Carbon Copy Podcast

In this episode of the Carbon Copy Podcast, host Isabelle Sparrow is joined by Isabel Mack, founder of the Party Kit Network CIC, to discuss the world of possibilities offered through borrowing. Whilst most people are familiar with book libraries, there are now hundreds of initiatives across the UK (and beyond) that allow the borrowing of other items –from household appliances to sports equipment and everything in-between.  Listen now to hear: About why Isabel Mack started the Party Kit Network CIC and how this simple idea has helped prevent enormous numbers of single-use items being used and thrown away. From Chris Hellawell, founder of Edinburgh Tool Library, about how this casual side-project became a full-time job and a thriving charity which has lent over 60,000 tools to people over the last decade. From Becky Harford, co-founder of Benthyg Cymru, about how a people-based, place-based approach is at the heart of their work, and how sharing and borrowing can bring people together and create more connected communities. From Gavin Fernie-Jones, founder of Re-Action Collective, about the need for better policy and support for the sharing economy, to make borrowing the obvious and first choice wherever possible. Full transcript available at: https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/borrow-dont-buy------------------------------------------------------------- Show notes Find out more about borrowing, not buying: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction/borrow-dont-buy   Discover all 25 Big Local Actions: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction    Listen to previous episodes of the Carbon Copy Podcast: https://carboncopy.eco/podcast     Send us your feedback and comments: hello@carboncopy.eco  Read about the Party Kit Network CIC on Carbon Copy: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/party-kit-network  Read about Edinburgh Tool Library on Carbon Copy: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/edinburgh-tool-library  Learn more about Benthyg Cymru: https://www.benthyg-cymru.org/  Learn more about Re-Action Collective: https://re-action-collective.org/  Read about the Alternative High Street: https://www.partykitnetwork.org/post/re-action-alternative-high-street   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Do Something Bigger from the Carbon Copy Podcast, join host Isabelle Sparrow with guest co-host, Kiloran O’Leary from Sustain to learn how producing and eating local food can help people connect with each other and bring positive change to their communities. Listen now to learn: How Sustain is supporting food-related businesses to help more people on lower incomes to access local, healthy and sustainable produce. How the people of Carrickfergus in County Antrim came together to create Northern Ireland’s first community-owned greengrocer, and how this is helping the community connect to local growers and farmers. Why Growing Communities is encouraging more public sector organisations and schools to use small farms and market gardens to supply their catering needs. How Incredible Edible is campaigning for a community "Right To Grow,” and their vision for how this could transform the food system. Full transcript available at: https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/produce-local-food ----------------------------------------------------------------- Show notes Find out more about producing food locally: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction/produce-local-food Discover all 25 Big Local Actions: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction Listen to previous episodes of the Carbon Copy Podcast: https://carboncopy.eco/podcast Send us your feedback and comments: hello@carboncopy.eco Learn more about Sustain: https://www.sustainweb.org/  Find out about the Bridging the Gap programme: https://www.sustainweb.org/bridging-the-gap/  Read Sustain’s Local Food Growth Plan report: https://www.sustainweb.org/reports/apr25-local-food-growth-plan/  Read about Growing Communities: https://www.gcvegscheme.org/  Read about Carrick Greengrocers: https://carrickgreengrocers.org/  Read about Incredible Edible: https://www.incredibleedible.org.uk/ Read about the community Right To Grow campaign: https://www.incredibleedible.org.uk/what-we-do/right-to-grow/   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Do Something Bigger, from the Carbon Copy Podcast, hosts Isabelle Sparrow and Bradley Ingham meet three guests who are trying to improve the perception and the reality of using public transport in the UK. We hear from Michael Solomon Williams, Head of Campaigns at the Campaign for Better Transport and learn why it is still relevant in 2025, more than fifty years after the campaign was launched. We speak to Neil Barnfather, Chief Commercial Officer at GoodMaps, about how the app which began as a tool for blind and partially sighted people is now being used by people of all abilities to navigate transport terminals; and we meet Shahiesta Raja, Education Development Officer at Community Rail Lancashire, who has led a group of women to adopt Accrington rail station and become advocates for train travel in their community. Listen now to learn: About campaigns from the Campaign for Better Transport that are helping more people in more places to access buses and trains. How GoodMaps’ technology reduces journey times and restores freedom for people with accessibility needs. How support from Community Rail Lancashire has had life-changing results for members of the local community in Accrington.  Full transcript at: https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/turn-to-public-transport----------------------------------------------------Show notes Find out how to turn to public transport: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction/turn-to-public-transport  Explore all 25 Big Local Actions: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction           Listen back to previous episodes and series of the Carbon Copy Podcast: https://carboncopy.eco/podcast    Email us with your feedback: hello@carboncopy.eco  Read more about the Campaign for Better Transport: https://bettertransport.org.uk/ Learn more about GoodMaps: https://goodmaps.com/  Learn more about Community Rail Lancashire: https://communityraillancashire.co.uk/  Discover the whole Community Rail Network: https://communityrail.org.uk/  Read about the Government’s Integrated Travel Strategy: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/integrated-national-transport-strategy-for-england  Learn about the Bus Stop Standard campaign: https://bettertransport.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2411-Better-Bus-Stops-Creating-a-national-bus-stop-standard.pdf   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following the UK’s driest spring on record, and England’s hottest June, this episode explores the causes of heatwaves, and what we can do to reduce the health and wellbeing impacts of extreme temperatures. We learn about the urban heat island affect with Professor Stefán Smith, Researcher and Lecturer at the University of Reading, and we look at the importance of water efficiency and soil health with Dr Laurence Couldrick, CEO at the Westcountry Rivers Trust. Listen now to discover: Why towns and cities get warmer and stay warmer than surrounding rural areas. How introducing more vegetation and bodies of water can have a localised cooling effect. How communities can come together to provide places of sanctuary for vulnerable people during heatwaves. How animals also suffer in the heat and what farmers can do to protect their livestock. Why it’s crucial to make space for water across the UK, to build resilience against the effects of our changing climate.Full transcript available at: https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/prepare-for-heatwaves----------------------------------------------------- Show notes  Find out more about preparing for heatwaves: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction/prepare-for-heatwaves  Explore all 25 Big Local Actions: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction         Listen back to previous episodes and series of the Carbon Copy Podcast: https://carboncopy.eco/podcast  Read about Westcountry Rivers Trust’s work on drought resilience: https://wrt.org.uk/our-projects/  Read about Stefán’s research related to how people move around urban environments during extreme weather: https://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=NE%2FW002965%2F1  Learn about the Making Space for Water campaign: https://theriverstrust.org/making-space-for-water  Discover initiatives that are related to water security and resilience: https://carboncopy.eco/impact/safe-water  Contact us with comments or feedback: hello@carboncopy.eco   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Carbon Copy Podcast, we explore how sharing ownership between many people enables communities to protect valuable buildings, businesses and green spaces for the good of all. Join hosts Isabelle Sparrow and Bradley Ingham as they discuss the challenges and the benefits of raising money through a community share offer; and how three initiatives: Jubilee Farm in Northern Ireland, SOS Frome in Somerset and Fordhall Farm in Shropshire did just that. Listen now to hear: How community ownership creates opportunities for people locally to affect positive change in their own area. What kinds of businesses and assets can be community owned and different ways to get involved. How raising funds with a share offer works and how community-owned organisations are managed. Top tips and advice from those with experience, and inspiration for anyone thinking of taking community ownership where they live! Full transcript available at: https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/take-community-ownership------------------------------------ Show NotesFind out more about taking community ownership: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction/take-community-ownership  Explore all 25 Big Local Actions: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction       Listen back to previous episodes of the Carbon Copy Podcast: https://carboncopy.eco/podcast    Learn about the We’re Right Here campaign and hear more from Charlotte in our Lobby For Change episode: https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/lobby-for-change  Learn more about community owned energy in our Generate Energy Locally episode: https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/generate-energy-locally  Email your feedback to us: hello@carboncopy.eco  Read about Jubilee Farm: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/jubilee-farm  Read about SOS Frome: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/sos-frome  Read about Fordhall Farm: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/fordhall-farm  Find support from Plunkett UK: https://plunkett.co.uk/  Find support from Co-operatives UK: https://www.uk.coop/start-new-co-op/convert/what-community-buyout  Read about the Community Right to Buy: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/landmark-devolution-bill-brings-new-dawn-of-regional-power   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Carbon Copy Podcast, host Isabelle Sparrow and producer Brad Ingham are joined by expert guests, Lottie Trewick, Research Analyst at nature restoration company Nattergal, and Steve Micklewright, CEO of Scottish charity Trees for Life to discuss the importance of boosting biodiversity through UK rewilding initiatives. Listen now to hear: How re-introducing key species like beavers, otters, lynx and wild cattle can have a huge impact on whole ecosystems. About the enormous funding gap for nature recovery globally, and how natural capital markets like those traded by Nattergal can bring in much needed contributions to meet this deficit. How important engagement is to ensure local people, landowners and farmers feel included in plans and will support them. What you can do to bring more nature into your local area. Full transcript available at: https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/rewild-land----------------------------------------- Show notes Find out more about rewilding: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction/rewild-land    Explore all 25 Big Local Actions: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction     Listen back to previous episodes and series of the Carbon Copy Podcast: https://carboncopy.eco/podcast    Email your feedback and suggestions to us: hello@carboncopy.eco  Read about Trees for Life’s Tauros project: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/rewilding-tauros-wild-cattle  Read about Nattergal’s first site, Boothby Wildland: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/boothby-wildland  Learn more about Nattergal: https://www.nattergal.com/ Learn more about Knepp: https://knepp.co.uk/ Explore other Trees for Life projects: https://treesforlife.org.uk/Get more information about rewilding from: Rewild Britain: https://www.rewildingbritain.org.uk/  The Scottish Rewilding Alliance: https://www.rewild.scot/  Listen to our previous podcast episode about rewilding, Heal The Wild: https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/all-nature-heal-the-wild  Learn about Biodiversity Net Gain: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/biodiversity-net-gain   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Plastic, specifically single-use plastic, is ubiquitous in all of our lives. Food, beauty products, household items – nearly all come with in plastic bag, container or even both. In this episode of the Carbon Copy Podcast, host Isabelle Sparrow is joined by Daniel Webb, founded and CEO of Everyday Plastic, to discuss how we can collectively reduce the 1.7 billion pieces of plastic thrown away in the UK every week. We learn about plastic-busting campaigns led by City to Sea (the organisation behind Refill), from CEO Natalie Fée, and about the challenges and of starting a plastic-free beauty brand from KinKind founder Victoria Coe. Listen now and hear: About the Big Plastic Count, the biennial citizen science project to determine the current situation with plastic waste in the UK. The story of City to Sea – how witnessing plastic pollution in her home city led Natalie to start her amazing organisation. About the opportunity for retailers and big brands to lead the way in reducing plastic.Full transcript available at: https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/use-less-plastic--------------------------------------------------------------------- Show notes  Find out more about using less plastic: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction/use-less-plastic  Explore all 25 Big Local Actions: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction   Listen back to previous episodes and series of the Carbon Copy Podcast: https://carboncopy.eco/podcast   Find out about Everyday Plastic: https://www.everydayplastic.org/ Learn about the Big Plastic Count: https://thebigplasticcount.com/ Visit the City to Sea website: https://www.citytosea.org.uk/  See the work of Chris Jordan and watch the film Albatross: https://www.albatrossthefilm.com/  Find out more about KinKind: https://kinkind.co.uk Read about the Global Plastics Treaty: https://www.unep.org/inc-plastic-pollution Find out about the Refill campaign: https://www.refill.org.uk/ Read about the Plastic Free Communities initiative: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/plastic-free-communities  Listen to our podcast episode, Bottle By Bottle: https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/bottle-by-bottle   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Carbon Copy Podcast we explore campaigns where local action is integral to national progress. We hear about We’re Right Here, the campaign for the Community Power Act. We chat to two of the campaign’s local leaders, Claude Hendrickson MBE, a diversity and inclusion expert and community housing advocate based in Leeds; and Charlotte Hollins, tenant farmer at Fordhall Farm, the UK’s first community-owned farm. We also learn about Zero Hour, the campaign for the Climate and Nature (CAN) Bill. We speak to Political Communications Manager Allan Gray, who tells us about a new push for people across the UK to show their support for the bill through constituency-specific open letters. We uncover how Climate Emergency UK’s latest Council Climate Action Scorecards can be used as a lobbying tool locally and at a national level to call for better funding and support for councils to implement their climate action plans, and hear about the call for climate statutory duty for councils, which would make targets legally binding for local authorities, and could help to accelerate action across the UK. Listen now and learn: Why engaging your MP and building a rapport could be the key to securing more political support for climate and nature. How delegating responsibilities for decision-making and service provision to local people could save time, money and resources. How to use the council climate action scorecards to learn more about the issues in your area so you can lobby for change locally. How to get involved by adding your voice to high-impact campaigns for climate and nature. Full transcript available at https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/lobby-for-change----------------------------------------------------- Show notes Find out more about lobbying for change: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction/lobby-for-change Explore all 25 Big Local Actions: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction Listen back to previous episodes and series of the Carbon Copy Podcast: https://carboncopy.eco/podcast  Find your Council’s Climate Action Scorecard score: https://councilclimatescorecards.uk/ Learn about Climate Statutory Duty for councils: https://climateemergency.uk/were-behind-on-our-climate-targets-for-2030-so-make-action-a-council-duty/ Learn about the We’re Right Here campaign: https://www.right-here.org/ Read about the Climate and Nature Bill, and sign an open letter in your constituency: https://action.zerohour.uk/ Take part in The Climate Coalition (TCC)’s Mass Lobby event: https://www.theclimatecoalition.org/act-now-change-forever  Share your thoughts, feedback or suggestions with us: hello@carboncopy.eco   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When we think of protecting nature, we almost always think of forests, meadows, rivers and lakes – and the animals that reside in them. But nature extends way beyond the tide line. Beneath the waves there are habitats and species that not only enrich our lives, but are fundamental to them. In this episode of the Carbon Copy Podcast we connect the dots between the land and sea, and explore how work to restore marine ecosystems has benefits for both people and planet. Listen to hear: How marine species like seagrass, kelp and oysters can help to build coastal resilience, tackle climate change and help biodiversity. About Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s approach to involving the local community in marine conservation. Why the health of our seas and oceans is under threat – and what we can do to address this. How WWF UK is helping people to feel more connected to the sea, regardless of where they live in the country. What podcast hosts Isabelle Sparrow and Bradley Ingham thought about the new documentary Ocean, with David Attenborough – and how its message is relevant to people in the UK. Full transcript available at: https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/protect-our-shores -------------------------------------Show notes Find out more about protecting our shores: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction/protect-our-shores  Discover all 25 Big Local Actions for climate and nature: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction        Listen back to previous episodes of the Carbon Copy Podcast: https://carboncopy.eco/podcast  Learn more about Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s Your Shore network: https://www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/what-we-do/our-conservation-work/at-sea/your-shore-network Learn about Cornwall Council’s Marine Nature Recovery Framework (MNRF): https://letstalk.cornwall.gov.uk/cornwall-and-the-isles-of-scilly-marine-nature-recovery-framework Read about seaweed farming initiatives Car-y-Mor and SeaGrown. Read about WWF UK’s projects around aquaculture. Sign the Living Planet Act: https://www.wwf.org.uk/act/living-planet-act Find out about volunteering opportunities with your local Wildlife Trust: https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/closer-to-nature/volunteer  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Carbon Copy Podcast we explore how switching the car for walking or cycling is a positive change that’s about so much more than climate. Join our host Isabelle Sparrow and guest co-host Izzy Romilly, Sustainable Transport Research & Campaign Manager at Possible, to learn how driving less and choosing an active lifestyle has health, air quality and economic benefits too! Hear from cycling advocates Mariam Draaijer of JoyRiders, and Katie Collier and Rosie Venner of Bike Worcester about their work helping more people, especially women and families, to choose cycling to get around. We also meet Joe Durbidge of IWGB and delve into the Hot Wheels campaign, which is calling for more support to allow couriers to choose sustainable transport options. Listen now and discover: The dramatic NHS savings possible if more people chose to cycle instead of drive. The biggest barriers to walking and cycling – and how these are being tackled. What you can do to help more people choose active travel where you live. Full transcript available at: https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/walk-and-cycle--------------------------------------------- Show notes  Find out more about walking and cycling: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction/walk-and-cycle  Discover all 25 Big Local Actions for climate and nature: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction       Listen back to previous episodes of the Carbon Copy Podcast: https://carboncopy.eco/podcast Learn more about JoyRiders, on Carbon Copy: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/joyriders-women-cycling-together  Learn more about Bike Worcester, on Carbon Copy: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/bike-worcester  Read about Possible’s work on sustainable transport: https://www.wearepossible.org/getting-around  DIscover more about the London Cycling Campaign’s women’s network: https://lcc.org.uk/campaigns/womens-freedom/  Read about the Hot Wheels campaign: https://www.wearepossible.org/hotwheels  Learn more about Bikeability and cycle proficiency: https://www.bikeability.org.uk/  Share your feedback: hello@carboncopy.eco  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Carbon Copy Podcast, host Isabelle Sparrow is rejoined by Kathryn Machin, Head of Community Engagement Campaigns at WWF UK, to explore their work and those of organisations around the UK, to help more people to spend more time in nature. We learn how Tayshan-Hayden Smith and members of his community in North Kensington have transformed previously derelict spaces into thriving gardens, and places to reflect and find solace following the Grenfell Tower tragedy; and we learn how Greening Maindee is helping people in one of the most deprived parts of Newport to reap the positive mental and physical wellbeing benefits of time spent in nature. Listen now to hear: Why access to nature is so important for our wellbeing, and how WWF UK is helping more people to benefit through their campaign A Prescription for Nature. How Grow to Know and Greening Maindee are changing perceptions and building trust – both with the local community and with local government and support organisations. About the potential for gardening and creating space for nature to heal trauma and create a brighter future for communities.Access the full episode transcript at: https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/create-space-for-nature----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Show notes Find out more about creating space for nature: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction/create-space-for-nature  Discover all 25 Big Local Actions for climate and nature: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction     Listen back to previous episodes of the Carbon Copy Podcast: https://carboncopy.eco/podcast     Listen to All Nature: Nourishing Connections, our previous Carbon Copy Podcast episode focused on urban gardening and community growing projects: https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/all-nature-nourishing-connections Read about Grow to Know: https://www.growtoknow.world/ Read about Greening Maindee: https://www.maindee.org/greening Learn more about A Prescription for Nature from WWF: https://www.wwf.org.uk/prescription-for-nature  Learn about the Nature Neighbourhoods programme: https://peoplesplanfornature.org/nature-neighbourhoods  Send us an email: hello@carboncopy.eco   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If food waste were a country, it would be the second biggest global emitter of carbon emissions after the US and China. It’s a big environmental, economic and social problem. In this episode of the Carbon Copy Podcast we chat to four different guests, each with a different perspective on how to prevent good food ending up in the bin. We hear from Fiona Bell whose initiative CropDrop helps to connect alloment growers to local food projects, we meet Kate Page from Fooditude, a London-based corporate catering business that is putting sustainability right at the top of the menu. We also explore different ways to use up surplus food, from the high-end event catering provided by Open Kitchen, to the vital support offered to local community organisations by FareShare. Listen to hear: Why food waste happens in the first place – and why it’s not just about what we can do individually. How businesses can save money and improve their environmental credentials through better planning around catering. Why more government funding is needed to make food waste from farms a thing of the past. What you can do to support organisations that are tackling this big local issue. Full transcript available at: https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/reduce-food-waste.------------------------------------------------------ Show notes Find out more about reducing food waste: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction/reduce-food-waste  Discover all 25 Big Local Actions for climate and nature: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction     Listen back to previous episodes of the Carbon Copy Podcast: https://carboncopy.eco/podcast     Read more about CropDrop: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/cropdrop  Learn more about Fooditude: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/fooditude  Read about Open Kitchen: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/open-kitchen Learn about Menu for Change in Greater Manchester: https://www.openkitchenmcr.co.uk/menuforchange  Learn about FareShare: https://fareshare.org.uk/   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The energy transition is not just about reducing carbon emissions. Local community-generated power can bring huge benefits to communities – economic, social and environmental. In this episode of the Carbon Copy Podcast we chat to John Taylor from Community Energy England and Beth McAllister from Oxfordshire’s Low Carbon Hub, about the positive impact that generating energy locally can have. Listen, to hear Carbon Copy’s Isabelle Sparrow and renewable energy advocate Sonya Bedford MBE examining the different ways to get involved – regardless of your background or expertise. . Learn about the options for energy generation locally. Hear about opportunities to contribute with different skills and experience. Find out what support and guidance is available to help you get started. Full transcript available at: https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/generate-energy-locally-----------------------------------------------------------------Show notes Find out more about generating energy locally: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction/generate-energy-locally  Discover all 25 Big Local Actions for climate and nature: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction   Listen back to previous episodes of the Carbon Copy Podcast: https://carboncopy.eco/podcast  Read about Ambition Lawrence Weston, the UK’s first community-owned wind turbine: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/ambition-lawrence-weston  Read about the community energy organisations Sonya mentions, Exeter Community Energy: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/exeter-community-energy-ecoe  Avalon Community Energy: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/avalon-community-energy  Find out more about Community Energy England: https://communityenergyengland.org/  Read about Low Carbon Hub on Carbon Copy: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/low-carbon-hub  Learn more about the Energy Learning Network that John mentions: https://ashden.org/energy-learning-network/  Discover over 400 more renewable energy projects on Carbon Copy: https://carboncopy.eco/action-area/energy  Get in touch with us and let us know what you thought of this episode: hello@carboncopy.eco  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Whilst planting trees might seem like an obvious action to tackle the climate and nature crises, there’s more to reforestation than meets the eye. In this episode of Do Something Bigger, from the Carbon Copy Podcast, we meet Carl Rowlinson founder of woodland creation initiative Plant One Cornwall, who shares his story of turning a feeling of helplessness about the world into a positive and impactful county-wide project. We also hear from the aptly named Dave Wood, CEO of Bristol-Avon based Avon Needs Trees; a charity taking an innovative approach to purchasing land specifically for woodland creation and management. Listen now to learn: Why simply planting trees does not go far enough. How trees are a fantastic way to engage different people in issues around nature and the environment. The importance of allowing natural species that might be usually considered “weeds” to grow and support young trees. That almost everyone has a favourite tree or trees, if they think about it hard enough! ------------------------------------------------------------------ Show notes For a full transcript visit: https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/plant-more-treesFind out more about planting trees: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction/plant-more-trees Discover all 25 Big Local Actions for climate and nature: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction     Listen back to previous episodes of the Carbon Copy Podcast: https://carboncopy.eco/podcast    Read about Plant One Cornwall on the Carbon Copy website: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/plant-one  Read about Avon Needs Trees on the Carbon Copy website: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/avon-needs-trees  Read about finding tree-related action you can take near you via The Woodland Trust: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/protecting-trees-and-woods/campaign-with-us/take-action-in-your-community/   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Do Something Bigger from the Carbon Copy Podcast, host Isabelle Sparrow and producer Bradley Ingham chat to reuse and repair experts Dr Adam Read MBE and Clare Seek. They discuss the plethora of co-benefits brought by a circular economy, and outline their visions for a future in which repair and reuse is normalised and celebrated. We learn about The Renew Hub, the incredible large-scale reuse operation run by SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK in Greater Manchester, which is saving useable items from ending up in landfill. We also hear about how Share (Portsmouth) has developed from pop-up shop to a thriving community organisation, helping to bring people together and creating connections that go beyond repair. Listen and learn: How SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK works with apprentices and people returning to work, and has created employment for people in skilled careers. How The Renew Hub looks to be inclusive, ensuring secondhand items are available at price points suitable for people in all circumstances. Why Clare hopes that Share (Portsmouth) might one day not exist!  ---------------------------------------------------  Show Notes For a full transcript visit: https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/repair-and-reuseFind out more about repair and reuse: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction/repair-instead-of-recycle Discover all 25 Big Local Actions for climate and nature: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction   Listen back to previous episodes of the Carbon Copy Podcast: https://carboncopy.eco/podcast Learn about Share (Portsmouth) on Carbon Copy: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/share-portsmouth  Learn about The Renew Hub on Carbon Copy: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/renew-hub  Read about the history of repair cafés: https://www.repaircafe.org/en/about/  Read about progress on the Right to Repair campaign, and what you can do: https://therestartproject.org/right-to-repair/uk-progress-2025/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Do Something Bigger from the Carbon Copy Podcast, we’re exploring how farming and food production, done in the right way, can bring huge benefits for nature and climate. Join host Isabelle Sparrow and special guest co-host Kathryn Machin, Head of Community Engagement Campaigns at WWF UK to explore why involving farmers and food producers in conversations about nature and climate is so important. We speak to Martin Lines – an arable farmer from Cambridgeshire who is also CEO of the Nature Friendly Farming Network – to learn more about the ways the public can support farmers who are transitioning to more sustainable practices; and we hear from Stephanie McEvoy, who works with farmers and agri-food businesses in Northern Ireland to encourage peer-to-peer learning and more nature-focused ways of working. Listen to learn: More about WWF UK’s work supporting farmers and sustainable agriculture. What the Nature Friendly Farming Network does and how you can get involved. Why peer-to-peer learning is particularly important for farmers. What steps you can take (even if you’re not a farmer) to support nature-friendly farming practices. -------------------------------------------------------------- Show notes For a full transcript visit: https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/farm-with-natureFind out more about farming with nature: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction/farm-with-nature Discover all 25 Big Local Actions for climate and nature: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction   Listen back to previous episodes of the Carbon Copy Podcast: https://carboncopy.eco/podcast  Listen to Bigger Than All Of Us – our podcast episode all about the People’s Plan for Nature: https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/bigger-than-all-of-us  Read the People’s Plan for Nature: https://peoplesplanfornature.org/  Read about Stephanie’s work with farmers in Northern Ireland: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/farming-carbon  Sign up to be a member of the Nature Friendly Farming Network: https://www.nffn.org.uk/ Read about WWF’s work to mend the broken food system: https://www.wwf.org.uk/food  Learn more about WWF’s work on regenerative agriculture: https://www.wwf.org.uk/food/farming/regenerative-agriculture  Read the Land of Plenty report: https://www.wwf.org.uk/updates/land-of-plenty  Read about WWF’s Eat For Change programme: https://www.wwf.org.uk/eat4change   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Do Something Bigger from the Carbon Copy Podcast, we are seeking solutions to one of the UK’s most common and most destructive natural disasters: floods. We discover just how high the risk of flooding is, how much worse it is predicted to get – and why this is linked to climate change. We explore ways to prepare for flooding, in homes and in wider communities – and we look at natural flood defences and sustainable urban drainage solutions (SuDS) that can reduce the likelihood of floods happening in the first place. Join host Isabelle Sparrow, special guest co-host Joanna Yarrow, flooding expert Mary Long-Dhonau OBE (AKA Flood Mary) and Rachel Glossop of the Living With Water Partnership to learn: About The Phoenix, the sustainable neighbourhood being developed by Joanna Yarrow’s company Human Nature The importance of greening up and de-paving around homes and in towns and cities Top tips for protecting your home from flood damage What a Flood Action Group is and why every community should have one How to keep vulnerable people safe in the event of a flood Full transcript available at: https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/take-flood-action------------------------------------------------------------------- Show notes Find out more about taking flood action: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction/take-flood-action Discover all 25 Big Local Actions for climate and nature: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction   Listen back to previous episodes of the Carbon Copy Podcast: https://carboncopy.eco/podcast  Read more about The Phoenix: https://www.phoenixlewes.com/ Read more about Human Nature: https://www.humannature-places.com/ Learn more about Flood Mary: https://floodmary.com/ Read more about the Living With Water Partnership, on Carbon Copy: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/living-with-water Find out about Flood Action Groups: https://thefloodhub.co.uk/community/ Read about the RAIN project in Northamptonshire: https://rainnorthants.co.uk/    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Do Something Bigger from the Carbon Copy Podcast we explore the waterlogged world of peatlands. We learn about the huge value that peat can bring, in terms of storing carbon, reducing flood risk, purifying water and providing habitat for rare species like adder, curlew and insectivorous plants. Listen, to hear how both Ulster Wildlife and Lancashire Peat Partnership are working to restore peatlands, and discover how you can take action to protect these incredible landscapes. Learn about the impact of degraded peatland. Hear about animals and plants that call peatlands their home. Find out why peatlands have become so degraded and damaged. Learn about the importance of buying peat-free compost. Get inspired to take big local action for peat! Full transcript available at: https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/restore-peatlands------------------------------------------------------------------------- Show Notes Find out more about restoring peatlands: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction/restore-peatlands Discover all 25 Big Local Actions for climate and nature: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction Listen back to previous episodes of the Carbon Copy Podcast: https://carboncopy.eco/podcast  Find out more about Lancashire Peat Partnership: https://www.lancswt.org.uk/our-work/projects/peatland-restoration/lancashire-peat-partnership  Read about one of Lancashire Peat Partnership’s flagship projects, in the Forest of Bowland AONB: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/bowland-priority-peat  Read about Ulster Wildlife’s current project at Haughey’s Bog: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/haugheys-bog-restoration  Learn more about Ulster Wildlife’s work on peat: https://www.ulsterwildlife.org/saving-our-peatlands Discover gardening and growing projects via Carbon Copy: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives?search_term=&filter-local_area=&filter-action_area%5B%5D=56&filter-positive_impact%5B%5D=17 Find a peat-free plant nursery near you: https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/peat/peat-free-nurseries Find your local wildlife trust to explore peatland volunteering opportunities: https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/peat/peat-free-nurseries  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Britain has some of the least energy efficient housing stock in Europe, with 27 million homes in need of improvement. People across the country are struggling with bills and suffering in cold, draughty houses. In this episode of the Carbon Copy Podcast we meet Andrea Howe from Cosy Homes in Lancashire, and Til Wallis, from Canopy Housing, to explore action that people can take to insulate their homes and other inefficient buildings, to save money, improve health and reduce carbon emissions. Listen now to learn: How much money you could save by installing effective insulation in your house Some of the different materials that can be used for insulation What you can do if you are a landlord with properties that have low energy efficiency ratings How you can find out more and get involved with tackling cold homes across the UK  “We're trying to change the system up in lots of different ways. I think that's the big thing about Canopy: we're providing warm, safe, comfortable, nice homes for people to live, where they get support. But also trying to do social bridging, and also trying to do our bit for the environment within this city.” - Til Wallis, Canopy Housing  Full transcript available at: https://carboncopy.eco/podcasts/insulate-our-homes------------------------------------------------------------ Show Notes Discover 25 Big Local Actions in 2025: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction  Listen back to previous episodes of the Carbon Copy Podcast: https://carboncopy.eco/podcast  Check out the hundreds of inspiring, hope-filled initiatives on Carbon Copy: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives  Subscribe to Carbon Copy’s newsletter: https://carboncopy.eco/newsletter Learn more about insulation, on the Insulate Our Homes action page: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction/insulate-our-homes Read more about Cosy Homes in Lancashire: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/cosy-homes-in-lancashire Read more about Canopy Housing: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/canopy-housing-2  Find out about funding available to people on lower incomes for home insulation: https://www.gov.uk/apply-great-british-insulation-scheme  Find out about the Warm Homes Grant which can be used by both private owners and landlords: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/warm-homes-local-grant   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join podcast host Isabelle Sparrow and producer Bradley Ingham for this, the first episode of the Carbon Copy Podcast series, Do Something Bigger, as we introduce our year-long campaign: 25 Big Local Actions in 2025. We look at why this year is so important for climate action – both globally, and locally. We examine the potential for local action to make a huge difference, and how positive changes that appear unrelated to climate change or nature restoration can have benefits for the environment as well.  Listen now to: Learn more about the UN’s “Decade of Action,” and about why, despite challenging circumstances, we still have a lot of hope (and evidence) that through working together, locally, we can get to the future we want to see! Get an introduction to the different climate action areas we’re covering in this series, and why we are calling on you to Do Something Bigger in 2025. Find a topic that inspires you, motivates you and could bring you joy personally – as well as helping to tackle the biggest issues of our time.  Show Notes Discover 25 Big Local Actions in 2025: https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction  Listen back to previous episodes of the Carbon Copy Podcast: https://carboncopy.eco/podcast  Check out the hundreds of inspiring, hope-filled initiatives on Carbon Copy: https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives  Subscribe to Carbon Copy’s newsletter: https://carboncopy.eco/newsletter  Learn about the SDGs: https://sdgs.un.org/goals  Read the UN Emissions Gap report 2024: https://www.unep.org/resources/emissions-gap-report-2024  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.