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Book of Leaves

Book of Leaves

Author: Ceara Carney

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An Irish podcast where I interview business owners, activists and other everyday people, to learn how they contribute to living sustainably. By educating ourselves, we can then take a leaf from their book to add to our own way of eco-friendly living!

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Whether or not you have participated in gardening (community or otherwise), this episode is bound to be inspirational for you. If you're in Cork, check out the various organisations Maria is involved with. Otherwise, search your locality for a food policy council, SHEP branch or community garden. The latter you can always set up yourself! Make sure to stay up to date with Togher Community Garden on Facebook, Twitter @GardenTogher or Instagram @TogherCommunityGarden.[04:20] Maria's introduces herself[07:20] What is SHEP, Cork Food Policy Council & Green Spaces for Health[10:50] Turning a graveyard into a community garden[18:10] Their tree nursery & how to create your own[22:30] How to find land for tree nurseries[26:35] What is a community garden and how do they differ from allotments? Togher garden as the example.[34:20] Stories Maria has that demonstrate the ripple effect of the garden[38:55] *Maria’s favourite community gardening tips[46:20] Dealing with pests organically[49:30] A seed library & keeping it wild[54:05] Maria’s imagination of the futureAlso Mentioned:Joanna MacyRob HopkinsAshleigh Ellis - Artist Dying FabricTrees PleaseTidy TownsThe Solidarity Garden – for people living in Direct ProvisionSeedsavers in ClareBrown Envelope Seeds Company As always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend xPatreon / Buy Me A Coffee Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hello and welcome to the very first episode of Book of Leaves! This episode goes into a little about me, why I started this podcast and what kind of areas we'll be covering. Please subscribe, rate, review and if you have any feedback or suggestions, get in touch!www.bookofleavespodcast.com  Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tom Butler, together with his wife Pam, run an organisation called Astræa, through which they inspire people to think, act, and live in harmony with the planet and each other. They grow food on a small organic farm, host classes, sell books and much more. At their root, they are two people using their time on the planet to create positive change. It was a pleasure to chat to Tom and learn of his fascinating story. My mind was whirring with inspiration through this chat, I'm sure yours will too! You can find their website here or stay up to date with them on Instagram @BreatheThinkFlow.[05:50] Tom introduces himself and his story / leaving the high life.[17:50] Moving to Carlow[20:10] Knowing your ancestors[25:40] Astræa[31:50] Feast Upon The Earth timescape book & exhibition. [47:20] The meaning of ‘Breathe, think, flow’Books mentioned:The Serpent and the GoddessFeast Upon The EarthHumankindFrom What Is to What IfDonate to UNICEFAs always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend xPatreon / Buy Me A Coffee Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bohemian Football Club (BFC) is the first football club in the world to set up a climate action committee and they’ve been doing a stellar job of it. I interviewed two of the people on the team, Sean McCabe and Leo McConnell to get the inside scoop on how they’ve been working. You can follow them on Instagram as @bfcdublin_clico or Facebook. [05:05] Sean & Leo introduce themselves[10:10] When and why did BFC incorporate climate action [12:00] What does that climate action look like[14:15] Why BFC doesn’t focus on carbon emissions generated on match days[19:00] The impact on fans’ mindsets they’ve had so far[20:20] Tips for other sports clubs and club members on incorporating climate action[21:50] What help they need to grow their community spaces[27:10] Other tips for people to take on to live more kindly to the planet[32:00] Imagining the future Donate to UNICEFAs always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend xPatreon / Buy Me A Coffee Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
**Note from March 1st 2024 - we recorded this interview in November 2023. If you are wondering why Naomi doesn't refer to what's happening in Gaza as a g3noc!de, it's because things hadn't escalated as far as they have today. She now refers to it as a "Level 9 Extermination risk gen0cide". Language is important. Thank you for listening and please keep up the fight for a ceasefire.** "We are at war. The line is drawn between the people and the polluters."Naomi Ní Shíocháin is a sustainability scientist whose main area of research is the 'Planetary Polycrisis' that exist, from climate to health to war. Facing this every day in her home life as well as work life, she has built a resilience that many of us lack - and rightly so because humans are not meant to experience the current ongoing tragedies. In this chat, Naomi shares some tools that has helped her own resilience, as well as giving is an aural hug. Naomi can be followed on LinkedIn, and Instagram @naominishiochain.Trigger warning: Suicide mentioned in the time stamp below.[04:30] Interview begins with an introduction from Naomi.[09:05] Naomi recounts getting caught in the Californian fires in 2018.[12:35] TW. The personal war we experience admits this planetary polycrisis. TW.[26:05] What brings Naomi joy.[30:30] Why we talk about ending war when we talk about having climate justice[40:30] What can we as individuals can do to help[45:25] How war affects emissions and biodiversity[55:05] Imagining the future"The depth of the truth we speak is the depth of the solutions that we can find to all of this"The New Climate War by Prof. Michael MannBright New World by Cindy FordeDonate to UNICEFAs always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend x Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It was such an honour to chat to Anja Murray who many of you may know from being the presenter of Eco Eye. She also is a writer (Wild Embrace & a weekly column with the Irish Examiner), a radio show host (Naturefile with RTE Lyfric FM) on top of having worked in policy in the NGO sector for many years. You can follow her on Instagram @miseanja & X @miseanja. I hope you enjoy taking a leaf out of her book and find the wonder in nature.[02:40] Anja begins by introducing herself[04:15] What motivated Anja to get active[07:40] What working in policy & advocacy is like[14:45] Why decision makers are so reluctant and how can we change that[18:10] How Anja began working in broadcasting[23:45] Why she wrote her book and the importance of connecting to the wonder of nature[35:10] Three legged stool metaphor: action, knowledge, wonder[38:45] Tips for spending time in nature[52:15] Imagining the futureAlso mentioned:Eco EyeNaturefileWild EmbraceBirdsong identifying app - MerlinDonate to UNICEFAs always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend x Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
I've heard of skip diving and second hand shopping, but salvage yards were not something I knew even existed in Ireland until Harry got in touch about the work he does. Euro Salve has been running for 25 years, based in Kilkenny. A wonderland of treasures, high quality timber, garden furniture, you name it! Giving these items a new lease of life and diverting them from landfill is a lovely way to live more kindly on the planet. Follow Euro Salve on Instagram @kilkennyarchitecturalsalvage, TikTok @kilkennyarchsalvage, Pinterest or Facebook.[03:05] Harry introduces himself[06:45] What is a salvage yard?[09:55] The impacts of the fast furniture industry[15:30]Difference between vintage stores and a salvage yard[19:05] How people can sell items to Euro Salve[31:25] Visiting the yard – opening times and walking up[24:10] Interesting & strange items that have passed throughDonate to UNICEF(National Tour Ceara is doing: click here! )As always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend x Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sophia McConnon is a youth activist I saw speaking at a climate conference over the summer. She was raising awareness of the detrimental effects mining has had on her community, which began with a large sinkhole that destroyed the local GAA playing field, community centre, and 3 surrounding fields. New mines are constantly being explored across the country, but Sophia and the rest of Magheracloone Against Mining are trying to keep communities and our environments safe. Support them on 'X' @MiningAgainst and Instagram @magheracloone_against_mining or Facebook.[05:25] Sophia introduces herself[06:35] The sinkhole[12:40] What the relationship between the community and the mining group is like[18:05] What are their aims and what’s been happening since they started as well as advice for other groups[21:05] What non locals can do to help the Magheracloone community[23:15] How landowners can prevent mining under their land[24:55] Was this the main inspiration for Sophia to become and activist or did she have a relationship to the environment before?[29:05] Tips for older activists when interacting with youth activists, & mental health[35:55] Imagining the futureCAIM – Communities against the injustices of miningDrumgossatt/Knocknacran Residents Group FacebookDonate to UNICEF(National Tour Ceara is doing: click here! )As always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend x Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
If you’ve ever attended a protest for human or animal rights, chances are Laura has been in the crowd every single time. An activist since her teens, they have a wealth of experience and compassion they primarily use to drive the campaigns of NARA (National Animal Rights Association). Their most pressing campaign at the moment is the one to ban hare coursing which we cover in detail. Keep up to date with NARA on Instagram, on X and Facebook by searching @naracampaigns.[04:20] Laura’s journey into activism [08:20] The link between animal and human exploitation.[10:45] How anger can benefit activism[14:20] What Laura thinks is needed between vegan and non vegan environmentalists[22:05] NARA’s Campaign to end hare coursing[28:00] Why is hare coursing also an environmental issue?[33:40] How landowners can stop coursing on their land[34:55] What can the public do to help this campaign?[39:30] When do we expect the bill to be in the Dáil?[41:40] Laura’s imagining of the futureNature Rising Dublin Vegfest(National Tour Ceara is doing: click here! )As always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend xPatreon / Buy Me A Coffee Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
I've been wanting to cover Doughnut Economics (DE) since I heard of Kate Raworth who coined the theory. Economics is NOT my strong point, so I was delighted to meet Roisin Markham at an even in Cloughjordan Eco Village who has - almost accidentally - become one of the reps for DE in Ireland. She's also a brilliant visual artist and all around amazing, generous individual. Stay up to date with her on @creativedynamix on socials [03:25] Interview begins[04:15] Owning ‘I’m a climate activist’[06:55] Who inspired Róisín’s connection with the Earth [10:25] Getting in to Doughnut Economics & what it means[18:45] Systems thinking explained[22:55] Being agnostic about growth[26:15] Circular economics fitting in to DE[30:55] How IDEN is engaging and educate communities[36:25] Other ‘leaves’ Roisin has for listeners: advocating for climate in the job you’re already doing[45:45] Roisin’s favourite things about the futureDoughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st-Century Economist by Kate RaworthDEAL - Doughnut Economics Action Lab - people can sign upNational Doughnuts Good Life Leeds Study  Ireland's Doughnut IDEN Irish Doughnut Economics Network -  it has a sign up link on the front pageProfile on DEAL Getting started page; has links for more information Work on Climate - run by ex-Google employeesHurd app - input data on your company's climate action(National Tour Ceara is doing: click here! )As always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend xPatreon / Buy Me A Coffee Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Darragh Wynne is a climate activist and host of the Climate Alarm Clock podcast, which you would have heard me chat about before. It’s a wonderful climate news podcast, based in Ireland and definitely worth checking out. You can find it wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with them on ‘X’ @theclimatealarm or Instagram @climatealarmclock.I had a lovely time hearing Darragh’s story and talking through how we can improve climate communications. Below is a list of everything covered![06:15] Interview begins[14:00] Tips for people who feel alone in the climate movement[18:00] The COVID Alarm Clock podcast[19:55] How the media have improved and what they can do better[26:25] Darragh’s tips on managing his mental health while reporting on climate news[29:45] How to communicate the need for climate action outside of the climate bubble[33:40] Ripple effects experienced in his activism[41:45] Darragh’s favourite thing about the future (National Tour Ceara is doing: click here! )HometreeClimate Alarm Clock                                                     Carbon Neutral Lent Podcast15th September Climate Psychology Conference26th September Climate Café3rd November in NUIG the role of universitiesAs always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend xPatreon / Buy Me A Coffee Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Light pollution can often be overlooked as harmful to the environment as it’s taught to result in aesthetic consequences. Thankfully there are people like Georgia from Friends of Mayo Dark Skies working hard to not only educate people, but implement changes at local and national levels to ‘light right’. Keep up to date with their work on Twitter @MayoDarkSkies Facebook or Instagram @MayoDarkSkies or find all you need to know on www.darksky.ie or www.mayodarkskypark.ie. Annual festival information is available on www.mayodarkskyfestival.ie[04:10] Georgia introduces herself and her path into the Dark Sky movement[07:55] What’s the problem with light pollution?[09:50] Statistics of street lighting in Ireland & lives they affect[11:55] Why moths etc are attracted to lights[13:15] The colour of lights matters[16:20] Light pollution culprits & countries that are improving light regulation[21:25] How Newport in Mayo improved their lighting[26:10] What can community members do in the garden and at home to improve lightingGalloway Dark Sky Park in ScotlandEssex part night lighting schemeMarnie Ogg dark sky AustraliaLightpollutionmap.infoAs always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend xPatreon / Buy Me A Coffee Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jessica Dunne is an activist I met at the recent Mary Robinson Climate Conference. She has put thousands of hours into campaigning for a just future across various groups such as Fridays For Future and Young Friends of the Earth. I wanted to interview her for advice on people (young or old) looking to join the movement, and also discuss the importance of having a unified front! You can follow her on Twitter @UpNorthsCold or Instagram @UpNorthItGetsCold[06:50] Jessica’s inspiration for being aware of the climate emergency[10:30] How Jessica keeps momentum on activism & recruiting more people[14:10] Her experience of not being valued as a young activist[20:10] Mary Robinson climate conference experience & having a unified front[36:45] Favourite protest moments[39:40] Solidarity vs allyshipAlso Mentioned: ISSNYoung Friends of the EarthFridays for FutureWhat White People Can Do Next by Emma DabiriAs always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend xPatreon / Buy Me A Coffee Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Eddie Mitchell has been a prominent activist in Ireland, contributing to the ban on fracking here and now devoting a lot of his time to extractivism in the country. He'll also be participating at this year's Climate Camp in August (9th-12th) which I'd encourage you to go to! Stay up to date with Eddy's activism by following him on Twitter @WestyEddy.[04:20] Eddie introduces himself & path into environmental activism[08:50] How Eddie feels about the threat of fracked gas being allowed back into the country.[10:30] The various groups Eddie volunteers with: Save Leitrim[14:25] Treasure Leitrim – gold mining[17:20] CAIM - Communities against the injustices of mining[19:40] Critical Minerals Regulation[27:55] Climate Camp www.climatecampireland.ie/Also mentioned: Johnny McElligott - Safety before Shannon LNG Futureproof ClareAs always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend xPatreon / Buy Me A Coffee Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Joanna O'Dowd has one of those shining accounts on Instagram that's not only full of practical sustainable tips, but lots of positivity, needed now more than ever! The runs sewing classes in Cork and can be followed on Instagram @joannasfeelingcrafty and YouTube.[07:40] Joanna introduces herself[15:25] Why Joanna doesn’t like the term zero waste.[18:50] How sewing & mending came back into Joanna’s life[26:55] SHEIN’s recent PR stunt and how Joanna felt about it[22:15] Joanna’s classes leading to creativity[34:50] Tips for making your wardrobe last and loving your clothes[46:40] Tips for sewing repairs[49:20] Sourcing fabric in an eco friendly wayAlso mentioned: Everything is Figuroutable – book.Kindfolk children’s upcycled clothesDomestikaSkillshareFabric Romance – sustainable fabric shopAs always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend xPatreon / Buy Me A Coffee Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
With 62% of people in Ireland being regular drinkers of coffee, a bean we can't grow in Ireland, how can we make our consumption more sustainable? Alejandro, the man behind Ethical Origin, uses his Columbian roots to our advantage, and connects Ireland directly to coffee farmers. [03:25] Alejandro introduces himself[08:25] Ethical Origin. What’s it all about?[11:25] A look into the issues coffee & chocolate farmers face[15:55] How the cocaine industry affects people in Columbia[22:25] The importance of roasted at origin[23:45] Other tips for people who want to consume coffee ethically[26:25] Stories from farmers since Ethical Origin startedAlso mentioned:Water Movement in ColumbiaFairtradeKildare's Picnic In The Park day, Sunday the 18th of June '23As always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend xPatreon / Buy Me A Coffee Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
@tryingtobegreensince2016 is an Instagram account run by teacher Ide. She constantly shares the most thoughtful eco alternatives for absolutely everything. Like me, she's no expert on environmentalism, but you don't have to be to make a difference! She has generated so much advice over the years, I'm only delighted to have her share some insights and tips on Book of Leaves. Have a listen![03:20] Ide introduces herself[06:05] What it was like to buy nothing for a year[09:20] Sourcing furniture second hand[13:20] Green hacks for getting food and reducing food waste[17:35] Dumpster diving in Ireland[21:10] How to scope out dumpsters for diving[22:40] Ide’s sustainable fashion tips, including a capsule wardrobe[26:10] How Ide nourishes her mental health[31:05] What it’s like trying to be zero waste in Ide’s work setting of teaching[34:20] Sustainable socks and underwear[40:00] Ide’s Fairphone – a modular phone that you can repair[42:00] Eco travel tips[45:20] Ide’s favourite thing about the future & final tipsAlso Mentioned:DepopOlioAdvertsDonedealPatagoniaDedolesRockay Running sport socksAs always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend xPatreon / Buy Me A Coffee Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
‘Save the paper!’ is something we hear so often, but every email, every website loaded and attachment sent, has a carbon footprint. This waste is often tucked away in data centres and thus out of sight, out of mind. Gerry McGovern has been working with the internet since the 90s and is here to remind us that digital is very much physical. From waste produced by our electronic goods to what needs to change systemically to reduce our data use, Gerry is an absolute wealth of knowledge. Make sure to get a copy of his latest book World Wide Waste, or check out his podcast of the same name.[02:00] Gerry introduces himself[04:30] E-waste and data waste explained[09:30] Why tech devices are not made to be recycled[17:00] How companies and groups can stop contributing to child labour and e-waste[21:00] What’s the story with data centres?[29:30] Measures we can take to reduce our data use and energy consumption[34:25] When Ceara met a group of data centre staff from Meta.[41:00] Ireland as a mining friendly countryAlso mentioned:Right to RepairYes to Life, No to MiningFairphone eco-friendly modular phone companyFramework – modular design computerCAIM Anti mining groupAs always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend xPatreon / Buy Me A Coffee Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
I only came across the amazing work of Sea Shepherd Ireland recently, despite them being around for years and doing absolutely amazing work! I hope you enjoy hearing country director Emma Tuite's beautiful story in how her love for the sea and its creatures developed, alongside the importance of Ireland in protecting our marine areas. Sea Shepherd are always on the look for volunteers, so get in touch with them if you'd like to know more! You can stay up to date with their campaigns on Instagram @seashepherdireland, Twitter @seashepherd_ie and Facebook. [04:30] How Emma fell in love with the sea and all its inhabitants[11:20] Crossing paths with Sea Shepherd for the first time[13:45] The Cove documentary[16:15] What Sea Shepherd do[24:45] Ireland’s responsibility as an island, and the species in our waters[31:20] Problems facing the ocean, particularly super trawlers & MPAs (Marine Protected Areas)[34:55] How Sea Shepherd intervene unethical fishing & whaling practices works[40:30] How to get involved & support Sea Shepherd[49:55] Emma’s favourite thing about the futureClick here for an article about the campaign to stop the trade of shark fins in Europe. We'll find out by July 11th 2023 what the outcome will be. Resources mentioned:Watch The Cove documentaryWhale WarsBlackfishRachel Brooks artChasing The ThunderFaroe Islands CampaignFair Seas IrelandIrish Wildlife TrustPodcasts: Ecolution & Birdwatch IrelandAs always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend xPatreon / Buy Me A Coffee Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Book of Leaves is baaaack! How I've missed ye. Have a listen to episode 80 to hear about what I'm up to, and some travel diaries for you. Having visited Asia for the first time a few weeks ago, I gathered a few travel tips as leaves you can add to to your book. In two weeks, I'll be back with our usual interview format. In the meantime, here's all the topics I cover: [04:45] Upcoming event at Cúirt International Literature Festival[06:30] Eco travel tips #1 Don’t underestimate the SIZE of Southeast Asia[10:00] Offsetting travel (Onsets.org)[11:15] Sleeper buses and trains ARE THE BEST![13:50] Water – avoiding plastic, not getting sick and mental health[17:00] Eating plant based (is not as hard as you think)[27:20] Singapore reaction Links for you:VitaOnsets.orgHappyCowWwoofClimate Alarm ClockClimate Ambassador Programme & PodcastAs always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend xPatreon / Buy Me A Coffee Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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