Episodes
This is a surprisingly uplifting conversation about climate change—yes, really. I spoke with psychologist Dr Susie Burke on managing climate distress (anger, sadness, anxiety) while staying hopeful, because unchecked, these feelings often lead to apathy just when we need action most. After recent events, this episode feels especially timely. With years of experience in climate psychology, Dr. Susie offers practical insights for managing eco-anxiety and other intense emotions, reminding us...
Published 11/10/24
This is an episode that is probably going to make a lot of you angry. I know it’s making me angry right now. A few days ago, Oxfam released their latest report called “Carbon Inequality Kills,” and we’ll be talking about that today. This is a damning report on just how much carbon the billionaires of the world are producing and why it dwarfs any possible emissions you could be producing on your own. In this episode I share: The importance of personal lifestyle changes to combat climate...
Published 11/05/24
Published 11/05/24
Welcome to part 2 of my mini-series on the beauty industry. In the last episode, we discussed all the issues with the beauty industry, and I’ll be honest, it wasn’t super cheerful. So, for this episode, we're changing things up and exploring the various solutions currently available to the problems we previously mentioned. In this episode, I share: What circular beauty is and whether it helps reduce waste The core problem with refillable options for beauty products How biodegradable...
Published 10/27/24
In this episode, we’re kicking off a mini-series on the beauty industry, focusing on what’s wrong with it. But don’t worry—it won’t be all doom and gloom! We’ll also be looking at solutions to these problems. I’ve spent over a decade in this industry, and to be honest, it really kind of sucks. That’s actually where Ethique came from—a desire to tackle all the waste the beauty industry creates. So join me in this episode as we take a look behind the pretty packaging and sparkly glitter to...
Published 10/22/24
I am so excited to talk to Amy Robbins, a self-declared “jack of all trades, master of none,” but honestly, an incredibly impressive person. Amy is the Deputy Curator of Mammals at Auckland Zoo and the founder of the Sumatran Ranger Project. She has been working with animals and finding innovative ways to help them for decades, and it is an honour to share her story with you. In this episode, she shares: How she got into the zoo industry Why modern zoos are important and how they are...
Published 10/13/24
This guest was someone I was equal parts terrified and excited to speak with. Steve Backshall is one of my literal heroes, and I still can’t believe he said yes to being on the podcast. You may know him as the presenter of The Deadly 60, Lost Land of the Tiger, or Lost Land of the Jaguar. He’s an explorer, naturalist, scientist, presenter, writer, and so much more. In this episode, he shares: • How his childhood prepared him to be confident in adventuring • The dumbest thing he did in his...
Published 10/06/24
Today’s "This or That" episode tackles some everyday decisions that might seem small, but add them up and they make a big impact on the environment. We’ll be discussing tea vs. coffee, and which is worse for the environment, what the best and worst options are for the milk you use with your drink, and finally, what exactly are bioplastics? And, whether we should even be using them... In this episode, I share: The comparison of tea vs. coffee How much water it takes to make tea and...
Published 09/30/24
This week, we are joined by someone truly multi-talented. Miriama Kamo is an award-winning broadcaster, TV presenter, face of Sunday, author, and a hardcore environmentalist. I was a little intimidated having another legitimate, professional journalist on the show, but Miriama is just so incredibly kind, warm, and generous. I think you’ll be fascinated by how her upbringing has shaped her environmental mindset and just how committed she is to sustainability. In this episode, she shares:...
Published 09/22/24
By now, you probably know that I firmly believe we need to use business to change the world. So, I was very excited to chat with a leader in the environmental movement who also feels the same way, Tim Silverwood. Tim is a trailblazer in the fight against plastic pollution, known for co-founding the powerful eco-movement Take 3 For The Sea. But that’s not all — he’s also the founder of the Ocean Impact Organisation, a group dedicated to working with innovative startups creating...
Published 09/15/24
Welcome to another "This or That" episode! This short, snappy installment investigates the sustainability of three topics you've asked me about, helping you make informed decisions. In this episode, we’ll be covering three unusual options: E-readers vs. physical books: Kindles versus your everyday old book. Hand dryers vs. paper towels: I personally find hand dryers annoying. The best type of laundry detergent: There are many options, but I've been seeing a lot of advertising for...
Published 09/08/24
Today, we have a man who needs no introduction: Patrick ‘Paddy’ Gower. Paddy is an incredibly well-respected journalist in Aotearoa, known for tackling complex issues head-on. His latest documentary, On Ice, focuses on climate change and his journey to Antarctica. In this episode, he shares: Why he decided to cover climate change What it was like in Antarctica What he learned during his time in Antarctica The alarming impact Antarctica has on the rest of the world Why he finds...
Published 09/02/24
We all know science is fascinating, but sometimes the way it's communicated is... less than captivating. That’s why I’m really excited to chat with Laura Wells. Laura Wells is a science communicator, presenter, environmental advocate, model, and social media professional from Sydney. Over the past 14 years, since graduating with degrees in Biology and Law, she has amassed a wealth of experience in the science media space. Laura has become a regular and trusted presenter for national and...
Published 08/25/24
Welcome to another "This or That" episode! This short, snappy installment investigates the sustainability of three topics you've asked me about, helping you make informed decisions. Today, it's: Electric Vehicles (EVs) vs. Hybrids, Cotton vs. Bamboo Fabric, and Bamboo vs. Plastic Toothbrushes. In this episode I share:      EVs generally produce 50% fewer emissions over their lifetime compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. How hybrids can offer a more...
Published 08/19/24
I thoroughly enjoy talking to incredibly smart people who make you realise you know nothing compared to them. Dr Kayla Kingdon-Bebb is the CEO of WWF New Zealand and is a passionate advocate for conservation and has a very interesting background in indigenous studies and treaty law. If you’re interested in conservation and how the organisations involved try to help the world, then this is a chat for you. And if you’re interested in finding out how much help even the big groups need, this...
Published 08/12/24
When it comes to environmentalism and sustainability there are a wide range of opinions and perspectives, but one person I have been very excited to talk to is John Pabon. This chat did feel a bit like chatting to a mirror, but he has such an incredible way of explaining concepts that I only ever even voice in my own head. John has spent two decades in the business of saving our Earth. After leaving his role at the United Nations, he travelled the world studying the impacts of...
Published 08/05/24
I am so excited to speak with the guest for this episode! I have wanted to have a proper discussion with him ever since I first met him. Dr Jim Salinger is a noted international climate scientist and amongst his many achievements he is known for being the involved in the first detection of global warming (climate change) in 1976. Since then he has been a vocal communicator and educator around climate change and if there is anything about it you don’t understand, he is the expert to get all...
Published 07/29/24
So, bottled water is kind of scam. People think it is healthier and safer despite no evidence showing that... So is it all one big marketing scam?! Well... kinda. I’m going to take you through the history of bottled water to show exactly how we ended up where we are, and why it is so, so, so bad that we are where we are.  In this episode I share:  -       the surprisingly long history of bottled water -       what needed to happen to make bottled water really popular -       the weird...
Published 07/15/24
Welcome to another This or That episode where I break down the least impactful options from things you have asked. This weeks selection has a very controversial topic as well as one that maaay just surprise you. There is also a prize for participating in this one so make sure you listen until then end! In this episode I share:  -         What uses more energy, turning off lights or energy efficient bulbs -         What has less of an impact, Paper or plastic bags -         What...
Published 07/09/24
Happy Plastic Free July! PFJ is a grass roots movement that is all about encouraging us all to reduce our use of plastics and be part of the solution to plastic pollution. So who better to talk to than the founder of this very movement, Rebecca Prince-Ruiz. I am honestly so excited to talk to Rebecca and hear all her wisdom, advice, tips and even a few kernels of optimism about the plastic pollution problem. In this episode Rebecca shares:  -         Her background and how she got into...
Published 07/01/24
Big news! Now, That’s What I Call Green is going to become a weekly podcast! I have put the business podcast on hiatus and we will be going weekly podcasts here, but there is a twist. We’ll be alternating between different styles of episode. On one week you’ll have deep dives and interviews, but on the other we’re going to be something new, and that’s what we’re doing today. It’s time for This or That, where I analyse different options and reveal the most environmentally friendly option...
Published 06/24/24
This is going to be a very deep episode. We’re talking human rights violations, genocide and human trafficking and it all comes down to the devices you use and the batteries that power them. While Electric Vehicles are definitively better than fossil fuel vehicles, they are not perfect and it’s important to understand why. I’m not doing this episode to induce guilt or horror, but before we can make impactful change, we often need to first understand exactly what is going on.  In this...
Published 06/16/24
Today it is all about World Oceans Day (8th June). They are the life blood of our planet, but they are under incredibly serious threat. For this episode I’m going to be blunt and maybe a little bit depressing, at least to start with. Our oceans face multiple threats and there is already catastrophic damage being done to them. Don’t worry, in this episode I’ll also offer some hope and some options on how to help, but to start I’m really going to reveal how dire things are. In this episode...
Published 06/03/24
It was my birthday a couple of weeks ago and to celebrate we did things a little differently. Kate, one of the team from Business, but Better joined me and peppered me with millions of questions. It's a behind the scenes peek at my life, business thoughts and sustainability advice. Kate wouldn't let me leave until she had asked all the questions she wanted. In this episode we share: - What the process of rewilding my yard was like at the start - What is holding kiwis back from developing...
Published 05/28/24
It’s world Bee Day, and to delve further into the topic, I have been very lucky to get Ruud Kleinpaste (or you may know him as ‘the bug man) onto the podcast. He is a bug enthusiast, tv presenter and is always happy to share his face with a wētā so who better to join my on the annual day of the Bees!? In this episode Ruud shares:  -       What his actual background and education is -       How to get people to not be scared of insects anymore -       How and why he keeps wētā in his...
Published 05/19/24