Rachel talks to Cathy Mears-Martin. Cathy discusses her experience with sustainability and the inspiration for her Eco Protection Squad. Rachel and Cathy discuss how to nurture conversations around climate anxiety and the importance of listening to children's voices. Cathy recommends resources for children's education around climate change and the environment. She recommends simple swaps for living sustainably and discusses her involvement with Plastic Free Periods. Rachel and Cathy also discuss the Women's Environmental Network and the importance of raising awareness about organisations like it.

Cathy Mears-Martin

Website: https://www.simplysustainableideas.com

https://www.ecoprotectionsquad.com/home

Women's Environmental Network: https://www.wen.org.uk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sustainable.ideas

Curious About Nature is hosted by Buttercup Learning Founder, Rachel Mills.

Website: https://buttercuplearning.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buttercup_hello/

Email: info@buttercuplearning.com

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Curious About Nature is a nature show for families, home educators and teachers from the team behind Buttercup Learning and the UK's only nature prints with augmented reality.

There's a new episode every month where guests discuss nature and ways we can connect our families and communities to nature.

What we discussed in the episode

The Inspiration behind Eco Protection Squad [00:01:26 ] 

Cathy shares her journey into sustainability, starting with a trip to Southeast Asia and witnessing waste pollution.

Creating Characters for Eco Protection Squad [00:02:36 ] 

Cathy discusses how she came up with the idea for the Eco Protection Squad characters and how they help educate about waste.

Engaging Children in Environmental Issues [00:08:15 ] 

Rachel and Cathy discuss how to introduce young children to climate change without causing anxiety, emphasising the importance of making it fun and manageable.

The importance of outdoor play [00:11:04 ] 

Cathy and Rachel discuss the joy and benefits of spending time outside, appreciating nature, and engaging in outdoor activities.

Resources for children's environmental education [00:12:00 ] 

Rachel asks about suggestions for resources related to climate change and the environment that can support children's education and knowledge. Cathy mentions the value of books, libraries, and specific resources like Twigs magazine and The Adventures of Scout.

Favourite sustainable swaps [00:16:48 ] 

Rachel praises Cathy's ethos around simple sustainable ideas and asks for some favourite swaps. Cathy mentions reusable wipes, reusable cotton pads, toothpaste tabs, and a travel bidet as examples of sustainable swaps.

The plastic free period movement [00:21:22 ] 

Cathy discusses her involvement with the Women's Environmental Network and the plastic free period movement.

Starting the Eco Protection Squad [00:22:06 ] 

Cathy talks about becoming an ambassador for Plastic Free Periods and starting online workshops to raise awareness.

Litter picking with children [00:25:08 ] 

Cathy shares tips for making litter picking fun for children and emphasizes the importance of safety precautions.

• Keep Britain Tidy
• Practically Period Podcast
• The Eco Protection Squad Free Resources — Lesson plans, activities, and missions