We Are Carbon

Join me for a conversation with Peter Byck exploring the incredible opportunity that land offers to us as a tool for re-balancing the climate.Peter is the director of the four part documentary series Roots So Deep (You Can See The Devil Down There)There's a huge contrast that we often talk about on this show; how regenerative farming can tip all the detriments of conventional practises on their head and actually turn agriculture into one of the biggest healing tools for the planet.And this is why I'm so incredibly excited about the work that Peter has been part of. He's been working with a team of pioneering scientists who have conducted research to compare the outcomes of regenerative cattle grazing directly with their conventional farming neighbours.It's an extensive multi-discipline project bringing a whole systems look and putting data behind the claims. And the results are in! Find a video version of this episode on the website: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/peter-byck-roots-so-deep/For a further breakdown of this discussion see the timestamps below:00:00:00 - Intro00:04:42 - Climate solution discovery journey00:12:36 - Break down of the science for Roots So Deep00:19:23 - AMP Grazing; easier for the farmers?00:27:22 - The far reaching connections from how we farm00:29:33 - The game of knowledge sharing00:36:00 - What's next? Expanding transition00:41:06 - Comparing farming outcomes via dung00:47:19 - Focusing on solutions00:51:49 - Economies for farmers00:54:00 - Funders for the research01:07:24 - Inspiring change

Join us in this special episode that brings together a range of voices to explore their developing collaborative project; The Power of Food. Together these four guests bring a diverse range experiences and knowledge to unite around the common goal of building social cohesion by harnessing the connective power of food. Connecting with where our food comes from, and also with community, with health, with nature and with the world around us. Holistic and expansive.It was a delightful conversation to be engaged with and I'm so excited to announce that during our chat a decision was made to fast forward plans and move forward with a pilot right away! If you're serious about taking action to connect and enrich the local food system around you I'm sure the team here would love to hear from you. Here's Nick's email - do reach out: nick@openfoodnetwork.org.ukThe Guests and links out:Nick Weir - Co-founder, Open Food Network UK https://openfoodnetwork.org.uk/Kay Johnson - Director, The Larder https://larder.org.uk/Flora Gathorne-Hardy & Miche Fabre Lewin - Founders, Living Justice https://livingjustice.earth/With insights from Serenity Hill - Co-founder, Open Food Network [Full episode with Serenity: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/serenity-hill-open-food-network/ ]For a further breakdown of this discussion see the timestamps below.See the video version of this episode here: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/power-of-food-collaboration/-------More Formats from We Are Carbon: [Shorter Video Format with Animations] - Can All Food be Regenerative. With Patrick Holden: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/can-all-food-be-regenerative/[Story Telling Audio Format] - Soil (My Common Sense Take) : https://www.wearecarbon.earth/soil-path-to-whole-systems-thinking/Explore ways to support this content: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/your-support/----------------------Timestamps:00:00:00 - Overview00:03:12 - Guest intros00:12:00 - Collaboration - benefits & reasons for coming together00:28:28 - The Open Food Network; an ambition to connect people with their food00:34:34 - Insights from Serenity Hill - Co-Founder, The Open Food Network00:36:30 - Benefits of shorter supply chains00:41:00 - Connecting through food (self, community, nature)00:50:20 - Learning to cook - addressing this obstacle to fresh local food00:58:21 - Coming together to practice change01:04:18 - An invite; get involved today!

Watch a short video from the food forest here: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/food-forest-small-project-of-regenerationIn a change from our usual conversations this episode introduces my own small project of regeneration at my food forest in Lincolnshire, UK.Winglewood is both my home and place for imagination & I started the food forest before reaching out to start any of the conversations for this podcast. After learning so much from my time spent here co-creating with Nature I'd like to start sharing more of the journey with you.I've created a video to go alongside this episode so you can see a short intro to the food forest. You'll also find an invite to join for some growing space discussions on the same page. Find the video and invite here: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/food-forest-small-project-of-regeneration

Join me for a conversation with Sharon Kallis who brings us thought provoking insights from her work exploring the place of textiles within our lives. Inspiring us to reconnect with ourselves, community and heal the world around us through rediscovering the materials which we wrap around ourselves and our homes.Sharon is the founding director of EartHand Gleaners SocietyAlongside her artistic and practical endeavours transforming fibres into clothing, Sharon's work also includes community projects that layer up the opportunities for people to reconnect with one another, with plants and with place.  Combined with a personal challenge of 'growing her own clothing' this all comes through to bring us a story of re-finding what it means to be human; exploring a slower, more purposeful pace of life as an outcome of acting more sustainably in the creation of the stuff we use and depend upon. For a further breakdown of this discussion see the timestamps below.See the video version of this episode here: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/sustainable-textiles-sharon-kallis/-------More Formats from We Are Carbon: [Shorter Video Format with Animations] - Can All Food be Regenerative. With Patrick Holden: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/can-all-food-be-regenerative/[Story Telling Audio Format] - Soil (My Common Sense Take) : https://www.wearecarbon.earth/soil-path-to-whole-systems-thinking/Explore ways to support this content: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/your-support/----------------------Timestamps:00:00:00 - Intro00:07:00 - Sharon's work integrating textiles within community gardens00:16:40 - Connectivity, well being & complexity00:28:08 - Challenges of community land access00:34:26 - Invasive plant species for textile use00:37:52 - Modern disconnection & unsustainable textiles00:48:08 - Growing your own clothes! Sharon's journey01:02:27 - The steps we can all take towards more sustainable textiles

It was a great pleasure to spend some time discussing a new paradigm for our built environment with David Nicholson; considering how the construction of our buildings can actually support the drawing down of carbon. David is the director of Natural Building SystemsHis work not only explores how we can transform the impact of our buildings upon the climate, but how the use of natural materials is key to both creating and maintaining a healthy living environment for ourselves too.Natural Building Systems is working directly with farmers to develop a supply chain for the hemp fibre utilised within their unique prefabricated system. Combining the best of nature and technology to work towards an affordable, adaptable system of building for a more regenerative future.For a further breakdown of this discussion see the timestamps below.See the video version of this episode here: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/carbon-sink-homes-david-nicholson/-------More Formats from We Are Carbon: [Shorter Video Format with Animations] - Can All Food be Regenerative. With Patrick Holden: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/can-all-food-be-regenerative/[Story Telling Audio Format] - Soil (My Common Sense Take) : https://www.wearecarbon.earth/soil-path-to-whole-systems-thinking/Explore ways to support this content: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/your-support/----------------------Timestamps:00:00:00 - Intro00:06:10 - Embodied carbon in buildings - the size of today's problem00:13:30 - The transition needed00:17:30 - Synthetic insulation - look at the bigger picture00:22:00 - The properties of hemp & short life cycle crops00:29:00 - Utilising short life cycle crops as a more sustainable resource than timber?00:34:30 - Working & developing with farmers00:43:30 - The biobased modular system of Natural Building Systems00:54:10 - The experience for a builder / developer to work with NBS & adaptability01:00:00 - The experience to live within a NBS construction 01:05:00 - Collaborating / getting in touch / learning more

I had the wonderful opportunity to chat with Serenity Hill about building an alternative, fairer and more resilient path within our food systems.Serenity is the co-founder of The Open Food Network.She comes from a long line of farmers on both sides of her family and has grown up with a keen awareness of the challenges and contradictions of balancing the needs of nature and the needs of farmers within a centralised food system that does a poor job of supporting either.We talk about the motivations that led to the creation of The Open Food Network alongside the ongoing ambitions and evolution of this now expansive enterprise.For a further breakdown of this discussion see the timestamps below.See the video version of this episode here: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/serenity-hill-open-food-network/-------More Formats from We Are Carbon: [Shorter Video Format with Animations] - Can All Food be Regenerative. With Patrick Holden: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/can-all-food-be-regenerative/[Story Telling Audio Format] - Soil (My Common Sense Take) : https://www.wearecarbon.earth/soil-path-to-whole-systems-thinking/Explore ways to support this content: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/your-support/----------------------Timestamps:00:00 - Intro02:51 - Motivation & background to start the OFN08:40 - Farming with nature - influences from both parents13:42 - Challenges faced by farmers in current food system17:07 - What is a social enterprise?18:50 - What is the Open Food Network?24:00 - Input from Nick Weir (Open Food Network UK)27:54 - Shared learning, resource & investment30:21 - OFN success stories and uses36:00 - Evolving the investment and subsidy schemes for greater food access for all39:39 - 'The Power of Food'- valuing food beyond a basic commodity44:25 - Serenity and Kirsten's farm46:11 - Learning more

I was delighted to be joined by Daniel Deniaud-Powell for a conversation about the wonderful potential of our gardens for supporting both biodiversity and food production, and exploring the practical steps we might take to bring such enrichment into our own green spaces and lives.Daniel co-owns and runs 'Des Heures Dehors' with his wife Hélène.His passion and connection to nature is clear, and he has a wide range of experience producing food, designing gardens and food forests and running unique enterprises; such an edible flower farm, to make small scale growing profitable.We touch on all of this alongside gleaning some very practical guidance for anyone considering creating an edible, biodiversity garden. See the video version of this episode here: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/daniel-deniaud-powell-biodiversity-gardening/For a further breakdown of this discussion see the timestamps below, and use the references section to find links out to Daniel's work and a range of further resources that he mentions.-------More Formats from We Are Carbon: [Shorter Video Format with Animations] - Can All Food be Regenerative. With Patrick Holden: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/can-all-food-be-regenerative/[Story Telling Audio Format] - Soil (My Common Sense Take) : https://www.wearecarbon.earth/soil-path-to-whole-systems-thinking/Explore ways to support this content: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/your-support/----------------------00:00:00 - Intro00:05:12 - What is an Edible biodiversity garden?00:09:15 - Soil health & principles from regenerative farming00:12:44 - Supporting diversity / creating an ecosystem00:18:34 - Our bad relationship with creepy crawlies & creatures in our spaces00:24:33 - Nature isn't fully functioning - rewilding through standing back OR taking action?00:27:49 - Daniel's dream garden00:31:58 - Daniel's favourite species to include in a garden design00:35:50 - Including food in the biodiversity garden00:41:19 - How to produce food with low maintenance - approach and plant suggestions00:48:08 - Commercial business from a small growing space00:55:39 - Gardens at restaurants / working with chefs01:03:10 - Current focuses-------References mentioned by Daniel:Charles Dowding - Vast info on producing food 'No Dig'. Richard Perkins - Farming in small spacesHuw Richards - Video learning for self sufficieny / permaculture gardeningDr Elaine Ingham's Soil Food Web School

It was wonderful to be joined by Jason Freeman for a conversation that brings insights from his experience running a farmer owned co-op & organic retail brand which address the challenges of bringing fairer and more transparent connections between organic food producers and consumers.We discuss why our current large scale systems of agriculture and food supply create a barrier for transitioning to more sustainable farming approaches, along with the obstacles it causes for consumers who are seeking food choices that are healthy for themselves and nature.We also learn of Jason's journey in creating a farmer owned co-operative, the values and approaches that brought it success, and his later move to his current business 'Farmer Direct Organic'. You can find the Farmer Direct Organic website here: https://fdorganic.com/See the video version of this episode here: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/jason-freeman-regenerative-food-supply/-------More Formats from We Are Carbon: [Shorter Video Format] - Can All Food be Regenerative. With Patrick Holden: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/can-all-food-be-regenerative/[Story Telling Audio Format] - Soil (My Common Sense Take) : https://www.wearecarbon.earth/soil-path-to-whole-systems-thinking/Explore ways to support this content: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/your-support/----------------------Other We Are Carbon episodes focused on transforming food supply:Evolving the Local Food System  - A compilation with 4 guests in my home county of LincolnshireLocal Food Ecosystems - in conversation with Duncan Catchpole, Founder of the Cambridge Food Hub---------For a further breakdown of this discussion see the timestamps below:00:00 - Jason Intro & importance of soil health02:05 - Welcome to episode04:17 - Soil health, nutrition and human health07:18 - How our systems of agriculture can be a barrier to transitioning farming practices14:11 - Systems change from the bottom up22:57 - Connecting farmers and consumers - Jason's journey creating a farmer owned co-op36:21 - Stepping away from the co-op & the new business39:56 - Traceability and pesticide testing46:07 - The future of supply for organic and regenerative foods?52:33 - Learning more / connecting with Jason

This episode brings my own personal dialogue exploring our farming system through a regenerative lens.A stark realisation of not only how bizarre it is, but of the potential we have as humans to step in, turn the tide and become a beneficial element from this place forward.This journey is given life and rooted down by the insights and experiences of three wonderful guests from the podcast.Learn more from our guests:Agroforestry producer Bernadette Millard helps us appreciate the potential of perennial foods. She shares experiences from her journey transforming her farm in the desert borderlands of Oman into a thriving oasis.The full We Are Carbon episode with Bernadette can be found here.---Organic farmer Hannah Thorogood offers insights into why we should be imitating nature with our raising of livestock.She utilises permaculture and holistic grazing on her 130 acre farm, The InkPot Organic Farm in the UK.The original We Are Carbon episode with Hannah can be found here - as part of a compilation about building a local food system.---And filmmaker Peter Byck brings observations from his extensive project with a wide range of scientists who have studied nature side by side on farms using regenerative grazing compared with farms grazing conventionally.Peter's full interview for We Are Carbon will be published in early summer.In the meantime you can learn more about his extensive research project and the corresponding film series 'Roots So Deep, You Can See The Devil Down There'.----Watch the first episode in this format: "So... What Even is Soil??" - Listen here: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/soil-path-to-whole-systems-thinking/

It was a great pleasure to be joined by Patrick Holden for a conversation exploring the challenges and paths to creating food and farming systems that work in closer harmony with nature.Patrick is the founder and CEO of 'The Sustainable Food Trust' and he has a great range of insights to offer around this topic.We discuss what our diets would need to look like if we were to achieve a transition to sustainable and regenerative farming across the whole of the UK, along with the problem of dishonest pricing within our food system.We also touch on why Patrick is optimistic that change is possible due to a trend of more and more people taking an interest in the story of their food.Learn more about The Sustainable Food Trust here: https://sustainablefoodtrust.org/See the video version of this episode along with additional references mentioned here: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/patrick-holden-sustainable-food-trust----------------------More Formats from We Are Carbon: [Shorter Video Format] - From Healthy Soil Comes Healthy Food. With Claire Mackenzie: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/soil-health-and-regenerative-farming/[Story Telling Audio Format] - Soil (My Common Sense Take) : https://www.wearecarbon.earth/soil-path-to-whole-systems-thinking/Explore ways to support this content: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/your-support/----------------------For a further breakdown of this discussion see the timestamps below:00:00 Intro02:20 About Patrick03:27 Why is cheap food not really so cheap??11:50 True Cost Accounting15:16 The impact of food production on our energy & vitality22:55 Would we have enough food if all farming became regenerative?26:06 What does a sustainable diet look like?34:46 Multiple Approaches of The Sustainable Food Trust 44:59 What steps can a farmer take if they'd like to transition?48:07 Do you feel we're on track to move things forward?

Welcome to this new additional format for the podcast!We'll still be having fresh interviews alongside but today's episode is a bit different; a personal dialogue that I've written and recorded to (hopefully) help birth an appreciation of soil through the lens of whole systems thinking.I'm joined throughout with guests from our other episodes -You'll hear from Tony Rinaudo and his struggles trying to reestablish life in the degraded soils of Africa, along with his development of F.M.N.R that completely turned things around. The full episode with Tony can be found here: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/podcast-episode/regenerating-hope-fmnr-tony-rinaudo/Jason Freeman of Farmer Direct Organic joins us to help us understand the impacts that chemical agriculture has on our soils and food. The full interview with Jason will be published later this Spring so subscribe for notifications!Sheila Cooke of 3LM (The Savory Network Hub for UK and Ireland) shares her wisdom of holistic management to take our knowledge deeper when understanding the complexity and functions within a healthy ecosystem. The full interview with Sheila can be found here: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/podcast-episode/holistic-management-transition-mindset-farming/It has been great fun to produce this episode - I'd love to know what you think!Here's a breakdown for reference:00:00 - Awe for the Soil Microbiome & it's connection with all life02:20 - Introducing the format04:05 - Zooming out to see what's missing in the ecosystem07:20 - How are we surrounded by so much bare ground?!11:27 - Soil is a factory (ecosystem analogy)18:18 - Tony Rinaudo - Degraded land in Africa25:05 - Tony Rinaudo - Regenerating with F.M.N.R29:06 - Impacts of agriculture in temperate climates32:44 - Jason Freeman - Chemical farming and the detriment on soil and food35:50 - Nature's complexity and abundance38:18 - Sheila Cooke - Holistic thinking and ever evolving ecosystems

I'm delighted to be joined by Claire Mackenzie for a conversation focused on soil!Claire is the producer of the documentary 'Six Inches Of Soil' and she helps us to get a grasp of this significant topic.We discuss why the way that we farm impacts our soils, and why the health of those soils is so important to our futures.We also touch on some politics, the challenges and need for change and the joy and transformation that regenerative farming can bring to people alongside the land.For a further breakdown of this discussion see the timestamps below, and use the following links to explore this episode & season of We Are Carbon: Learn more about Six Inches of Soil here: https://www.sixinchesofsoil.org/See the video version of this episode along with additional references here: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/claire-mackenzie-six-inches-of-soil/Get Involved with the New Formats of We Are Carbon here: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/get-involved/Support This Content: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/your-support/Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction03:27 - About Claire05:30 - Why a film about soil?08:50 - Why how we farm is critical to soil health?14:13 - Why is healthy soil important to our future?19:40 - Are farmers leading the change?26:45 - Does regenerative farming attrack a younger generation of farmers?31:50 - Regenerating land = regenerating people38:20 - The diversity of regenerative farming45:04 - Screening the documentary & 'Digging Deeper'52:09 - How does Claire feel about the future of soil?

Connect with Joshua: Email: joshua(@)weareblacksheep.org (without the brackets)Joshua's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-hughes-68a338169/Support the products: https://rewildorganics.org/Spend time in Costa Rica! https://www.verdenergia.org/----A recycler and activist from Oregon, Joshua arrived in Costa Rica almost two decades ago to begin an agroforestry project that has evolved in multiple directions.It's a location that just sounds like paridise but it hasn't always been that way, and with much of the primary rainforests cleared for intensive agriculture over the decades this is a conversation that's as much about restoring the population, community and livlihoods, as it is about restoring nature.And what an incredible place to be working with nature. Take 20' of rainfall per year and put it to good use, and instead of devastating errosion you have the most extroidinarily fast growth and abundance.This is a collaborative agroforestry project with several farms that are building community and self sufficiency alongside the ongoing development of supply chains for a range of value added products. Every step of the way Joshua has opened up to working with a wide range of people and continues to do so. His email address is in the description and he welcomes you to get in touch especially if you're regenerating in the tropics. You can also support this work in Costa Rica through their retail brand Rewild Organics.Watch this episode on the We Are Carbon website: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/podcast-episode/agroforestry-community-costa-rica/

Anete and Kristjan are combining a blend of legal and financial expertise to bring forward a for profit company that's large in both scale and in benefits for people and planet.One Million Tonne Nation (1MTN) is focused on land restoration across East Africa, where deforested sites are being planted with bamboo polycultures as a starting point to establish new growth for the local economy, habitat and community.It's an ambition that involves accelerating the development of carbon markets for nature based carbon removals and the team brings together experience from across the globe and across sectors to navigate what are ever evolving and pretty challenging areas of business.Large scale land restoration. And large lumps of money being brought into land restoration.Those two things may go hand in hand, but they tend to require very different mindsets as restoration can't simply be scaled up with a one size fits allRestoration needs to be contextual, adaptable.So I was very interested to learn about this project's approach and see how it offers unique insights and inspiration for others that aspire to scale up regeneration and really weave together benefits for people, planet, profit.It has huge potential and both Anete and Kristjan have a wealth of knowledge to share.I hope you enjoy having a listen!---------------------Episode Links:1MTN website - https://www.1mtn.com/LinkedIn 1MTN - https://www.linkedin.com/company/1mtn/This episode on the We Are Carbon Website - https://www.wearecarbon.earth/podcast-episode/people-planet-profit-1mtn/

In this interview I'm joined by Taimur Malik to hear about the journey that brought him to founding Drawdown Farm in Pakistan, and the work they're doing there to produce foods regeneratively despite the challenges of desert soils and an arid climate.Taimur's background is not in farming. His move to develop regenerative agriculture in Pakistan is his response to having his eyes opened to the mix of crises surrounding him in the world; from climate to biodiversity loss, and even the roots of civil war.After much dedicated research the conclusion that he reached was that our most impactful solution is regenerative agriculture.I feel hugely inspired by the work that has been done here - not only in the successful regeneration of soils and cultivation of crops (including bananas which were thought impossible to grow in the Thal Desert); all of which you'll hear about towards the latter half of the discussion.But also by the range of research and influences that have guided Taimur in his learning, it's an incredibly varied set of wisdom that's been brought together and somehow provided clarity and focus rather than conflicting ideas.What a wonderful place we're in as a world to have so much information available to us, and I hope you'll feel as uplifted and motivated as I do by this story that demonstrates quite clearly that we have the knowledge we need to regenerate!And with the right approach, using many tools side by side Taimur concludes that a transition to regenerative agriculture can actually be really quick!He's very articulate at walking you through his journey so you'll hear very little from me with the questioning through this one. I hope you'll enjoy having a listen through.Episode Links: Learn more at Taimur's website: https://www.drawdownfarm.com/Find this episode on the We Are Carbon website: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/podcast-episode/regenerative-agriculture-pakistan/

Episode Links:Sheila's work: https://www.3lm.network/TED Talk by Allan Savory: https://www.ted.com/talks/allan_savory_how_to_fight_desertification_and_reverse_climate_changeVideo version of this episode: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/podcast-episode/holistic-management-transition-mindset-farming/-----------------In this interview I'm joined by Sheila Cooke to gain an overview of the concepts of holistic management, and learn how this whole systems thinking approach is supporting a transition to more regenerative methods of farming.As co-founder of 3LM (The Savory Network Hub for the UK & Ireland) Sheila's work involves assisting farmers in their transition to more regenerative practices.It's driven in many ways by the mindset shift that takes things away from prescriptive inputs, linear thinking and controlling things by treating isolated symptoms, and moves them instead towards an understanding and appreciation of the farm as a part of nature that is a whole interconnected living system.In the discussion we put a main focus on holistic grazing for pasture raised animals, and since it really can be quite a leap to take things from one approach to the other, we discuss some comparisons between the contrasting mindsets and Sheila offers many insights into the challenges and solutions that she's been through with farmer's on their journeys to adopting change.Among the experience shared here we touch upon what's unique to holistic grazing when it comes to the UK climate, the place of meat within land regeneration and human diet, and the role of the consumer as a driving force to push forward a regenerative transition.

Episode Links:Find this episode and links through to additional mentioned resources on the We Are Carbon website: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/podcast-episode/local-sustainable-food-ecosystems/Related episode: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/podcast-episode/localise-lincolnshire-food-system/------------------In this interview I'm joined by Duncan Catchpole to learn of the work being done in Cambridge, England to build new sustainable networks for local food supply.There are so many incredible examples of people regenerating soil and ecosystems out there; people working in harmony with the land to bring benefits to the climate, food resilience and nutrition to name a few.But with agriculture being a cornerstone of our economic models, to be able to fully support those who are thinking sustainably in the field, we need to also think sustainably about the entire network that they tie in to.It's been a huge pleasure therefore to have this opportunity to speak with Duncan about the steps that they've been taking to join the dots within the food supply chain in an entirely new way, in and around this small hub within The East of England.Their vision is a better food system. One which supports people and planet and in particular is there to support a diversity of local food producers who's success is central to making the whole vision possible.It is a realisation of regenerative principles including circularity and interconnectivity being put in to practice to coordinate food supply in a far more forward thinking model.There's elements within this that I think could be of huge inspiration and relevance to other locations and sectors so I hope you'll pick up some ideas to mull over!

Episode Links:Marcus's Work: https://www.livingbuildings.co/The animation Marcus and I created together: https://youtu.be/p9HVmU6ZuNQWe Are Carbon - New 'Regen Snapshots' (developing animation templates for social media): https://www.wearecarbon.earth/regenerative-animation-templates-social-media/This episode on the website: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/podcast-episode/regenerative-architecture-evolve-built-environment/------------------In this interview I'm joined by Marcus Jones to explore the role that our built environments can have in moving us towards a more regenerative future.Our homes, our offices; every construction that is put up to protect us from the outdoor elements uses considerable resources to build, maintain and regulate for our comfort.The idea of being regenerative rather than just sustainable with our buildings is a complex one. Directly healing the soil and ecosystems rather than just reducing our impact and extraction needs adds multiple layers for consideration.Though the topics are different we can find many parallels between regenerative agriculture and regenerative architecture.Taking a holistic mindset, shaking up the ideas that we consider normal.Recognising the value of diversity, the context of place, connecting the wellbeing of people to the environment. And not forgetting the power of local community and collaboration.These are all topics that could thread in to any discussion on regeneration.Along with providing for our needs from today's sunlight.That last one is a huge focus in Marcus' work and through his varied career in the building industry, presently with his venture called 'Living Buildings' he's done plenty of out of the box thinking on running our homes on the present year's sun.Regenerative architecture is a relatively small niche, but it belongs to some very passionate people and impactful developments.It was a huge pleasure to have this opportunity to delve in to Marcus' work and thinking's and gain insights into this piece of the regenerative puzzle.

Episode Links:Find the video version on the website - https://www.wearecarbon.earth/podcast-episode/bio-hydrogen-renewables-from-plants/Connect with Dong via email: xd (@) cumt.edu.cn (without the brackets or spaces)---------------In this interview I’m joined by Dong Xiao to explore his work within the research and development of a stable production method for obtaining purified hydrogen gas out of waste plant matter.It’s fairly well known that methane can be produced from the process of biodigestion; where the activity of microbes consuming organic matter has an output of gas that can be contained and then utilised.Prior to his focus on hydrogen Dong was researching the short comings of bio-methane. It’s a process that’s extremely inefficient due to the slow speed of digestion and the amount of material that just doesn’t get used up.So with a specialist understanding of microbial groups Dong and his team have worked on developing a process of digestion that is directed towards yielding hydrogen instead.The efficiency increase is astounding, obtaining gas from the entire volume of plant matter within hours rather than months!It’s offering huge potential as a source of renewable energy that also quite excitingly can play a role in a circular economy, as biproducts from the gas production can go on to be used as valuable materials.It is however a far more complex technology than producing methane and requires very fine tuned control and usage.Dong is sharing insights and an overview into his work here as he is very much up for open collaboration and partnership to ensure that this technology can be continually developed within a range of applications across the globe.Navigate Using the Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction03:28 – Background to the research05:50 – The activity of microbes08:36 – Optimising to output hydrogen instead of methane15:36 – Speed comparison, hydrogen vs methane17:30 – Cost comparison, hydrogen vs methane19:41 – Complexity comparison, hydrogen vs methane20:28 – Comparing bio-hydrogen to other hydrogen production methods26:35 – The preferred types of plant matter to use30:07 – Using fibre by-products within construction materials33:09 – Reusing the captured CO235:14 – Feeding soils with the organic acid by-product36:43 – What scale of production does this suit?43:24 – And what about storing the hydrogen?47:09 – Collaborating across the globe

Find this Episode and all related links on the We Are Carbon website: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/podcast-episode/localise-lincolnshire-food-system/-------A special episode exploring the potential routes and benefits of building deeper connections within the local food system.I have discussions with Laura Stratford, Martin Taylor, Hannah Thorogood and Adam O'Meara. They're all based in my home county of Lincolnshire, UK. As we learn about their individual roles within creating a more sustainable food system here we also explore the need to connect to dots between local efforts.There are obvious ways that becoming more localised with our food systems can be of benefit to looking after both the climate and economic resilience.There's the reduction in delivery miles and waste, and the perhaps more significant yet less understood aspects that come from nurturing the soil and ecosystems through the ways that we farm. Remember, it's not what we eat that determines its impact, but how it's produced.Building connections between local farmers and consumers may be our easiest path for making sustainable food choices.But how do we make that happen at any kind of scale and convenience?It's a solution that depends upon connection, communication and collaboration between people who may be close together physically, but have little awareness or involvement with one another besides.And that's why this episode brings together a number of guests all located in the same county. We're exploring not only how producers can support nature, but how they can support one another, and the requirement for community involvement.Wherever you are in the world, there's likely a similar level of dedication and passion somewhere close by, often it's just going under the radar. So this episode is really about highlighting the role of all of us, regardless of location, in making local food possible.As Laura will put it, it's about calling out to the curious!Use the timestamps below to identify who's speaking when.00:00:00 - Introduction00:03:40 - Laura Stratford - The need and vision for a local, sustainable food system.00:23:42 - Martin Taylor - Growing in local soil to look after nature & reduce delivery miles.00:40:22 - Hannah Thorogood - Permaculture, rare breeds and regenerative grazing.01:00:40 - Adam O'Meara - Sourdough, cheese & connecting with local community.01:12:56 - Mixed guest - the vision for a good local food system.01:17:30 - Laura Stratford - who has a role?01:20:12 - Shout out to other local Lincolnshire food producers!