Going Green Podcast, Video blog and Daily News

  Going Green in the Bathroom: Shampoo Bars & Beyond ( Because plastic bottles shouldn’t outlive your hairdo ) Let’s face it — the bathroom is a stealthy little waste zone. Plastic bottles, microbeads, cotton buds, disposable razors, and enough packaging to wrap a small elephant. But with a few tweaks, your morning routine can become a mini climate victory. Welcome to the wonderful, low-waste world of green bathrooms — where sustainability meets shampoo (and no, it doesn’t have to smell like a compost heap). Why the Bathroom Matters It’s small, but mighty in waste. Over 120 billion units of cosmetic packaging are produced globally each year. Many products contain chemicals and plastics that pollute waterways . Most bathroom waste is non-recyclable , due to contamination or complex materials. Easy Swaps That Make a Difference 🟢 Shampoo Bars No plastic, lasts longer, great for travel Pro tip: Store on a slatted dish so it dries between uses 🟢 Bar Soap inste...

  Local Libraries: The Unsung Eco-Hero of Your Community ( Because saving the planet sometimes starts with a library card ) In the age of next-day delivery and overflowing bookshelves, it’s easy to overlook one of the most sustainable institutions quietly sitting at the heart of our towns: your local library . It doesn’t shout about its carbon footprint. It doesn’t launch greenwashing campaigns. But it’s been championing reuse, sharing, and community learning since long before “eco” became trendy. Why Libraries Are Inherently Sustainable Shared Resources Instead of everyone buying a book, 50 people borrow the same one. Now that’s carbon efficiency. Reduce, Reuse, Read Again Books are reused hundreds of times. No packaging, no emissions from delivery vans, no piles of paperbacks heading to landfill. Digital Options Many libraries now offer ebooks , audiobooks , and online newspapers , saving even more trees and transport. More Than Books Many libraries loan tools, s...

  Make Do and Mend: A Beginner’s Guide to Repair Culture ( Because your socks deserve a second chance ) There was a time when a torn shirt didn’t mean a trip to the shops — it meant a needle, a patch, and a cup of tea. Welcome to repair culture — the comeback kid of sustainability. In a world obsessed with “new” and “more,” mending something broken is an act of quiet rebellion. It’s a thumbs-up to the environment… and to your bank account. Why Repair Culture Matters We throw away over 336,000 tonnes of clothes in the UK each year. And that’s just clothing. Add in small appliances, electronics, furniture, and it’s a mountain of fixable things heading to landfill. ✅ Repairing reduces waste ✅ Saves money ✅ Cuts down resource extraction ✅ Builds skills, satisfaction and stories It’s not just about being thrifty — it’s about being mindful. What Can You Mend? (Spoiler: More Than You Think) 🧵 Clothing – buttons, seams, zips, tears 🔌 Electronics – phones, toasters, l...

  Why Slow Fashion Is Always in Style ( Because your clothes shouldn’t fall apart after three washes ) Fast fashion is like junk food for your wardrobe — cheap, convenient, and almost always a bad idea in the long run. But what if clothes could be comfortable, stylish, long-lasting and kinder to the planet? Enter slow fashion — the antidote to the disposable clothing culture. What Is Slow Fashion? Slow fashion is about: Quality over quantity Buying less and choosing well Supporting ethical and sustainable brands Repairing, reusing, repurposing It’s the idea that your wardrobe shouldn’t be seasonal landfill. The Problem with Fast Fashion The fashion industry is responsible for up to 10% of global emissions It’s the second-largest consumer of water Millions of garments are dumped or burned each year Workers are often underpaid and exploited , especially in low-cost production regions Many clothes are made from synthetic fibres like polyeste...

  Sustainable Gifting: Presents That Won’t Cost the Earth ( Because landfill isn’t on anyone’s wish list ) Gifting can be joyful… until you see the bin bags of wrapping paper, plastic tat, and novelty socks no one asked for. But what if we could give in ways that delight and do good? Welcome to sustainable gifting — where thoughtfulness meets environmental responsibility, and your present doesn’t arrive with a side order of climate guilt. The Problem with Traditional Gifting Packaging overload – plastic wrap, ribbons, polystyrene peanuts Fast-made, short-lived – mass-produced goods with high carbon footprints ‘Obligation gifts’ – items bought just to tick a box (then never used) Landfill season – unwanted gifts are often tossed after Christmas 10 Sustainable Gift Ideas ✅ Experiences – Theatre tickets, workshops, spa days, or a day out ✅ Homemade treats – Baked goods, jams, infused oils, or candles ✅ Second-hand treasures – Vintage books, clothes, ...

  Your Bank Might Be Funding Oil – Here’s How to Find Out (and Switch if You Need To) ( Because your savings shouldn’t drill for oil while you’re sorting your recycling ) You’ve swapped your plastic toothbrush, eat less meat, and proudly compost banana peels. But there’s a silent saboteur in your sustainability journey — your bank account . That’s right. Your money, sitting in a savings account or ISA, might be working overtime… for fossil fuels. Many big-name banks invest billions in oil, gas, and coal — while you’re trying to go green at home. So how do you find out what your bank is really up to? And what can you do if they’re funding the wrong side of climate change? Why It Matters Banks don’t just hold your money — they invest it . Often into: Oil & gas exploration Coal mining operations Deforestation-linked agriculture High-emission industrial projects Between 2016 and 2022, the world’s 60 biggest banks pumped over $4.6 trillion into fossil fuel pr...

  Zero-Waste Snacks for Busy People (and Hungry Teens) ( Because crisp packets and banana peels shouldn't outlive us ) You’re rushing out the door, slightly late, and the teenager in the house is already asking what’s for second breakfast. You reach for a snack — only to discover that most of what’s quick and convenient comes wrapped in layers of plastic, foil, and waste. Convenience and sustainability often feel like they’re on opposite sides of the lunchbox. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With a little planning, you can snack like a climate-conscious champion — and keep even the most ravenous teen from resorting to cling-wrapped cookies. The Packaging Problem Most commercial snacks come in single-use plastic that’s non-recyclable , especially those shiny “mixed material” packets. These wrappers clog landfills and never truly break down — just break up into microplastics. The goal? Snacks that leave you energised, not the planet trashed. Zero-Waste Snack Ideas ✅ Ho...

  Using Ecosia: The Search Engine That Plants Trees ( Click. Search. Plant. Repeat. ) Imagine if every time you googled something, you planted a tree. No, it’s not some kind of green-tech fantasy — it’s Ecosia , a real search engine that uses its ad revenue to fund global reforestation projects. And all it takes is changing your browser’s homepage. What Is Ecosia? Ecosia is a free, privacy-respecting search engine based in Germany. It works just like Google or Bing, but with a twist: They use 100% of their profits to plant trees. So far, they've funded over 180 million trees in places like: Brazil Burkina Faso Madagascar Indonesia Kenya All you have to do is search the web. That’s it. You search — they plant. How It Works Every time you search on Ecosia, the platform earns revenue from clicks on sponsored search results (just like Google). Roughly 45 searches = 1 tree . The money goes to vetted reforestation projects with a focus on: Native bi...

  The Ethics of E-Waste: Where Your Gadgets Really Go ( Spoiler: It's not always the lovely local recycling centre you imagine ) New phone? Shiny. Old phone? Forgotten in a drawer or chucked in a “recycling” bin. But what really happens to our gadgets once we’re done with them? Behind the sleek packaging and glossy upgrades is a murky world of e-waste — and it’s growing fast. Globally, we generate over 50 million tonnes of electronic waste every year. That’s the equivalent of throwing away 1,000 laptops every second . And much of it doesn’t end up where we think it does. What Is E-Waste? E-waste includes: Phones, tablets, computers TVs, fridges, washing machines Cables, chargers, batteries, even electric toothbrushes These items contain precious metals like gold, copper and lithium — but also toxic substances like lead, mercury and cadmium. Improper disposal can leak poisons into the soil and water , and waste valuable resources . The Dark Side of “Recy...

  How to Host a Clothing Swap (Without the Chaos) ( Trade outfits, not landfill guilt ) Fast fashion has turned our wardrobes into revolving doors of impulse buys and polyester regrets. But what if there were a fun, social, and sustainable way to refresh your wardrobe — without spending money or sending clothes to landfill? Enter the clothing swap . Equal parts eco-friendly, cost-effective, and fashion-forward — if done right. Here's how to host one without descending into total chaos, fashion faux pas, or fights over that one perfect jacket. Why Swap? Extends garment lifespans Reduces textile waste (in the UK, we bin ~350,000 tonnes of clothing a year) Saves money Fights fast fashion Great excuse to gather friends and share snacks Step-by-Step: Hosting a Smooth Swap 1. Set Some Ground Rules Clothes must be clean, in good condition , and no missing buttons or broken zips. Limit the number of items each person brings (e.g., 10 max) to avoid overload...

  The Truth About Bamboo – Miracle Material or Greenwash? ( It’s fast-growing, trendy, and possibly greener than your reusable coffee cup... or is it? ) Bamboo is everywhere these days: toothbrushes, socks, kitchen roll, flooring, even cutlery sets in suspiciously rustic packaging. It’s been hailed as a miracle material — the poster child for eco-friendly living. But like anything popular and profitable, bamboo comes with a catch. So, is bamboo really as green as it claims? Or is it just clever marketing wrapped in a stalky disguise? Why Bamboo Looks Great on Paper ✅ Fast-growing – Some species grow up to 3 feet a day. ✅ Renewable – It regrows from its roots, meaning no replanting is required. ✅ Low input – Needs less water and no fertiliser compared to cotton. ✅ Carbon sink – Bamboo sequesters more CO₂ than many trees. It ticks a lot of green boxes — especially when compared to traditional hardwoods, single-use plastics, or thirsty crops like cotton. But Here’s th...

  Sustainable Gardening on a Balcony (Yes, Really) ( Because even a windowsill can grow dinner — or at least mint for your tea ) You don’t need rolling hills, raised beds, or a greenhouse the size of a football pitch to grow sustainably. A balcony, windowsill, or even a sunny doorstep can become a thriving mini garden that feeds you, calms you, and helps the planet. It’s not about the square footage — it’s about using the space you’ve got. Why Bother with a Balcony Garden? Reduces food miles — You can’t get more local than three metres from your kettle. Boosts biodiversity — Even small patches attract bees, butterflies, and ladybirds. Improves air quality — Plants = natural air purifiers. Saves money — Herbs, salads and strawberries are expensive in shops, cheap on your balcony. Improves wellbeing — Green things are good for your brain. Proven. What Can You Grow? You’d be surprised what thrives in containers and small spaces: 🌿 Herbs – Basil, mint,...

  Low-Carbon Celebrations: Greening Your Parties and Gifts ( Because fun shouldn’t cost the Earth — literally ) Birthdays, holidays, weddings, and random Tuesdays where cake feels justified — life is full of reasons to celebrate. But parties and presents often come with more plastic, packaging, and pointless gadgets than actual joy. If you want to keep the cheer but ditch the carbon, here’s how to green your next celebration without becoming that person who hands out compostable napkins and lectures guests about methane. The Problem with Parties Single-use everything : Balloons, plastic cutlery, confetti… Food waste : Over-catering is almost a sport. Wrapping waste : Foil paper, glittery cards, non-recyclable ribbons. Unwanted gifts : Statues of frogs playing ukuleles and other landfill-bound oddities. Green Party Hacks That Still Bring the Fun 1. Go Reusable Where You Can Real plates and glasses > plastic ones Fabric bunting and tablecloths > di...