Book of Leaves

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.

Giorgia Anile is the founder of The Toy Library, a wonderful peer to peer lending platform that not only saves on resources needed for new toys, but creates a sense of value in the sharing community for all ages. Keep an eye for in person swap events as well via their website or socials: Instagram @thetoylibraryireland or Facebook.Their next in-person swap event is Sunday the 8th of December which you can get tickets for here. [03:25] An intro from Giorgia and her journey from corporate work[12:45] How The Toy Library came about[15:55] What is a Toy Library?[18:45] Statistics of toy emissions & waste [23:30] Other services TTL offers[27:05] Giorgia’s hope for the future of TTL & the benefits of a ‘White Label’ app[31:15] What Giorgia thinks need to happen bottom up and top down for de-growth to happen[39:35] Tips for adults who want to get children gifts this Christmas in a sustainable, circular way[44:05] Imagining the futureAlso mentioned: Less is More bookRethink IrelandSharetribePlausable AnalyticsJiminy Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keith McDonagh is a member of the Galway Traveller Movement and manager of the social enterprise Bounce Back Recycling which specialises in recycling old mattress. They send the various materials to businesses in Ireland who repurpose them. It's a wonderful initiative that not only diverts thousands of waste from landfill each year, but provides members of the Travelling community with employment opportunities. Stay up to date with their venture on Facebook or Instagram @bouncebackrecycling.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 Find my depop profile @cearadc! Patreon / Buy Me A Coffee[05:30] An intro from Keith [07:30] What they do with the various mattress materials[10:15] How travelling communities have always applied circular living practices [12:55] The social benefits this enterprise has had on the travelling community[18:40] The future of BBRAlso mentioned:Recycle ITInterview with Roisin Markham on Circular Economy Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Virtue is the maker behind sustainable fashion brand Emerald and Wax. She is passionate about creating quality clothes that can become heirloom pieces, while also incorporating the colourful designs from her home country of Ghana. Keep an eye on her socials for upcoming markets via Instagram @emeraldandwax or Facebook.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 Find my depop profile @cearadc!Patreon / Buy Me A Coffee [02:45] Virtue’s experience of the fast fashion exports to Ghana and how Emerald and Wax came about[15:15] What goes into the creation process of Virtue’s pieces[19:05] How the fabrics are sourced and ensured to be sustainable[22:30] The psychological importance of wearing colour[28:00] Other tips Virtue has for living lightly on the planet[32:00] Imagining the future Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Carrig is one of the many volunteers behind The Barn Owl project. He's been vital in spreading awareness of what people can do to help the red-listed species, and we delve into all of that here. You can donate, volunteer, and/or sign their petition on rodenticide to help the cause. You can also follow them on Facebook, Twitter/X or Instagram @barnowlprojectireland.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[04:00] An intro from John and how the Barn Owl Project came to be [08:15] What/who inspired John to care about animals, & the biodiversity crisis in Ireland[15:10] How barn owls live[26:15] How farmers can help barn owls[29:25] Rodenticide & how it affects wildlife[37:50] How the public can help the projectAlso mentioned:Ireland’s Wildlife PhotographerThe Barnowl TrustBirdwatch Ireland Raptor protocolDr. Barry O’Donoghue NPWSBat Rehabilitation IrelandSwan rescue Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arran Murphy is a fashion designer who channels her skills into empowering people to have a circular mindset with their clothes, through her work at the Rediscovery Centre. The Rediscovery Centre is an AMAZING example of how circular living is fun, beautiful, functional, and not to mention how great it is for the planet and community in every way. I implore you to visit the centre (and book a tour!) if you haven’t yet. The Instagram accounts you can follow are @rediscoverctr and @relovefashion. If you're a young person, you can register your interest in the Relove Fashion competition 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[05:00] An introduction of the work of the Rediscovery Centre and what a circular economy means[09:25] What inspired Arran to be conscious of where our clothes come from[14:00] How the Rediscovery building itself incorporates circularity in its design[17:15] What the social enterprise of Rediscover Fashion entails[22:50] Some stats and facts on the damaging fashion industry[28:10] The work Relove Fashion does with young people[35:50] Other general tips Arran has for being sustainable [38:55] Some eco Irish designers & makers that Arran loves[42:05] Imagining the futureAlso mentioned:Moon Wood jewelleryDANAAll About Love by bell hooks Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shauna Harris is an actor, poet, and global citizen education officer. She also has a keen interest in researching Black studies and having an intersectional approach to her activism, especially towards people who have been racialised. You can stay up to date with all her life bits on Instagram @shaunaxroseShe has two upcoming shows you can catch her in as well; Monsters (8-15 Sep) & Blanchardstown Resonance II (20 Sep)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[02:40] An introduction from Shauna & the importance of theatre & art in activism[07:05] What global citizenship means & how it’s beneficial for everyone[13:10] Shauna’s tips for people who want to make positive local (and therefore global) action![15:00] How Shauna got involved in taking positive social action in the first place[20:25] Other things Shauna does to live more lightly on the planet[31:25] How she minds her mental health in today’s worldResources mentioned:Hot Brown Honey (Hive City Legacy Dublin Chapter)                  Dr. Ebun Joseph - Black studiesDr Lucy Michael - expert on inclusion & equalityAudre LordeKimberlé CrenshawReni Eddo-Lodge (Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People about Race)Me & White Supremacy by Layla F SaadThe Good Ally by Nova ReidBlack, Listed by Jeffrey BoakyeFor Black Boys Who’ve Considered SuicideBlack is Beautiful by Chronixx Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Merschon and Craig own the beautiful reduced waste store that is Flourish Minimal Waste Grocery. Have a listen to hear how they came to be small business owners and tips they have for people trying to reduce waste or improve their health. Their website is www.minimalwastegrocery.com and you can stay up to date with them on Instagram @minimalwastegrocery or Facebook. 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[03:30] An intro to Merschon and how they came to take over MWG[06:30] Shopping reduced waste: price & quality[09:45] Minimal vs Zero waste – perfect is impossible[14:40] Most popular & effective swaps for laundry, beauty care, cleaning, and on the go.[34:30] Minimal waste crisps – Spudos!Mentioned: Tru EcoKeegan & CoBodhi BlendsPut a cup in itSpudos – eco crisps! Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the first live podcast recording of Book of Leaves! When I asked around as to who a good guest would be to interview as part of the Stoneybatter Festival, Kaethe's name kept coming up, and rightly so! She has been integral in community building and waste reducing in the wonder that is Stoneybatter in Dublin 7. You can stay up to date with her via @kaetheburtodea or @bi_urban_desireland on Instagram. Make sure to check out www.biurban.ie as well!The Climate Camp I mentioned takes part from August 7th to 11th.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[04:30] Kaethe introduces herself and the work she does[08:15] The childhood that inspired Kaethe’s activism[10:45] Moving to Stoneybatter in the 1980s and utilising unoccupied land[18:15] Creating an ecological corridor in central Dublin[28:05] Rain gardens[33:10] Bí Urban – looking at blight resistant wonky potatoes and eco friendly crisps[46:30] Competition to win a jacket that turns into a tent[47:45] Kaethe’s final leaf to share with listeners: waste[50:20] Imagining the futureAlso mentioned:Stop Food Waste - keep an eye out for composting coursesStreet FeastTeagscDr. David Shaw - blight resistant potatoe developerThe Soil FoundationCiaran CuffeWilding Film Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vanessa Conroy works for The National Women’s Council of Ireland in addition to being a member of Community Work Ireland and a lecturer in Maynooth. Today she'll be talking about the research Feminist Communities for Climate Justice has done into the intersection of climate action and gender inequality in Ireland. You can follow her on X @miss_Nessa_C.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[04:00] Vanessa introduces herself and journey into gender studies and climate action[12:10] How does climate change & climate action affect various genders in Ireland? Care[18:15] Transport & gender in Ireland[25:20] Solutions for transport barriers to caregivers[26:55] How other marginalised genders in Ireland are affected by climate change[33:00] What can regular citizens do help achieve system change in this area?[38:30] How the traveller community in Ireland is affected by climate change[43:45] Tips for engaging with people who are sceptical of gender inequality in Ireland[47:20] Advice for people who want to get involved with Feminist Communities for Climate Justice[50:45] Meal planning & climate cafés[54:20] Imagining the futureAlso mentioned:International Dublin Gay Theatre FestivalSinead MercierMary Robinson (Mothers of Invention)Book: Climate Justice – A Manmade Problem with a Feminist SolutionBook Feminist City by Leslie KernAmnesty InternationalCATU HousingCommunity Law & Mediation groupPavee PointPDF Report of research Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aidan Ring is an artist and activist I’ve come to know through attending various climate action events together. He’s a great example of the multiple ways we can take part in making the world a better place. I've outlined below what we chat about, and you can follow him on Instagram @tornaido.fireperformer 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[03:00] Aidan introduces himself and the forms of activism that he does[07:15] What inspired him to become eco conscious [10:00] The rising thirst for nature-based therapy[14:30] The work of the Gaelic Woodland Project & Croí na Cré[21:20] The work of Fairtrade Ireland[39:20] Other ‘leaves’ from Aidan’s book [46:30] Imagining the futureAlso mentioned:Young Friends of the EarthEco UNESCOSave the Boyne campaignEco Therapy Network of IrelandCandlelit TalesNARA Undercover pig farm investigationNational Geographic article: This is Your Brain on NatureFuinneamh Festival Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scott Bryan is the co-founder of the volunteer organisation Community Roots. He also works in graphic design and has a passion for music. We'll be chatting about all the ways in which he uses his skills and interests to make his society a better place. Visit communityroots.ie for more or follow them on Instagram @coroots_ie to stay up to donate. If you can donate to the cause, please do!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 CoffeeTime stamps:[03:50] An introduction from Scott & his journey into activism[09:40] The founding of community roots & what it does[15:20] What to do if people are interested in becoming co-ordinating something like this in their own locality[19:50] Their ethos of encouraging organic farming[23:10] How permaculture works and how our current food system is failing[31:30] Other ways Scott works to improve his locality via Connecting Cabra & graphic design[33:20] How music can be used to improve society[41:50] Reimagining wealth[44:50] Imagining the futureAlso mentioned:Watership Down movieCaitriona Kenny’s episode on Book of Leaves Homegrown RTE show with Community RootsGIYCarraig Dulra in Wicklow community farmConnecting CabraEoghan O'Ceannabháin & SIVE - musicians Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Change Clothes Crumlin (CCC) exploded on to the Dublin fashion scene in 2022. Set up by Mary & Oileán, they aim to make sure pre-loved clothing is affordable, fashionable and fun - while also empowering and educating the community on why it's important to rethink our fashion model. Check out their website for more or follow them on Instagram @changeclothescrumlin.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[04:00] Mary introduces herself and her journey into sustainability[10:40] All the work CCC does [13:30] Workshops[15:10] Clothes banks[24:15] Gender and clothes repair[26:40] Tips for setting up a swap shop[34:00] Fighting classism in the pre-loved fashion scene[37:10] What changes need to happen from top down [38:30] How to support the work & future of Change Clothes Crumlin[44:45] Imagining the future Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aoibhínn Nevin Ginnetty is currently an intern at Plan International Ireland which focuses on empowering children's rights across the globe, with a focus on gender equality. Have a listen as she shares her journey into politics and activism, and shares tips for encouraging other young people to get involved with environmental and societal action. Stay up to date with her campaign on Instagram via @sustainablysmart.plan or her personal account @aoibhwave.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 CoffeeTimestamps:[03:40] Aoibhínn introduces herself[08:50] Why hasn’t politics been serving adequate climate action?[10:30] The underrepresented youth in Irish politics[13:15] Aoibhínn’s experience at COP[16:55] Advice for encouraging young people in our lives to get politically active[18:10] Who Plan are[23:30] Why is gender equality linked with climate justice[26:40] Lessons learned[31:40] Aoibhínn’s other ‘leaves’ for people to add to their book[36:00] Imagining the futureAlso mentioned:Eco UnescoCEDAW - Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against WomenBeat The Clock Video Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sam Bishop is the CEO of Neighbourhood Network which runs the wonderful Street Feast event due to take place this 25th & 26th of May. We’ll delve into the importance of bringing communities together in public spaces and how that helps create a climate just future. There are so many great initiatives to follow on socials but you can find them all via Neighbourhood Network's website or via their Instagram @neighbourhoodnetworkirl or @streetfeast.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[01:15] Plea for Kildare Wildlife Rescue oiled birds crisis[05:45] Sam introduces himself[10:10] The positive impacts of stronger communities[14:35] What street feasts is[22:50] Tips for lowering the environmental impact of street feasts[24:50] Any stand out moments / stories from Street Feasts[26:30] What Neighbourhood Network’s aims are[30:15] How Another Love Story festival combines community, arts, and climate[35:15] Extra suggestions – cycling[39:05] Vision for the futureAlso Mentioned:Green Sod Ireland land trustWWOOFCAT Centre for Alternative TechnologiesHome Together Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I am so lucky to be able to create this podcast and I'm beyond grateful to you, the listener, not to mention all the wonderful guests who have taught us all so much. Thank you, thank you, thank you. A special thanks to those who have contributed on Buy Me A Coffee or Patreon. It's been a lifeline at the beginning of every season. Thank you!Timestamps:[02:00] Thank you mam![04:15] Codie’s leaf – join ISSN, listen to Patrick Kirwan’s episode, follow @rockbrookgreenschool[11:00] John Barry – democratizing college syllabus (learning about fast fashion), join a union, Left Bloc Media, ABC’s of Green Politics podcast , follow @profjohnbarry on X[21:30] Stephen’s changes thanks to Niamh’s episode & how he’s rewilding [23:30] Livia’s experience thanks to Joanna O’Dowd’s episode on clothes repair[25:30] Pat’s work inspired by Bohemian’s Football Club[26:45] Lavie’s leaf suggestion to support Riley for eco-friendly period products for individuals and businesses[30:45] Caitlin’s clip from a Fairtrade / Friends of the Earth Cuppa for Climate event. Follow her on @wastelesswanderess [36:05] Cian Prenderville’s, of Rupture Media, leaf! Book recommendation All We Want Is The Earth by Patrick Bresnihan[41:15] Suggestions for guests from Aoife & Adam on music & war[43:15] Aoife’s realisation that every action counts (see her vlog on YouTube)[47:40] Draw for the hamper & exciting announcements![50:00] My advice for you if you want to start a podcast or community initiative.[53:40] My gratitude plus a poem for youAlso mentioned:Jiminy.ie eco toy storeClimate Alarm Clock PodcastEco Unesco, Plan International, NYCI for young peopleFrom What Is to What If by Rob Hopkins on the power of imaginationZero Waste Home by Bea Johnson bookSustainable Life School with Diane & NatLitter pickup study by NORCEAs always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram 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.

**WhatsApp me a voice-note, or e-mail a message to bookofleavespodcast@gmail.com for episode 100 before April 25th!**Welcome back to Book of Leaves! I'm delighted to be coming out of a 3 month hibernation joined by Jana from Kildare Wildlife Rescue no less. As we're fully into Spring, there'll be a huge increase in wildlife calls and rescues needed, so there's no better time to learn how we can help their efforts. Visit their website for more info and don't forget to send a video of any wildlife you find to info@kwr.ie for assistance!You can follow them on Facebook, Instagram @Kildarewildliferescue, or X @WildlifeKildare.[00:15] Quick catch up with Ceara[06:50] Jana introduces herself and her journey[12:50] The training available within the wildlife rehabilitation community in Ireland[14:55] How KWR came about[17:20] What are the main cases of injured wildlife[19:20] The main causes of those cases[22:40] Preventing wildlife attacks from domestic cats[26:30] Preventing the spread of diseases in garden birds[29:50] Helping our mammals[34:10] The truth about seagulls (they're not doing as well as people think)[38:30] How to tell if an ‘abandoned’ animal is really abandoned and needs your help[41:50] How to rescue wildlife outside of KWR’s location[49:10] How to volunteer with and help KWR (e-mail volunteer@kwr.ie)[52:15] Jana’s favourite moments from wildlife volunteering & most difficult animals to hand rear[58:10] How Jana manages her mental health having to sometimes face animal cruelty and upsetting rescue casesWe also mentioned:Irish Wildlife TrustBirdwatch IrelandSeal Rescue IrelandHedgehog RescueBat RehabilitationGrey Abbey Veterinary hospitalAs 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.

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.