that the 'green' energy we think we're buying isn't actually 'brown'? What the heck is a smart home? How can kids shape the future of green electricity in the UK? All this and a good deal more in this episode, where. we speak to the wonderful Juliet Davenport, CEO of Good Energy and host of Great Green Questions podcast.

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54: Starting a sustainable & ethical business, with James from Animall Tea

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 03:00:00 +0100

Have you had a neat eco-business idea recently? We're joined by James Thirwall from Animall Tea, a speciality tea company that source all their produce from organically and sustainable growers, and who spend their profits supporting conservation charities, about starting a business which is good for the planet, not just for investor's pockets.

James has also offered YOU, our lovely, wonderful listners, 15% off your first order of Animall Tea (which, by the way, is totally delicious) if you visit www.animalltea.com and use code EARTH at checkout. You'll also get a neat little illustration of the species that your purchase is helping to protect.

Get in touch

Enjoyed the episode? Got an idea for another topic? Just want to say Hi? Get in touch with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or by email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com.

While you're here, make sure you've subscribed so you never miss an episode, and leave us a 5-star review to help new listeners find us!

Support the show:

Treat yourself to something from our range of organic cotton goodies, from teeshirts to tote bags: https://forwhatitsearth.teemill.com/

53: Chris Jones from Cornwall Beaver Project

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 03:55:00 +0100

A few years ago, one breeding pair of beavers were released into an enclosure in Cornwall. Now an entire family of beavers thrives in a biodiverse wetland that they have created, supporting insect and birdlife, mitigating flooding and drought events, and even storing carbon! Join Emma as she tours the wetland, site of the Cornwall Beaver Project, and sits down on a fallen tree trunk with the proprietor (and beaver legend), Chris Jones.

Get in touch

Enjoyed the episode? Got an idea for another topic? Just want to say Hi? Get in touch with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or by email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com.

While you're here, make sure you've subscribed so you never miss an episode, and leave us a 5-star review to help new listeners find us!

Support the show:

Treat yourself to something from our range of organic cotton goodies, from teeshirts to tote bags: https://forwhatitsearth.teemill.com/

52: How to grow your own food

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 04:00:00 +0100

Have you ever wanted to grow your own grub? Even with only a small space, growing food is a fantastic thing to do for you, and for the planet. This episode is all about getting the most out of the space you have in terms of yield, because growing your own food is a great potentially eco-friendly thing to do, AND is also about doing so in the best way for the environment that you can.

Oh, and paw-lease leave us a lovely 5- star review. It helps us get noticed and spreads the FWIE love!

Enjoyed the episode? Got an idea for another topic? Just want to say Hi? We'd love to hear from you! Get in touch with us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter or by email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com.

51: PETS! Can they be sustainable? Feat. Ryan Dalton

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 02:28:00 +0000

Here’s your daily paws for thought... This week we’re discussing PETS. Our furry little sidekicks hold special places in our hearts, so it’s not easy to face up to their collective environmental pawprint. Don’t get your backs up though, because we’re here to offer some helpful tips to do right by the planet without making your dog eat tofu. Warning: we say the word ‘poo’ a lot.

PLUS we talk to Ryan Dalton from ‘Into the Wild Podcast’ about dog control within nature and wildlife reserves.

Oh, and paw-lease leave us a lovely 5- star review. It helps us get noticed and spreads the FWIE love!

Enjoyed the episode? Got an idea for another topic? Just want to say Hi? We'd love to hear from you! Get in touch with us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter or by email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com.

Sources: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/jan/15/dog-poop-bags-plastic-alternatives

https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/actions/how-be-eco-friendly-pet-owner

https://www.rspca.org.uk/-/blog-nine-ways-to-be-a-sustainable-pet-owner

https://www.independent.co.uk/climate-change/opinion/pets-uk-ownership-cats-dogs-carbon-environmental-impact-b1249610.html

https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/advice/gardening-for-wildlife/animal-deterrents/cats-and-garden-birds/are-cats-causing-bird-declines/

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/feb/11/meaty-meals-and-play-stop-cats-killing-wildlife-study-finds

50: Tea and coffee

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 03:44:00 +0000

HOT DRINKS, WE'RE COMING FOR YA! That's right, we're putting the nation's favourite beverages under our environmental impact microscope in this week's episode, 'Tea and Coffee'. Pop the kettle on, grab your eco-milk of choice and settle down with a brew to listen.

Enjoyed the episode? Got an idea for another topic? Just want to say Hi? We'd love to hear from you! Get in touch with us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter or by email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com.

Don't forget to leave us a nice review on your chosen podcast platform!

49: Anthropogenic noise: Human sound pollution

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 02:52:00 +0000

HELLO? CAN YOU HEAR US? This week we're looking at the problem of anthropogenic noise, or human sound pollution, and how it creates real predicaments for our wildlife both above and below the waves. A significant problem that can be solved as simply as it started, but is there enough drive from policy makers? Can animals adapt their mating calls and find food in a human-dominated soundscape? Can fish still find their way home? What does Emma do with all of her spare onions? Only one way to find out - tune into our frequency and give us a listen.

Enjoyed the episode? Got an idea for another topic? Just want to say Hi? We'd love to hear from you! Get in touch with us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter or by email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com.

Don't forget to leave us a shiny review on your chosen podcast platform!

Sources: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-55939344 https://science.sciencemag.org/content/371/6529/eaba4658/tab-pdf

48: BOGS! Nature‘s best carbon capture habitats

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 09:14:53 +0000

It's World Wetlands Day and we're chatting about BOGS; a habitat which the IUCN calls the largest natural terrestrial carbon store. So, why are these underrated habitats so gosh darn cool, and what makes them so good at storing carbon? Pop this episode in your ears to find out all about things bogs, peat, mires and permafrost.

Enjoyed the episode? Got an idea for another topic? Just want to say Hi? We'd love to hear from you! Get in touch with us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter or by email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com.

Don't forget to leave us a shiny review on your chosen podcast platform!

47: Air pollution: What are we breathing in?

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 03:32:00 +0000

What's going on with the air that we breathe? Well, quite a lot, it seems. We're chatting today about the causes of air pollution, the problems it can cause for our own health and things like farming and our food supply, and we explore some of the possible solutions.

Enjoyed the episode? Got an idea for another topic? Just want to say Hi? We'd love to hear from you! Get in touch with us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter or by email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com.

Don't forget to leave us a shiny review on your chosen podcast platform. We'd super appreciate it.

46: Tom Carroll: Saving the rainforest with TikTok

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 04:42:00 +0000

Science and Tech YouTuber & Content Creator Tom Carroll joins the podcast to chat about using TikTok to save the rainforest, why wind farms are moving further offshore and what’s so exciting about 3D printing coral reefs (and also to catch up with us, as we're also old uni chums).

Find Tom on YouTube and Instagram.

Get in touch with us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter and by email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com.

Don't forget to leave us a shiny review on your chosen podcast platform. We'd super appreciate it.

45: Merry Christmas-is-a-bit-cancelled bonus Q&A!

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 04:00:00 +0000

This week, literally moments after the big covid-bans-holiday-fun announcement, we recorded a festive episode answering your questions! We can't promise you Pulitzer Prize-winning green journalism, but you can unwrap 40 bonus minutes of our voices, as we meander through some serious eco q's and some not-so-serious silly inquiries, which you sent in this week!

PLUS... The long-awaited return of Lloyd's Christmas singing.

Get in touch with us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter and by email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com.

Don't forget to leave us a shiny review on your chosen podcast platform. We'd super appreciate it.

44: Beavers, with Sophie Pavelle and Eva Bishop from Beaver Trust

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 03:33:00 +0000

Pandemic, what? 2020 has been the year of THE BEAVER. One native rodent with the natural ability to engineer wetland landscapes that support an incredible diversity of life, and which can even help us combat the effects of climate change. What's not to love?

Sophie Pavelle and Eva Bishop from Beaver Trust join Emma to chat all things Castor fiber from orange teeth and second lips to beaver boobs and rewilding parachute attempts.

For more from Beaver Trust, head to https://beavertrust.org/

While you’re here, why not give us a review on your podcast platform of choice?

Get in touch with us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter and by email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com.

43: British nature with Lucy Hodson

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 03:17:00 +0000

Why are fungi cool? What happens to British birds in the winter? We sit down for a natter with Nature Nerd Lucy Hodson (AKA Lucy Lapwing) to find out what it is about wildlife in Britain that has driven her life-long love affair with nature.

Get in touch with us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter and by email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com.

Don't forget to leave us a shiny review on your chosen podcast platform. We'd super appreciate it.

And for more from Lucy, find her on Instagram and Twitter.

42: Sea ice: Why does it matter?

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 03:04:00 +0000

It's been a record-breaking (-ly bad) year for sea ice. So why does that matter? The changing of the seasons is pretty reliable … or it used to be. Arctic ice loss has been in the news constantly for at least a decade, but just last month it was confirmed that 2020 is the second-worst year on record for it. If you thought it was problem that didn’t affect you, well, you’d be wrong about that. So, why is this happening? Why this year in particular? And what about the antarctic?

Take a listen and find out. Oh, and if you were to leave us a little review on your platform of choice, that would be n-ice!

Get in touch with us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter and by email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com.

A few of the discussed sources:

https://theconversation.com/wheres-the-sea-ice-3-reasons-the-arctic-freeze-is-unseasonably-late-and-why-it-matters-148918

https://research.noaa.gov/article/ArtMID/587/ArticleID/2660/Arctic-melt-season-puts-focus-on-sea-ice-forecasts

https://www.newscientist.com/article/2259556-rivers-of-air-in-the-sky-are-melting-huge-patches-of-antarctic-sea-ice/

https://royalsociety.org/topics-policy/projects/climate-change-evidence-causes/question-12/

41: HS2: Low-carbon travel or environmental disaster?

Wed, 04 Nov 2020 03:26:00 +0000

It’s fair to say that, since its announcement nearly a decade ago, the ‘High Speed Rail 2’ project has been in the UK news A LOT. With construction starting on the massive infrastructure project recently, we took a look at the likely environmental impact of this highly-contentious undertaking. Could projects like this ever have a positive environmental swing? Does simply uprooting and moving a whole forest actually work?

A few of the discussed sources:

https://www.hs2.org.uk/what-is-hs2/

https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/hs2

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-54628840

While you’re here, why not give us a lovely review on your podcast platform of choice?

Get in touch with us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter and by email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com.

40: Lizzie Daly on animal-human interactions and wildlife presenting

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 04:21:00 +0100

What happens when you take a scorpion into a hotel? What’s the best material to make a puffin from? This week we sat down with Wildlife Television presenter and Biologist Lizzie Daly to discuss human-wildlife ‘conflict’ (or more optimistically, coexistence) and her own research with Kenyan elephants, as well as explore her frankly ridiculously cool career. This is a fun one - plug in, get a cup of tea and laugh along with us.

Why you’re here, why not give us a lovely review on your podcast platform of choice?

Find Lizzie on Instagram: @lizziedalywild or Facebook: @LizzieDalyWildlife

Get in touch with us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter and by email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com.

A good source on human-wildlife conflict/co-existence: https://bit.ly/2T9zxC9

Our Gorongosa film: https://gorongosa.org/our-gorongosa-film/

Save Water Save Money - Free tools to reduce your water use in the home, delivered to your door: https://www.savewatersavemoney.co.uk/

Wild deodorant: https://www.wearewild.com/

39: Rivers (re-visited!) with Dr. Stephanie Januchowski-Hartley

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 04:27:00 +0100

After our rivers episode earlier in the season, we realised that we’d barely gone beneath the surface of this vast topic. Enter: Stephanie, a specialist in aquatic ecosystems and research fellow at Swansea University! Not only do we unpick some key environmental issues in the form of freshwater obstructions (culverts are, perhaps, the unsung villain of our riverine world), but also look at Steph’s work exploring how people and communities the world over interact with, and think of, freshwater. Ponds and poetry, billabongs and balladry, we’ve got it all!

Oh, and why not give us a little, itt-bitty reviewy on your platform of choice? It really, really, helps us be found!

Find the AWESOME Stephanie on Twitter: @ConnectedWaters

Get in touch with us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter and by email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com.

38: Badgers! (and the ‘C‘ word: culling)

Wed, 23 Sep 2020 04:02:00 +0100

We're talking about the UK's most iconic monochrome, stripy nocturnal creatures and the threats they face: roads, pesticides, and the 'C' word - culling.

Get in touch with us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter and by email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Oh, and please do leave us a cute little five-star review so we can achieve our dream of world dominance (and actually stand a chance at being found by new listeners).

Episode links:

https://www.badgertrust.org.uk/

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/07/badger-cull-extended-england-60000-animals-in-line-of-fire

https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/saving-species/badgers

https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/coronavirus-lockdown-badger-cull_uk_5f64dc51c5b6de79b6742fbf?

https://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/badger-cull-licences-bovine-tb-natural-england-derbyshire-george-eustice-b405048.html

36: Rivers: Pollution, pesticides and poop

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 04:05:00 +0100

With untreated sewage, fertiliser nutrients, agriculture chemicals and ALL SORTS ending up in our rivers in the UK through a variety of ways, we turn our attention to some of our beautiful freshwater habitats.

Episode links:

https://bristolavonriverstrust.org/citizen-science-water-quality-monitoring/

35: Insect decline with Yussef Rafik, aka The Zoology Guy

Wed, 19 Aug 2020 04:03:00 +0100

Yussef Rafik, host of BUG FACE on BBC Earth, joins us to share his love for insects, and to chat about insect decline and the things we can do to save the planet's most important but underrated creatures.

The Wildlife Trusts' Action for Insects campaign and advice booklets: https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/take-action-insects

Get in touch with us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter and by email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Oh, and please do leave us a cute little review so we can achieve our dream of world dominance.

34: Lockdown and the environment: changes that can last?

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 04:00:00 +0100

Emerging from lockdown, eyes blinking in the sunlight and masks firmly on, Emma and Lloyd ARE BACK! In this episode, we talk about COVID and the environment. We’ve all seen the amazing stories of dolphins in Venetian canals, goats wandering the streets of Llandudno (Emma can’t pronounce this) and clear skies over our busiest of megacities, but has the perceived environmental benefit been as significant as hoped? And, perhaps more importantly, can it last? STATISTICS. PERSPECTIVE. POOR BANTER. FWIE is back!

Get in touch with us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter and by email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Oh, and please do leave us a cute little review so we can achieve our dream of world dominance.

33: Alcohol: Getting sloshed, sustainably (and responsibly)

Wed, 22 Apr 2020 06:00:00 +0100

Getting sloshed, sustainably… This week we’re raising a glass and toasting the end of series 2 of For What It’s Earth, by taking a look at the environmental footprint of the alcohol industry.

From the packaging used and the carbon footprint associated with your bottle or can’s transport around the globe, to the amount of water or energy used in the crop growing or distilling process, it turns out, there’s rather a lot to think about.

Find out what we recommend you consider when deciding on your next tipple of choice, and explore some of the companies that we’ve found that use waste products, partner with environmental organisations or use closed-loop systems to brew beverages that are good for the planet, as well as the consumer.

Always drink responsibly.

Find For What It's Earth on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Don't forget to leave us a review on your podcast platform - it helps new listeners find the podcast!

32: Save the butterflies, plus getting your nature fix during lockdown

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 06:06:00 +0100

In this episode, we find out why butterflies (and moths!) are an essential part of our ecosystems, learn about why they're under threat and in decline, and explore ways in which we can protect these beautiful pollinators from our own homes. As we're also recording separately and practising social distancing, we're also sharing some top tips for making sure you still get your nature fix while in lockdown - whether you've got a garden, window boxes or just the internet to help!

Our Google Doc of things to do to connect with nature while we're in lockdown: https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fdocs.google.com%2Fdocument%2Fd%2F1_h8LaUrQFzkLJ-_Bkh8-a8bKFeQhFGGi1eTolZMWOHo%2Fedit%3Fusp%3Dsharing%26fbclid%3DIwAR0wfwhMfk3Ogfzn0GbW9cvbzm-K1xBpeofsugo0Bu6HjyC0Kb5VKXxIS9w&h=AT27U9HoKKTX9HkXyldY2j_uu9N4iAGnyo96kpKGGOJYOm5oazCwecDs_56JPe6s9SPMj7yIOXYQvoNXHZ2QllpQfugAvmxcbzvYF9AWlvb2vLA4-o4DqLtCQEBR0AXLo1hCBfrh

This list is full of podcast, YouTube, app and reading ideas to keep family members of all ages (and the environment) happy at this time. Got anything to add to the list? Let us know and we'll include it!

Find For What It's Earth on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Don't forget to leave us a review on your podcast platform - it helps new listeners find the podcast!

Sources: Butterfly Conservation: https://butterfly-conservation.org/

A guide to the best plants for nectar for different butterfly species: https://butterfly-conservation.org/sites/default/files/butterflynectardownload.pdf

Make a butterfly banquet: https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/give-nature-a-home-in-your-garden/garden-activities/makeabutterflybanquet/

Make fat balls for birds: https://www.rspb.org.uk/fun-and-learning/for-kids/games-and-activities/activities/make-a-speedy-bird-cake/

How to make a hedgehog feeder: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FY6-1rQb294

Inside the Petri Dish Podcast on Coronaviris: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/working-on-a-coronavirus-ward-dr-harry-ferguson/id1317403844?i=1000468655506

We have tees! Get yourself a sustainable FWIE teeshirt here: https://forwhatitsearth.teemill.com

Wonderful theme music by Mark Skinner

31: Water scarcity

Wed, 11 Mar 2020 03:00:00 +0000

As our population grows and so too does our consumption of resources, this week Emma and Lloyd are exploring why one of life’s most essential resources is becoming more and more scarce around the world.

We look at the causes of water scarcity, explore big ideas for dealing with it and find out what easy changes we can make in our daily lives that can reduce our personal water usage.

Sources:

Ted Talk: We need to track water like we track the weather:

https://www.ted.com/talks/sonaar_luthra_we_need_to_track_the_world_s_water_like_we_track_the_weather/transcript?language=en

Countryfile: Saving water in the UK https://www.countryfile.com/news/water-shortage-in-the-uk-whats-the-problem-and-how-to-save-water/

WWF: Water Scarcity https://www.worldwildlife.org/threats/water-scarcity

Reclaim Your Sh*t book: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/why-do-we-use-drinking-water-in

UN Water: https://www.unwater.org/water-facts/scarcity/

Experts on water scarcity: https://www.resilience.org/stories/2020-02-04/vital-implications-on-water-scarcity-according-to-14-experts/

BBC: Water shortages in England: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-47620228

Nestle being generally terrible for the planet: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/oct/29/the-fight-over-water-how-nestle-dries-up-us-creeks-to-sell-water-in-plastic-bottles

Find For What It's Earth on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Don't forget to leave us a review on your podcast platform - it helps new listeners find the podcast!

30: Overpopulation: climate change‘s uncomfortable truth? With Dave Gardner

Wed, 04 Mar 2020 05:00:00 +0000

Dave Gardner, host of GrowthBusters Podcast and The Overpopulation Podcast joins Emma this week to talk about climate change’s uncomfortable truth: We’re struggling with overpopulation. We need to do something about our population size and our rate of consumption. How do you deal with that without telling women what to do with their bodies? Download the episode to find out!

We even got Dave to answer YOUR listener questions!

Find For What It's Earth on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Don't forget to leave us a review on your podcast platform - it helps new listeners find the podcast!

Things we spoke about in the episode:

One Planet One Child campaign and fundraiser: https://fundrazr.com/oneplanetonechild

Thailand’s cops and rubbers campaign: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6l4loplFtYg

8 Billion Angels: https://8billionangels.org/

Growthbusters Podcast: https://www.growthbusters.org/podcast/

29: Flooding: Can we blame climate change?

Wed, 26 Feb 2020 05:01:00 +0000

With the UK still recovering from the flooding caused by Storm Dennis and Storm Ciara, we’re looking at the news this week. We're exploring the links between flooding, intense weather events and climate change, and whether there's much we can do about it. And that means, of course, we're also taking BEAVERS. Emma gets pretty enthusiastic about nature’s natural flood management squad, which are currently being trialled in Devon and Cornwall... #morebeaverforbritain

Find For What It's Earth on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Don't forget to leave us a review on your podcast platform - it helps new listeners find the podcast!

Things we spoke about:

Beavers in Britain & the Devon Wildlife Trust: https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/saving-species/beavers

Is flooding in our future? https://www.carbonbrief.org/how-much-flooding-is-in-the-uks-future-a-look-at-the-ipcc-report

Building houses on flood plains: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-51584946

Beavers: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-51575650

28: Tori Tsui on modern-day activism and fixing the system

Wed, 19 Feb 2020 04:00:00 +0000

The passionate and fantastic climate activist Tori Tsui joins Emma this week! After a 3-month sail across the Atlantic which helped to raise awareness about the need for thinking about how we travel and making lower-carbon alternatives feasible, Tori is dialling in from Colombia where she's helping run the fantastic Sail for Climate Action project, taking Latin American and Caribbean youths across the Atlantic to take part in climate talks in Europe in April.

We talk about tackling the carbon footprint of, and the growth of the aviation industry, the role social media can play in combating climate change, she’s become one of the beautiful faces of Stella McCartney’s recent campaigns, and how the obsession for perfection can get in the way of climate activism and public change.

Find out more about Sail To The Cop: https://www.sailtothecop.com/

Read up on Sail For Climate Action: https://www.sailforclimateaction.com/

See Tori's work and thoughts on Instagram @ToriTsui_

And don't forget to find For What It's Earth on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Do leave us a review on your podcast platform - it helps new listeners find the podcast!

26: Renewable energy: How it works, sources and switching

Wed, 12 Feb 2020 05:22:00 +0000

Renewable energy! What is it, how does it work, and how can you switch supplier? Some of the most common renewable energy questions are answered in this episode as we explore on-shore and off-shore wind, solar, biomass and nuclear energy.

Find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and leave us a review - it helps new listeners find the podcast!

Things we spoke about:

Which? Understanding solar panels: https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/solar-panels/article/solar-panels/how-does-solar-pv-work

Which? How green is your energy tariff: https://www.which.co.uk/news/2019/09/how-green-is-your-energy-tariff/

Solar panel smart export guarantee: https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/solar-panels/article/smart-export-guarantee-explained

Biomass: https://www.ovoenergy.com/guides/energy-sources/bio-fuels.html

USwitch green energy supplier comparison: h https://www.uswitch.com/gas-electricity/green-energy/

Support the show:

Treat yourself to something from our range of organic cotton goodies, from teeshirts to tote bags: https://forwhatitsearth.teemill.com/

27: Roxy Furman on activism and low-impact living

Wed, 05 Feb 2020 05:05:00 +0000

AKA Roxy the Zoologist, this lovely activist and wildlife filmmaker joins Emma this week to chat about all things vegan, how social media and activism can come hand in hand, and teaches us how to make oat milk.

Follow Roxy on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/roxythezoologist/

Check out her sustainable supermarket, Zephy EcoMarket: https://www.zephyrecomarket.co.uk/

Organic underwear company which donate pants each time you purchase: https://www.youunderwear.com/

Find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and please do leave us a review - it helps new listeners find the podcast!

We have FWIE podcast tees! Treat yourself to a wonderfully sustainable, organic cotton and low-waste teeshirt here: https://forwhatitsearth.teemill.com

Wonderful theme music by Mark Skinner Sound.

25: Strange sustainability solutions

Wed, 22 Jan 2020 04:00:00 +0000

It’s a fun one this week as we explore some of the most interesting and unusual sustainability solutions and environment-saving action plans the internet has to offer! We’re talking about robot-bees, plastics made from fish waste, bicycles and towers which suck smog out from the air, toilets which convert urine into electricity, shower curtains which grow spikes to kick you out and save water… aaannd all kinds of other things!

If you’ve heard of any cool climate or sustainability solutions recently, let us know! We LOVE hearing about them. Find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and leave us a review - it helps new listeners find the podcast!

Things we spoke about:

- Marinatex plastic made from organic fish waste: https://www.jamesdysonaward.org/2019/project/marinatex/

- Spiky shower curtain: https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/spiky-shower-curtain-gets-you-out-of-hot-water-to-help-save-the-environment_n_55b65012e4b0224d8832caeb?ri18n=true

- Tokyo Electricity Forecast: http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/forecast/html/index-e.html

- Smog-free bicycles:https://www.studioroosegaarde.net/project/smog-free-bicycle

- Beijing smog-sucking tower: https://www.studioroosegaarde.net/project/smog-free-tower

https://www.fastcompany.com/40421177/this-giant-smog-vacuum-cleaner-in-china-actually-works

- Building underneath glaciers and ice sheets: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/sep/20/build-walls-on-seafloor-to-stop-glaciers-melting-scientists-say

- Harvard's Robo-Bees:https://wyss.harvard.edu/technology/robobees-autonomous-flying-microrobots/

- Nigeria Plastic Bottle Houses:

https://www.dw.com/en/doing-your-bit-nigerias-houses-made-from-plastic-bottles/av-48013059

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14722179

We have tees! Get yourself a sustainable FWIE teeshirt here: https://forwhatitsearth.teemill.com

Wonderful theme music by Mark Skinner Sound

24: Wildfires: Causes, biodiversity loss and climate change

Wed, 15 Jan 2020 05:00:00 +0000

This week we're exploring the topic of wildfires. As immense wildfires currently blaze across huge areas of Australia and both California and Siberia have also experienced vast fires in recent years, we look at the causes of wildfires, the impact they can have on biodiversity and the natural environment, how fires fit into nature's usual cycles and the role that climate change is having on the increased frequency and severity of wildfires.

We also speak to Professor Stefan Doerr from the University of Swansea about understanding how climatic conditions have influenced the severity of the fires, and the best ways to handle living in fire-prone natural environments.

Some of the things we've spoken about:

8 things everyone should know about Australia’s wildfire disaster: https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2020/1/8/21055228/australia-fires-map-animals-koalas-wildlife-smoke-donate

Australia Wildfires: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/01/world/australia/fires.html

How wildfires work: https://science.howstuffworks.com/nature/natural-disasters/wildfire3.htm

Biodiversity at risk in Australia: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jan/04/ecologists-warn-silent-death-australia-bushfires-endangered-species-extinction

Australia Wildfires: https://edition.cnn.com/2020/01/01/australia/australia-fires-explainer-intl-hnk-scli/index.html

California wildfires: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/04/us/fires-california.html

California wildfire causes: https://www.wired.com/story/californias-wildfires-are-the-doom-of-our-own-making/

Prof Stefan Doerr:https://www.swansea.ac.uk/staff/science/geography/s.doerr/

Donate to the Australian Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org.au/campaigns/disaster-relief-and-recovery-donate

Registered Bushfire Charities: https://www.pmc.gov.au/registered-bushfire-charities

Don't forget to subscribe, find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and leave us a review - it helps new listeners find the podcast!

We have merch! Get yourself a sustainable FWIE teeshirt here: https://forwhatitsearth.teemill.com

Wonderful theme music by Mark Skinner Sound

23: Overfishing & eating fish sustainably, with Marine Conservation Society

Wed, 08 Jan 2020 05:10:00 +0000

With lots of information about overfishing and depleted wild fish stocks in the news, it can be hard to know what fish or seafood we should and shouldn't be eating. This week Emma joins Charlotte Coombes from the Marine Conservation Society to talk about their Good Fish Guide, a handy tool for finding out which species and which fishing styles are 'red-listed' and to be avoided, and which species or sustainable practices we can choose to buy and support!

MCS' Good Fish Guide: https://www.mcsuk.org/goodfishguide/search

Thanks to Charlotte for joining us this week, and to the Marine Conservation Society, who you can also find on Instagram and Twitter.

Don't forget to subscribe, find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and leave us a review - it helps new listeners find the podcast!

We have merch! Get yourself a sustainable FWIE teeshirt here: https://forwhatitsearth.teemill.com

Wonderful theme music by Mark Skinner Sound.

22: Sustainable & plastic-free periods

Wed, 01 Jan 2020 05:35:00 +0000

This week we're talking about that time of the month. Half of the world menstruates at some point during their lives and often the sanitary products used are single-use and contain significant quantities of plastic. City to Sea estimates that a regular pack of pads contains as much plastic as five plastic bags and that 2.5 million tampons are flushed in the UK every year, and the Marine Conservation Society have seen huge numbers of sanitary products wash up on our beaches every year. The things we use for just a matter of hours can outlive even us when discarded, causing huge issues in the environment. We're exploring the issues with conventional pads, tampons and applicators, and sharing some of the best solutions currently available to make periods friendly on the environment as well as you, from organic and plastic-free pads and tampons to reusable pads and absorbent period pads!

Things we spoke about:

Modibodi re-usable period underwear: https://www.modibodi.co.uk/

Mondays organic period product subscription: https://organicmondays.com/

City to Sea plastic-free periods campaign: https://www.citytosea.org.uk/plasticfreeperiods-2/

Freedom 4 Girls charity tackling period poverty: https://www.freedom4girls.co.uk/

10 of the best menstrual cups: https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/body/health/g23117116/menstrual-cups/

Don't forget to subscribe, find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and leave us a review - it helps new listeners find the podcast!

We have merch! Get yourself a sustainable FWIE teeshirt here: https://forwhatitsearth.teemill.com

Wonderful theme music by Mark Skinner Sound.

21: Letters from listeners

Wed, 18 Dec 2019 05:12:00 +0000

A few months ago, a year 6 class at Mendip Green Primary School sat down to do a writing exercise; they wrote us letters on the topic of plastic pollution! Today we're sharing a few of these fantastic letters, which range from issues they've researched in-depth to some fantastic creative writing exercises. What happens to Rodrigo The Eager Sea Hampster, and why did Alfred clamber onto the oak table to stamp his foot, you ask? Listen to probably our most heart-warming episode so far to find out!

Don't forget to subscribe, find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and leave us a review on whichever platform you're using - it really helps new listeners find the podcast!

Get yourself a sustainable FWIE teeshirt here: https://forwhatitsearth.teemill.com

Wonderful theme music by Mark Skinner Sound.

20: Sustainable cities: Nancy Grimm on future-proofing for climate change

Wed, 11 Dec 2019 04:35:00 +0000

This week Emma's chatting to Dr Nancy Grimm @DrNitrogen from Arizona State University about sustainable architecture, and her research and role in designing our cities to better prepare them (and us) to handle climate change, which is bringing more frequent and extreme weather events.

Don't forget to subscribe, leave us a review and keep in touch with us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!

Get yourself an organic cotton, sustainable FWIE teeshirt here: https://forwhatitsearth.teemill.com The very tiny proceeds of which go towards helping us keep producing this podcast for free and allow us to travel to speak to brilliant individuals.

Thanks also to Mark Skinner for our intro and outro music.

19: Happy holidays: Being sustainable at Christmas

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 05:00:00 +0000

Happy Christmas! This week we're kicking off the festive season by sharing some of our favourite ideas for making this Christmas a real hoot without it being hard on the environment.

Links we mentioned:

Recycle Now's local Christmas tree recycling finder: https://www.recyclenow.com/local-recycling?rlw-initial-path=places/all%3Fmaterials%3D97

Furoshiki Japanese Fabric Wrapping: https://www.1millionwomen.com.au/blog/how-furoshiki-japanese-fabric-wrapping/

Seedboms: https://kabloom.co.uk/ (Head over to our Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for your chance to win two!)

Don't forget to subscribe, leave us a review and keep in touch with us on social media.

Thanks also to Mark Skinner for our intro and outro music.

18: The Great British Beach Clean, with Lizzie Prior and Marine Conservation Society

Thu, 28 Nov 2019 07:00:00 +0000

Every year, millions of items of litter wash up on our shores, from crisp packets and plastic bottles to cigarette stubs and microplastics, and every year hundreds of volunteers join the Marine Conservation Society's Great British Beach Clean weekend. Volunteers get to be citizen scientists, picking up all the litter found on a 100m stretch of their local beach, recording what they find and sending the data off to MCS, who use the results to inform policy and ask for government change. Today, MCS is releasing the results of their 2019 clean up, so this week Emma has had a chat with Lizzie Prior, the Beachwatch Officer at MCS, to find out more about the scheme, why it's important and how we can get involved!

Thanks to Lizzie for joining us this week, and to the Marine Conservation Society, who you can also find on Instagram and Twitter. Read the full report here.

Don't forget to subscribe, find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and leave us a review!

Get your organic cotton FWIE podcast tee here: https://forwhatitsearth.teemill.com

Thanks also to Mark Skinner for our intro and outro music.

17: Rewildling and reforestation: Can trees save the planet?

Wed, 20 Nov 2019 07:00:00 +0000

This week we're wandering through the topics of rewilding and reforestation! We find out how many trees we would need to help the UK become 'carbon neutral', learn about some of the amazing projects in Scotland, Yosemite and Mauritius in which fantastic teams of conservationists are restoring whole ecosystems and reintroducing species, and explore the ways in which taking inspiration from Mother Nature herself could help us save the world. Oh, and did you know that planting trees can sometimes be a bad thing? You'll have to listen to find out why!

If you'd like to support the podcast, you can get a sustainable FWIE teeshirt here: https://forwhatitsearth.teemill.com

Don't forget to subscribe, find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and leave us a review!

Thanks to Mark Skinner Sound for our brilliant intro and outro music.

16: British birds and wildlife-friendly gardens, with Dan Rouse

Wed, 13 Nov 2019 07:00:00 +0000

This week Lloyd speaks to the completely lovely Dan Rouse, ornithologist and wildlife presenter! Find out more about how to look after our birdlife, how to make your garden super wildlife-friendly, how to get the best from bird boxes, and how fulmars use vomiting to protect their chicks. This is the first in our efforts this series to sprinkle more interviews and interesting chats with brilliant people. This one was recorded in the park earlier this summer, so you can hear more birdsong than you would in our usual studio.

Get your organic cotton FWIE podcast tee here: https://forwhatitsearth.teemill.com

Don't forget to subscribe, find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and leave us a review!

Thanks to Mark Skinner for our intro and outro music.

15: How can we travel more sustainably?

Wed, 06 Nov 2019 06:00:00 +0000

Emma and Lloyd are back for season two of For What It's Earth! To kick off our next batch of sustainability podcasts, we're celebrating Greta Thunberg's sail across the Atlantic to raise awareness the need for us to reduce our carbon emissions, and, because trans-Atlantic boat journeys aren't always feasible, we're exploring other ways that we can make our travels more sustainable.

We're also dead chuffed to now be working with Teemill to produce some snazzy, organic cotton sustainable teeshirts, the very tiny proceeds of which go towards helping us keep producing this podcast for free. Get yours here: https://forwhatitsearth.teemill.com

Don't forget to subscribe, find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and leave us a review!

Thanks to Mark Skinner for our intro and outro music.

14: BONUS episode! Arctic bumblebees & climate change

Wed, 17 Jul 2019 06:31:54 +0100

Hello from the Arctic! In this cheeky bonus episode, we're sharing an episode of one of the podcasts that Emma has been working on in northern Sweden this summer, for the Climate Impacts Research Centre.

She's joining Ryan and Lottie from Imperial College London for a day out on the mountain, catching and recording Arctic bumblebees!

Click here for more episodes of Field Notes on Climate Change, and here for more information on the Climate Impacts Research Centre.

Keep in touch and let us know what you want to hear in season two:

Instagram @forwhatitsearthpodcast

Facebook /ForWhatItsEarth

Twitter @WhatEarthPod

Theme music by Mark Skinner.

13: Listener Q&A!

Wed, 12 Jun 2019 06:45:10 +0100

And that’s a wrap for season one of For What It’s Earth! This week, to celebrate making it this far, we’ve been answering your questions, from finding the most impactful environmentally-friendly actions we can make from our own home and exploring whether we can travel the world sustainably, to finding environmentally-friendly earplugs and wondering whether the series has changed our own attitudes towards sustainability.

Thanks for listening this far, we’ll be back bigger and better than ever in the autumn with season two!

Things we chatted about:

Offset your flights and choose routes with lower-impact airlines and more sustainable fuel mixes: https://flygrn.com/

Cambridge Centre for Climate Science: https://www.climatescience.cam.ac.uk/

100% renewable energy providers in the UK:

Bulb: https://bulb.co.uk/

Octopus: https://octopus.energy/

Good Energy: https://www.goodenergy.co.uk/

Zao Organic Makeup: https://www.zaoorganicmakeup.com/

Instagram @forwhatitsearthpodcast

Facebook /ForWhatItsEarth

Twitter @WhatEarthPod

Theme music and sound mixed by Mark Skinner.

12: Climate emergency: What does that even mean?

Wed, 05 Jun 2019 07:00:00 +0100

Children have gone on strike from schools, Extinction Rebellion has occupied our headlines and our cities, and now the UK has declared a Climate Emergency, as have many individual towns, cities and communities - Universities, even!

But what has the Greta-effect actually had on the UK, and what does declaring a very official sounding (but not actually very officially-binding) Climate Emergency even mean?

Things we chatted about:

WWF Climate Emergency Demand Action Petition: https://www.wwf.org.uk/fight-climate-change

Friend's of the Earth's to-do list for the UK Government to address climate change: https://friendsoftheearth.uk/climate-change/climate-emergency-plan?gclid=Cj0KCQjwz6PnBRCPARIsANOtCw1k4RA1FFWRIuMw9O-PIw07hXL4QRiu90QFsUuWWXPsU-0l78IzG-YaAnbyEALw_wcB

The Guardian, 'We must mobilise for the climate emergency like we do in wartime. Where is the climate minister?': https://www.theguardian.com/environment/commentisfree/2019/jun/03/we-must-mobilise-for-the-climate-emergency-like-we-do-in-war-time-where-is-the-climate-minister

Instagram @forwhatitsearthpodcast

Facebook /ForWhatItsEarth

Twitter @WhatEarthPod

Sound mixed by Mark Skinner

11: Libby Bowles: Marine conservation, plastics, and bamboo bicycle trips

Fri, 24 May 2019 06:10:00 +0100

Marine conservationist and educator, Libby Bowles, joins us to chat about her journey across New Zealand on a bamboo bicycle, discussed why she's dedicated her time to educating kids about plastic pollution and shared her wisdom on how to live a more sustainable life in a genuinely helpful, less 'I'm doing this for Instagram' kind of a way!

We featured a few minutes of her interview on our 'Plastics - What Can We Do?' episode, but as all of her stories are packed full of inspiration and advice, this bonus episode consists of the whole chat.

You can find out more from Libby on Instagram (@treadlighterlib) or on her website www.treadlighter.org.

Get in touch:

Instagram @forwhatitsearthpodcast

Facebook /ForWhatItsEarth

Twitter @WhatEarthPod

Theme music and sound mixed by Mark Skinner.

10: Why is nature important in our cities? With Avon Wildlife Trust

Wed, 08 May 2019 05:44:12 +0100

Joined by the Rosie Maple from the Avon Wildlife Trust, we explore the reasons why we need urban wildlife and to understand why conservation movements such as The Wildlife Trusts believe cities rely on their green spaces.

Find out why we need to keep our cities little bit wild, how careful planning and tree management can help urban environments cope with climate change, and what each of us can do to help our cities thrive.

Find out more about the Avon Wildlife Trust: https://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/

The Wildlife Trusts: https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/

Theme music and sound mixed by Mark Skinner.

Instagram @forwhatitsearthpodcast

Facebook /ForWhatItsEarth

Twitter @WhatEarthPod

9: Electric cars

Wed, 01 May 2019 06:00:00 +0100

Chocks away! From life-cycle emissions and the environmental issues surrounding the lithium-ion batteries to finding charging points and looking at how EVs (electric vehicles) can help rather than hinder the National Grid, buckle up your seatbelt because this week we’re racing through the topic of electric cars.

We’ve also got a quick chat with Robert Lewellyn (of Red Dwarf, Scrapheap Challenge and Fully Charged fame) about his Tesla and Hyundai Kona, all thanks to Andrew from the wonderful Cosmic Shed podcast.

Listen, subscribe and if you enjoy it, leave us a review!

Stuff that we spoke about:

Find your nearest charging station: https://chargemap.com/

How eco-friendly are electric cars? https://www.dw.com/cda/en/how-eco-friendly-are-electric-cars/a-19441437

Best electric cars 2019: https://www.drivingelectric.com/best-cars/584/best-electric-cars-2019

Fully Charged, with Robert Lewellyn: https://www.fullychargedshow.co.uk/

The Cosmic Shed podcast: https://thecosmicshed.podbean.com/

Theme music and sound mixed by Mark Skinner.

Instagram @forwhatitsearthpodcast

Facebook /ForWhatItsEarth

Twitter @WhatEarthPod

8: Palm oil: What’s the problem?

Wed, 17 Apr 2019 06:00:00 +0100

Confused about palm oil? We’re heading deep into the former rainforests of South East Asia to explore the huge palm oil plantations that fuel far more of the food industry in the west than we realise (and also chop down quite a lot of the lush forest greenery).

Things we chatted about:

WWF Palm Oil Buyers Scorecard: http://palmoilscorecard.panda.org/

Buycott app to scan your produce and find out whether it contains palm oil or ties to any other unsustainable practices: https://www.buycott.com/

RSPO certification to identify sustainable sources of palm oil: https://rspo.org/certification

Theme music and sound mixed by Mark Skinner.

Instagram @forwhatitsearthpodcast

Facebook /ForWhatItsEarth

Twitter @WhatEarthPod

7. Sustainable cosmetics & toiletries, with Sophie Pavelle

Wed, 10 Apr 2019 05:20:04 +0100

Emma is joined by conservationist and all-round nature legend, Sophie Pavelle for this episode on cosmetics and toiletries. Dead chuffed to be wondering how we can make our bathroom routines a little greener, Sophie has taken a break from generally saving all of the UK's wildlife to chat cosmetics, talk about toiletries and suss out some sustainable solutions.

Listen, subscribe and, if you enjoy it, leave us a review!

Stuff that we spoke about:

Neal’s Yard Remedies organic bee range: https://www.nealsyardremedies.com/bee-lovely-timeline.html

Send your contact lenses to Acuve for recycling: https://www.acuvue.co.uk/recycle

‘Naked’ shampoo from Lush: https://uk.lush.com/article/naked-revolution

Deodorant and volatile organic compounds (air pollution):https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/16/climate/perfume-pollution-smog.html

Theme music and sound mixed by Mark Skinner.

Instagram @forwhatitsearthpodcast

Facebook /ForWhatItsEarth

Twitter @WhatEarthPod

6: Plastics (part 2): What can we do?

Wed, 03 Apr 2019 05:01:43 +0100

It's time to chat about PLASTICS. This here is part two and we're looking at some of the things that we can do to reduce our plastic footprint. Plus, we'll be chatting to Libby Bowles, who cycled around the world on a bamboo bicycle to teach kids about plastics.

If you haven't listened to the first part, we suggest you head back and download that one first. In part one, we explored the issues with plastics in marine environments, trie to figure out what's going on with microplastics and even dive into a bit of chemistry to look at the links that scientists have recently discovered between plastics and our health.

Get in touch and keep up to date by following us on Instagram @forwhatitsearthpodcast, liking us on Facebook @ForWhatItsEarth or by shooting us a message on Twitter @WhatEarthPod.

Theme music and sound mixed by Mark Skinner.

5: Plastics (part 1): What‘s the problem?

Wed, 03 Apr 2019 05:01:17 +0100

In part one, we're exploring the issues with plastics in marine environments, trying to figure out what's going on with microplastics and even diving into a little chemistry when we look at the new links that scientists have uncovered between plastics and our health.

Once you've finished this episode, head over to enjoy part two. We'll be looking at some of the things that we can do to reduce our plastic footprint. Plus, we'll be chatting to Libby Bowles, who cycled around the world on a bamboo bicycle to teach kids about plastics.

Get in touch and keep up to date by following us on Instagram @forwhatitsearthpodcast, liking us on Facebook @ForWhatItsEarth or by shooting us a message on Twitter @WhatEarthPod.

Theme music and sound mixed by Mark Skinner.

4: Recycling: How does it work and are we doing enough?

Tue, 19 Mar 2019 23:23:58 +0000

We are diving deep into our green bins and following the things we throw away on their journey through the recycling process (or not). Find out why we're fascinated by 'Air Knives' in Brighton & Hove, and join us as we discover just why the UK has SO much green glass in its recycling bins...

Download, subscribe, leave us a review and lend us your ears.

Stuff that we spoke about:

'Air Knives' and other extraordinary elements of Brighton & Hove's fascinating (genuinely!) recycling system: https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/content/environment/recycling-rubbish-and-street-cleaning/how-your-recycling-sorted

Recycling glass: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/earth/3313930/Is-it-worth-it-Recycling-glass.html

Let's all just send our recycling abroad:

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/recycling-waste-uk-overseas-landfill-pollution-nao-environment-defra-a8458991.html

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jul/23/uks-plastic-waste-may-be-dumped-overseas-instead-of-recycled

Theme music and sound mixed by Mark Skinner.

Instagram @forwhatitsearthpodcast

Facebook /ForWhatItsEarth

Twitter @WhatEarthPod

3. Fast fashion: How can we shop sustainably?

Tue, 12 Mar 2019 23:01:13 +0000

What are you wearing and do you know the hidden costs associated with your clothes? Trawling through the world of Fast Fashion this week, we're exploring the complicated and not very environmentally-friendly textile dying processes, asking whether organic cotton is really all that and finding out why we all should be hunting down our nearest charity shops and fabric recycling banks.

Download, subscribe and lend us your ears. Let us know what you think!

Stuff that we spoke about:

Patagonia clothing: https://www.patagonia.com/sustainability.html

Rapanui clothing: https://rapanuiclothing.com/

H&M recycling scheme: https://rapanuiclothing.com/

Water pollution with dyes: https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/environment-costs-fast-fashion-pollution-waste-sustainability-a8139386.html

Guppyfriends micro-fibre 'catching' laundry bags: http://guppyfriend.com/en/

Instagram @forwhatitsearthpodcast

Facebook /ForWhatItsEarth

Twitter @WhatEarthPod

Theme music and sound mixed by Mark Skinner.

2. Vegan, vegetarian or flexitarian? Sustainable diets and smart food choices

Tue, 05 Mar 2019 22:28:09 +0000

Put down your hamburgers! This week we are tucking into the topic of sustainable diets, looking at the many, many environmental impacts of the food industry and finding out why many of us are moving to vegan, vegetarian or flexitarian diets.

We’re looking at the future of food security in a growing world, the carbon emissions and water demands of different food-producing practices, nifty new farming and agriculture technologies, and whether or not that all means we all have to turn 100% vegan.

Download, subscribe and let us know what you think!

Things we chat about:

The Water Calculator: https://www.watercalculator.org/

Pineapples: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-46070037

Vertical farming: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/aug/14/world-largest-vertical-farm-newark-green-revolution

BBC calculator/comparison tool for food and drink: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-46459714

What to eat more/less of/consider: https://www.sciencefocus.com/planet-earth/five-foods-that-could-save-the-planet-and-five-more-that-definitely-wont/

The Conspiracy documentary: http://www.cowspiracy.com/

Fiber and our immune systems: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1038/cti.2016.29

Lancet Planetary Health paper: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542-5196(18)30174-8/fulltext

The Green Roasting Tin cookbook: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Green-Roasting-Tin-Vegetarian-Dinners/dp/1910931896

Instagram @forwhatitsearthpodcast

Facebook /ForWhatItsEarth

Twitter @WhatEarthPod

Theme music and sound mixed by Mark Skinner.

1: Why do we need bees (and other pollinators)?

Wed, 27 Feb 2019 00:02:01 +0000

Why do we need bees in our gardens (and everywhere else)? To kick off the first series, we're sitting down to talk about honey bees, solitary bees (yes, they’re a thing), pollination, trying to figure out how to feed the world’s growing population without these stripy characters, and exploring the ways that we can make our cities, our farmlands and our own gardens or windowsills beautifully bee-friendly. All the while trying not to headbutt their microphones.

Download, subscribe and tune in, let us know what you think!

Things we've mentioned in the episode:

Friends of the Earth Bee Saver Kit: https://friendsoftheearth.uk/bees/donate-save-britains-bees-get-your-bee-saver-kit-today

Four Ways to Help The Bees: https://sustainableamerica.org/blog/four-ways-to-help-bees/

Bee-Friendly Plants for Your Garden: https://www.thompson-morgan.com/save-the-bees-with-bee-friendly-plants

Silence of the Bees: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/silence-of-the-bees-how-can-you-help-the-bees/36/

Urban Bee-Keeping: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2018/01/25/urban-beekeeping-harming-wild-bees-says-cambridge-university/

Instagram @forwhatitsearthpodcast

Facebook /ForWhatItsEarth

Twitter @WhatEarthPod

Theme music and sound mix by Mark Skinner.

For What It's Earth Trailer

Wed, 20 Feb 2019 04:53:03 +0000

Hello and welcome to For What It's Earth! Your brand new environment and sustainability podcast explaining the science behind what’s going on in the world, and exploring the things that we can do to make a little bit of a big difference.

Each week we sit down and look at a different topic, from plastics to palm oil and from conservation to cosmetics, sharing good ideas in a world of bad news. Join us for a new episode every Wednesday.

Hosted by Emma Brisdion and Lloyd Hopkins.

Instagram @forwhatitsearthpodcast

Facebook /ForWhatItsEarth

Twitter @WhatEarthPod