My Green Pod Magazine, November 2024

COP29 SPECIAL ISSUE

TIME TO SAVE THE WORLD

GLOBAL DONUT DAYS Find local events and bring the ideas of Doughnut Economics to life in your community

AVOIDING A COP-OUT WITH EARTHDAY.ORG Contemplating the good, the bad and the ugly ahead of COP29 in Azerbaijan

BOSH! AUTUMN RECIPES Plant-based chefs Henry and Ian share three recipes for ultimate autumn comfort – without breaking the bank

SAVING THE AMAZON A new model for forest conservation in Bolivia shows how saving trees can make good financial sense

Welcome to

My Green Pod Magazine!

Katie Hill, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF katie@mygreenpod.com

Welcome to this special COP29 issue of My Green Pod Magazine, published as political leaders begin to gather in Baku, Azerbaijan for the 29th UN Climate Change Conference (11-22 November).

These talks could not be more urgent; global temperatures are hitting record highs and extreme weather events are affecting people all over the world.

Despite the warnings from nature, things aren’t improving: the latest UNEP Emissions Gap Report (24 October) warned that nations must collectively commit to cut 42% of their emissions by 2030 and 57% by 2035 – and back this up with rapid action – or the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C goal will be gone within a few years.

The report found that it’s still technically possible to get on a 1.5°C pathway; ramping up solar and wind energy could deliver 27% of the total reduction potential in 2030 and 38% in 2035. Action on forests could deliver around 20% of the potential in both years. So there is cause for hope, and no better time for leaders to focus on financing the tech and infrastructure required to protect us from the impacts of a rapidly changing climate.

It’s a common argument that we could all be doing more and that, through the aggregation of marginal gains, each of us has a responsibility to effect change. While true, the vast majority of emissions come from the wealthiest of the global population, many of whom will convene at COP29 to make the decisions that will affect us all.

In a democratic society your political leaders are your elected representatives; by challenging leaders to do more – faster – you can have a voice at COP29.

This issue includes some of the incredible people presenting real solutions to the problems we face, including conservation, reforestation and a wide-scale shift to renewables. Read about them, share them and stay inspired to make switches where you can – the ideas and technology exist, we just need the will and the courage to deploy them.

ABOUT US

My Green Pod is an independent, family-run UK business, founded by Katie Hill and Jarvis Smith. We want to share the real stories behind the brands and people working tirelessly to offer ethical alternatives to mainstream products and services. You might not see these options on the high street and they may not be the first to appear in online searches. But they are on mygreenpod.com.

Use the search bar to find conscious lifestyle inspiration – and you could save some cash along the way!

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3.8 billion

people do not reach the Modern Energy Minimum (MEM), the 1,000 kWh threshold for mitigating poverty

49

nations already generate more than half of their electricity from renewables Azerbaijan produces

800,000 barrels of oil a day and is #25

on the global oil producer rankings mygreenpod.com COP29 3

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WITH THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

CONTENTS NEWS

32 20

6 EARTHDAY.ORG’s Tom Cosgrove explores how to avoid a COP-out in Azerbaijan 8 A new approach to self-sufficient communities keeps wealth within the local economy 10 A new survey reveals what women in Ukraine and Russia want 11 It’s time for Global Donut Days!

Find local events and connect with people taking action on Doughnut Economics 12 Extreme Hangout founder Amber Nuttall shares reasons for hope as we approach COP29 14 A new model for forest conservation in Bolivia shows saving trees makes good financial sense

BUSINESS

16 OMMMbassador Kathleen Prendiville’s journey from corporate strength to authentic vulnerability 18 How improving tech in the workplace can boost productivity, sustainability and the bottom line

ENERGY

20 Good Energy’s Ian McKee reflects on 25 years of pioneering renewable energy

HERO PRODUCTS

26 My Green Pod Heroes and sustainable switches for November

CONSCIOUSNESS

27 Jarvis Smith unpicks the evolution of sustainability

FOOD & DRINK

28 Yeo Valley Organic shares two simple organic recipes you can whip up with the kids 29 How one farm’s post-war transformation is helping to support communities and biodiversity 30 BOSH! chefs Henry and Ian share three mouth-watering recipes that will help you get more plants on plates this autumn 32 How to fight waste, support your community and be a climate hero for COP29

TRANSPORT

33 EV or not EV? Jonathon Porritt presents the case 34 Fully Charged’s Dan Caesar on the combustion industry’s ‘fog’ of war

COMPETITIONS

35 Take a look at the latest competition giveaways on mygreenpod.com!

HEALTH & BEAUTY

22 Natural beauty expert Janey Lee Grace explains how choosing eco-friendly brands can support a greener future

ARTS & FASHION

24

23 Model twins Brett and Scott Staniland explore how shaking up the fashion industry could help keep our emissions target alive 24 Introducing the clothing brand that doesn’t produce clothes

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Katie Hill DESIGN: Suzanne Taylor PUBLISHER: Jarvis Smith PUBLISHING: My Green Pod Distributed by My Green Pod which takes sole responsibility for its contents. MGP does not accept unsolicited contributions.

Editorial opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of My Green Pod and the company does not accept responsibility for advertising content.

Prices are correct at time of going to press and are subject to change. The Publishers cannot accept any responsibility for errors or omissions.

The contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without written permission. If you have any queries relating to the magazine call 0203 002 0990.

mygreenpod.com COP29 5

Avoiding a

COP-out Tom Cosgrove, chief creative and content officer at EARTHDAY.ORG, contemplates the good, the bad and the ugly ahead of COP29

B

y the time you read this, COP29 will most likely already be underway and we will be in the trenches with numerous NGOs and civil society members, advocating tirelessly for the health of our planet.

This is an ideal moment to review what we hope to achieve at the Conference of the Parties (COP); here’s a rundown of the message that EARTHDAY.ORG (EDO) is bringing to COP29 and what we are tackling head-on – the good, the bad and the ugly.

WHAT IS COP FOR?

First off, let’s set the scene: every September, the environmental world descends into a sort of frenzy. We scramble to secure COP accreditation and navigate the often-torturous travel arrangements to attend these COPs. It’s a stressful time – juggling staff, multitasking like pros and sharing a handful of passes for all the meetings and panels we need to attend. Every NGO is in the same boat, and there’s a real spirit of camaraderie as we band together to make it all work. So, why is it worth all the chaos and confusion?

COP crucially brings together all the players required to tackle climate change: government representatives, industry leaders, civil society members and NGOs, all working together to address the climate crisis.

However, the primary focus is on the parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) – essentially the countries that have signed and ratified the Paris Agreement, which was opened for signature on Earth Day (22 April) in 2016 and entered into force on 04 November 2016.

The Paris Agreement is an international treaty aimed at combating climate change by limiting global warming to below

Last year COP28 was in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and the previous year COP27 took place in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.

This sequence underscores the pervasive power and influence of the fossil fuel industry.

6 COP29 mygreenpod.com

2°C above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to cap the increase at 1.5°C. It requires countries to set and periodically update their climate action plans, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Essentially it’s what each signatory agrees to do to limit their contribution to climate change.

COP AND THE OIL INDUSTRY

COP29 is set to begin in Baku, Azerbaijan on 11 November and will continue until 22 November 2024. As the name suggests, it is the 29th annual meeting of these parties and this conference highlights a striking trend: Baku is the third consecutive oil-rich nation to host a COP. Last year COP28 was held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and the previous year COP27 took place in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.

This sequence underscores the pervasive power and influence of the fossil fuel industry.

Looking ahead to Brazil, the location for COP30, the status quo is still very much in play, given that Brazil holds South America’s second-largest oil reserves. It’s important to acknowledge that the United States produces more crude oil than any other nation in the world, underscoring how hard it is to overlook the entrenched role of oil in our global economy.

When viewed through this lens, the choice of these locations for COP meetings – despite their apparent incongruity with the conference’s climate-friendly goals – reflects the powerful reach of the fossil fuel industry, which is relentlessly working to protect its financial interests.

POWERING OUR PLANET

EARTH DAY.ORG’s 2025 Earth Day theme is Our Power, Our Planet; we will advocate for renewable energy, which will be particularly challenging given the substantial fossil fuel influence pushing in the opposite direction.

Renewable energy of course comes from replenishable sources – the sun, wind, tides and heat from below the ground – which do not produce greenhouse gases and therefore do not drive climate change. It can end our reliance on fossil fuels and the damage they cause to both our environment and human health. Why has it been so hard to transition to this so-called ‘clean energy’?

Denis Hayes, the organiser of the very first Earth Day, perhaps put it best when he reminded us that for decades we’ve been fed the lie that only fossil fuels can power the planet. In fact, by the 2030s solar power, not oil, is expected to become the largest source of electricity generation on Earth. This is the good news: clean energy is not make-believe. It’s real, viable and already happening.

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Access to affordable electricity allows hospitals all over the planet to provide better healthcare for their patients, especially women in childbirth, plus a whole host of other positives such as powering and sterilising equipment, refrigerating vaccines and being able to perform life-saving surgeries.

Consider this: 25% of the electricity generated in the United States alone in the first six months of 2023 was clean energy.

49 nations already generate more than half of their electricity from renewables, including Canada, Switzerland, Austria, New Zealand, Brazil, Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Iceland obtains a staggering 99.99% of its electricity from renewable sources.

So, we can say with a degree of genuine optimism that by 2035 all of our energy needs, even in countries such as the United States, can be met by renewable sources.

That’s why we’re calling for global clean energy generation to be tripled by 2030, and we’re taking this message to Baku – despite the likely resistance.

CLOCKWISE Bryce Coon, EDO’s director of education initiatives, with Tom Cosgrove at COP28; EDO’s Johnny Dabrowski leading a Climate Education Coalition protest at COP28; Tom Cosgrove with musician Nile Rodgers; EDO youth leader Johnny Dabrowski with Brazilian activist Mavi Brilhante

SPOTLIGHT ON HUMAN RIGHTS

Here’s the bad news: aside from producing 800,000 barrels of oil a day, placing it at number 25 on the global oil producer rankings, Azerbaijan’s record is troubling for other reasons.

The country has been actively engaged in territorial conflicts with its much smaller neighbour, Armenia, and it has an abysmal human rights track record. This raises more significant questions about why COP is being held there. Nonetheless, the conference is set to proceed in Baku.

This brings us to the ugly. 3.8 billion people across this planet do not reach the Modern Energy Minimum (MEM), meaning their per capita electricity usage is under 1,000 kWh – the threshold for mitigating poverty. They have no regular or affordable source of energy and their lives are undoubtedly blighted as a result.

Renewable energy can radically change this situation by improving living standards and enhancing health outcomes in a variety of different ways.

Cutting greenhouse gas emissions slashes the health risks associated with climate change, such as heatwaves, floods and the spread of infectious diseases. At the same time, reduced air pollution decreases respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, including asthma and strokes.

Access to affordable electricity allows hospitals all over the planet to provide better healthcare for their patients, especially women in childbirth, plus a whole host of other positives such as powering and sterilising equipment, refrigerating vaccines and being able to perform life-saving surgeries.

This is why attending every single COP, despite the long hours and the often-complex geopolitical context, is ultimately worthwhile. We must continuously strive to elevate the conversation around renewable energy and ensure its true viability is recognised and promoted.

This is the moment to champion what EARTHDAY.ORG stands for: equity and the right of every person to access affordable, clean electricity. Hopefully, by the time you read this, that message will be resonating loud and clear in Baku, and universal access to clean energy will have started to trend as a major focus at COP29.

Find out more

n I nformation about Earth Day 2025 and how to get involved is at earthday.org/earth-day-2025

mygreenpod.com COP29 7

SUSTAIN

BRITAIN

New sustainability conference launches Sustain Britain concept

S

ustain Britain, a new movement focused on delivering greater localised sustainability across the UK, has launched a new approach to the delivery of selfsufficient communities at its inaugural conference, held in Royal Wootton Basset, Wiltshire.

The conference outlined how communities across the UK have an opportunity to break free from dependency on multinational companies for goods, products and services through the adoption of Sustain Circles, a new concept that challenges communities and businesses to grow, produce and manufacture as much as possible for their local community.

TURNING THE TIDE ON GLOBALISATION

Globalisation has led to a flow of wealth from local communities to global financial centres. This has, in turn, led to the exploitation of resources and people around the world. The aim at Sustain Britain is to reverse this trend by encouraging greater productivity and self-reliance domestically, enabling a more sustainable future for Britain and its communities.

The conference also looked at how Sustainable Anarchy is not only justifiable but necessary where inefficient bureaucracy and red tape hold back the advancement of sustainable projects that comply with regulations and benefit local communities, but are prevented from progress due to bureaucracy and archaic approval processes.

A LOCAL SOLUTION

Sustain Britain was created in a bid to keep wealth within the local economy, and create a blueprint that communities can adopt, adapt and implement for their own good.

Showcasing a series of ground-breaking initiatives, the conference focused on Sustain Wiltshire’s proposed solutions for Royal Wootton Bassett, Brinkworth, Purton and Malmesbury.

These include energy independence; sustainable, affordable eco-rental housing; affordable food, goods and services and sustainable employment for the local community.

8 COP29 mygreenpod.com

SUSTAIN CIRCLES

Introducing Sustain Britain, Nick Ash of Sustain Wiltshire explained how his team has focused on creating a total local solution where self-sufficiency is the driver for all innovation.

This ‘Sustain Circle’ thought experiment is based on drawing a circle around a community and setting the goal of finding ways to produce everything that the community needs without necessitating any adverse lifestyle changes.

Nick acknowledged that in order for this approach to be successful, the hold of the multinationals would need to be broken; he outlined how the Sustain Wiltshire team investigated how it would be possible to produce better quality goods for less than they would cost from global brands.

Here, the Achilles heel of the multinationals was identified as the cost of transport, warehousing and logistics – areas where locally produced goods have the advantage. If this could be combined with low-cost power, businesses would be able to compete on a more even playing field with global giants.

FROM LANDFILL TO FOOD PRODUCTION

After recognising that cost competitiveness was key to the success of Sustain Circles, Nick and his team at Crapper and Sons Landfill Ltd began looking at what they could do to make this possible.

This resulted in the creation of the ‘Sustain Super Midden’, an innovative new approach that turns landfill sites into energy and food production centres.

Here, landfill methane is used to power and heat positively pressured inflatable greenhouses located on landfill cells, so they can produce affordable fruit and vegetables for the local community all year round.

A world first, these greenhouses are engineered to flex with the movement of the sealed landfill cells, incorporating an airlock system to prevent contaminants, pests or disease from entering and enabling an organic approach to the on-site production of fruit and vegetables.

NEWS

The Super-Midden taps methane from the landfill and uses the gas to safely power engines that generate electricity and heat, keeping the flexible greenhouses at a perfect growing temperature for horticulture throughout the year. The Super-Midden also has the ability to provide power to local businesses for less money than it would cost from the grid.

Using CO2 produced as a by-product to aid photosynthesis, the growing environment within the Super-Midden greenhouses can be accelerated or slowed down to meet demand.

Combined with advanced modelling technology, this means that just-in-time demand-based fruit and vegetables can be grown and delivered to the doorstep. This innovative solution minimises the need for storage and food miles, reducing overheads and allowing fruit and vegetables to be produced at a lower cost than can be achieved by major supermarkets.

Any waste food can be collected and processed for anaerobic digestion, enabling the generation of low-cost energy and fertiliser for use in the greenhouses to further perpetuate the sustainable, circular solution.

Once perfected, the technology – which will be trialled in the next 12 months – will enable Sustain Wiltshire to supply 80% of all fruit and vegetable requirements for Royal Wootton Basset, Malmesbury, Purton and Brinkworth.

CLOCKWISE The inaugural Sustain Britain conference; Sir Jonathon Porritt and Roz Savage MP speaking at the conference; shell view of Sustain’s eco-industrial workspace; aerial image of the proposed Sustain Super-Midden

A FUTURE WITHOUT OIL

Looking further ahead, Nick explained how inert landfill cells exhausted of their methane would be harvested to collect plastic for storage and future processing, once oil production ends.

It isn’t currently economically viable to process pre-used plastics, but once oil production stops they will provide a key source of polymers and become a valuable asset that can be harvested from the storage cells in the Super-Midden, turning a problem waste into a valuable future source of materials.

The Sustain Super-Midden will be operated by a Community Interest Company to ensure that any future profit generated from food, heat and energy production and plastic recycling will return to the local community in the form of grants to enhance local life and wellbeing.

Setting an example of how innovation can lead to better local solutions, the conference encouraged delegates, businesses, individuals and organisations to think how they could produce more local solutions to keep wealth within their local communities, rather than losing it to multinational organisations that take wealth away and give very little back.

BOOSTING LOCAL EMPLOYMENT

Sustain Britain sees local employment as key to the success of developing thriving local communities. One solution – a new concept in sustainable subterranean workspaces, pioneered

by Sustain Wiltshire – was revealed at the conference. These workspaces are designed to be located close to the Sustain Super-Midden so cheap heat and energy can be supplied to tenants for less than it would cost the grid. This would help to reduce overheads, increasing competitiveness and an ability for businesses to produce high-quality goods for locals in a costeffective way, keeping more wealth within the community.

These structures are constructed using a ground-breaking dome structure over which a metre of soil can be laid to create a grazing environment. They provide a naturally insulated environment, helping to significantly reduce energy and heating requirements and water run-off.

The plan is that these structures, which can be connected in modular, linear cells of pods, can be built to create clusters of workplaces, enabling enterprise zones where local businesses can collaborate. Enhancing innovation and creating wider opportunities for an ecosystem of local businesses, the intention is that these working environments will supercharge the economy of the Sustain Circle. The first unit is due to be built next year for an innovative low-carbon company.

GREEN HALO COMMUNITIES

Turning its attention to sustainable, affordable housing, the Sustain Britain Conference looked at proposals being put forward by Sustain Wiltshire to create Green Halo communities.

Here, affordable housing would be built by Community Interest Companies on the periphery of towns, villages and cities in newly planted woodland.

Creating the potential for a car-free Green Halo community, this approach is designed to protect the environment by creating low-density, sustainable and affordable rental accommodation.

Sustain Britain’s vision is for affordable, sustainable housing that would be delivered through the creation of Green Halo Communities. To make this possible, Nick explained that a radical change in housing development and planning policy would be required. This would allow agricultural land to be used around population centres, purely for the construction of sustainable rental housing.

While the land would remain owned by the farmer or landowner – removing the need to purchase land to build on – the houses would be built and owned by a Community Interest Company. This one change would bypass the disproportionately

high cost of land in and around villages, towns and cities that makes affordable housing near impossible.

Decoupled from private ownership, and for use only as rented housing, Sustain Britain’s vision is that land would be leased from landowners for at least 200 years, providing a steady income enhanced by earnings from forestry and carbon credits. Rental prices, reflecting only the cost of construction and long-term land lease commitments, could be dramatically reduced as a result.

Further aided by power and heat generation solutions that are either integrated into the properties or produced locally and included within the rental package, these communities would benefit from affordable living costs delivering energy independence and security from global markets.

Once they are successfully implemented, these Green Halo housing communities would be serviced by cycle ways and autonomous vehicles linked back to the existing town centres.

With limited vehicle access points for service vehicles, these communities would be low impact. This would enable low-rent, sustainable, secure and thriving communities to be built, with any excess profit from rent returning to the local community in the form of grants for community projects.

For this to be realised, a groundswell of support will be needed to convince the authorities to embrace sustainable change, and to take the bold steps necessary to bring this vision to life. This is where the Sustain Britain movement has a key role to play in building support for change beyond the Sustain Wiltshire vision.

Find out more

n Stay up to date on developments at Sustain Wiltshire and future Sustain Britain conferences by visiting sustainbritain.co.uk

mygreenpod.com COP29 9

NEWS

WOMEN IN

WARS

Living Voices survey, conducted by the Women Building Bridges Initiative, reveals what women in Ukraine and Russia want

C

ourageous women in Ukraine and Russia are determined to find out what female compatriots who have lived through this wartime period want, what they believe in and what they hope for.

They spoke with women from different regions of Russia and Ukraine. What they discovered is compelling.

provoking hostility and violence can bring clarity and hope. A balance of women in negotiating teams has also been shown to help reach a peace deal that lasts longer.

Statistical analysis of 182 signed peace agreements between 1989 and 2011 revealed that peace agreements where women are involved are 35% more likely to last for 15 years.

WOMEN WANT PEACE

ACHIEVING LASTING PEACE

Women from different countries, cities and professions, answering 20 questions about themselves and the world, all say the same thing: they have ‘war fatigue’ and a strong ‘demand for peace’. No one wanted ‘war until the victorious end’.

What they fear most is a longer war; they fear more illness, poverty, hunger, the death of children, the prospect of dying without seeing relatives in another country. War to them is ‘fear, repression, the loss of everything, of our rights and freedom.’ Because of this, women no longer make plans for the future. They live one day at a time.

Asked who is responsible, the most common answer is the ambitions of male politicians in power. All respondents believe that the global world is developing in the wrong direction and is moving towards collapse or degradation. The reason for this, to them, is the weak presence of peace-building women in positions of power. The consequence is an arms race which is exhausting the economies of East and West.

Unanimously, they say that peace ‘is the stability we previously did not appreciate. Peace is the ability to plan life.

Without peace, most things lose their meaning.’

BREAKING THE CYCLE OF VIOLENCE

The respondents’ demands are for the cooperation of the two countries, the expansion of women’s presence in power, health, wellbeing and freedom of speech – all of which require peace.

These women know that the male need for revenge is often triggered by shame and feelings of humiliation, including a failure to protect the women they love. Revenge seems like the only way to alleviate these feelings and restore their sense of pride.

Women realise that to break this cycle of violence we need a new approach. Since they are not usually instigators of cycles of violence, they bring less charged emotional baggage with them.

They can use their skills of patient deep listening with careful attention and feedback, so that opponents are heard and powerful feelings are less likely to feed the vicious cycle.

Women also tend to use intuition to enable parties to understand what’s needed in the moment. They come up with ideas and possibilities that could ‘enlarge the pie, which men in power might not dream of.’

The ‘secret back channels’ – crucial in resolving many conflicts – can most effectively be carried out by women. In such quiet conversations, the ability to speak truth to power without 10 COP29 mygreenpod.com

This approach is not wishful thinking. In Northern Ireland, where sectarian killings had escalated to crisis levels, two women co-founded the Community for Peace People, mobilising over 10,000 Catholic and Protestant women to march together for peace from 1974 to 1980, risking their lives in the process. They received the 1976 Nobel Peace Prize.

In Liberia, after a 14-year civil war, Christian and Muslim women united in an interfaith movement, the Women of Liberia Mass Action for Peace. They acted as intermediaries between Charles Taylor and rebel leaders and even prevented them from leaving negotiations until agreement had been reached.

In 2011 they were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

When massive violence erupted after disputed Kenyan elections in 2007, Dekha Ibrahim Abdi asked 60,000 members of women’s organisations to report on their cell phones what they saw outside their windows. The information enabled Abdi to plot ‘hotspots’ of violence, develop strategies for each area and, in less than three weeks, bring the violence under control.

In doing this work, Ukrainian and Russian women stand on the shoulders of women elsewhere who have demonstrated the effectiveness of female skills that are key to stopping violence.

This article is based on a survey by Living Voices, with the assistance of journalists from Russia and Ukraine. Additional material was provided

by Dr Scilla Elworthy, Business Plan for Peace.

Red Shoes (Zapatos Rojos), by Mexican artist Elina Chauvet, is a powerful installation that reminds us of women who were murdered or who disappeared because of their gender

Find out more

n Discover how to transform destructive conflict and build sustainable peace personally, locally and internationally at thebusinessplanforpeace.org

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Tri-color Coalition’s Global Donut Day workshop in Mexico City; stepping into the doughnut with Wildbound in Beijing; coming together for the Wildbound workshop

LOCAL ACTION, GLOBAL CONNECTIONS Doughnut Economics Action Lab’s Aimee Laurel offers an open invitation to 2024’s Global Donut Days

I

f we are to be the change we want to see in the world, then the world that Doughnut Economics Action Lab (DEAL) wants to see is shaped by local community action that is globally connected.

This connection builds and solidifies a sense that we are all part of a global story of change, a story that says a different world is possible – and it’s popping up everywhere.

That vision of change is the reason behind this year’s Global Donut Days (06-09 November 2024) central theme: ‘local action, global connection’.

Brought together by DEAL, and in collaboration with practitioners from around the world, Global Donut Days is a multi-day, community-led festival to be held both online and in person around the world.

It is a moment in the year to celebrate and inspire the global DEAL Community to take the next step locally and connect globally to create a belief that, in the face of climate and ecological breakdown, social injustice and inequality, a different future is possible.

DOUGHNUT ECONOMICS PRACTITIONERS

Doughnut Economics is an invitation to explore an economic mindset that is fit for our complex and rapidly changing 21st-century world.

Global Donut Days are made truly global by the groups of Doughnut Economics practitioners that organise local events to celebrate the ideas and accomplishments of progressing Doughnut Economics around the world.

Last year, 26 countries and 56 places participated in Global Donut Day; more than 4,000 people were engaged in over a hundred events in a single day.

The global community of local groups – all working to support people and planet – created a palpable sense of being part of something bigger, and this collective impact was significant.

Building upon this energy, Global Donut Days is a space to showcase the many diverse ways in which people are taking action on Doughnut Economics, sharing the actions and ideas of practitioners via an online global programme and through local events under the theme of ‘local action, global connection’.

ABOUT DOUGHNUT ECONOMICS AND DEAL nT he Doughnut provides a

blueprint for how humanity could thrive in the 21st century between social and ecological limits.

nK ate Raworth’s 2017 book,

Doughnut Economics: seven ways to think like a 21st century economist, explored the economic thinking needed to bring humanity into the Doughnut, drawing together insights from diverse economic perspectives in an engaging and accessible way that everyone can understand.

nD EAL is an organisation

co-founded as a not-forprofit in July 2019 by Kate Raworth and Carlota Sanz.

It exists to support changemakers worldwide – in communities, education, cities and regions, business, government and more – who are turning the ideas of Doughnut Economics into transformative action and aiming to bring about systemic change. The community now consists of over 16,000 people.

Find out more

nL ocate your nearest local Global Donut Days event at doughnuteconomics.org

FORMING GLOBAL CONNECTIONS

Global Donut Days offers a reason to start local action for those who have been meaning to act but are yet to take the first steps. We will be looking at how people are getting the ball rolling and what tools are available to get started. It also creates support and inspiration for local organisers to reach new audiences, create new connections, navigate challenges and build community locally.

Running workshops is a popular way to introduce and explore ideas with local audiences. Last year, for example, Mexico City’s Tri-color Coalition ran its Global Donut Day celebration at The School of Design of the National Institute for Fine Arts, working with students and local experts to co-create a shared vision of sustainability based on Doughnut Economics.

Beijing’s Wildbound ran a workshop called ‘Step into the Doughnut’ that allowed individuals to experience the Doughnut in an interactive way while exploring the things we care about in our lives, our communities and the natural world.

Global Donut Days also means supporting the formation of global connections. The event has connected organisers and strengthened relationships across the global community, and this year DEAL has created the infrastructure for peer-to-peer learning and support, which helps local organisers see others and make visible the global community of local action.

AN OPEN INVITATION

There are three main ways for you to participate in Global Donut Days 2024; you can register for the online day on 06 November to hear from and connect with people worldwide taking action on Doughnut Economics. Alternatively, search for local events to attend between 07 and 09 November for opportunities to connect with people taking action on Doughnut Economics locally.

You can join us online by using the hashtag #GlobalDonutDays and sharing how you’re bringing the ideas of Doughnut Economics to life from where you are. This will help to build a sense that we are all part of a global story of change. We hope you come and join the festivities – everyone is welcome. mygreenpod.com COP29 11

A fight for the future

Extreme Hangout founder Amber Nuttall shares reasons for hope as we approach COP29

I

n August 2018 Greta Thunberg began her campaign outside the Swedish Parliament, calling on her country to take action and align itself with the Paris climate agreement.

We know what happened next: young people around the world, who also increasingly recognised the urgency of the situation, crafted their banners and took to the streets in protest.

Here at home in London I proudly joined them and greatly admired the passion, the energy and yes, even the idealism: why shouldn’t they fight for their future?

As the months went by I became rather sad.

Why had it taken young people skipping school to mobilise so many among the older generations?

They were succeeding in grabbing headlines but I saw so much anger, fear and sadness among these young people; it really bothered me, so I started to look for other ways to support them.

TWO WORLDS COLLIDE

I had been working with Extreme International for a number of years and had got to know our cool, dynamic online community – who, incidentally, are mostly aged between 18 and 30. These young people were also a passionate and driven bunch; they were scaling mountain peaks, cycling forest trails, surfing breaking waves and embracing the very life that so many were in fear of losing.

This community was a frequent frontline witness to the impact of climate change on our planet and on local communities in remote locations.

Many of them had become activists decades before; surfers have been vocal about sewage and plastic pollution for a long time, while mountaineers

have been shouting to anyone who would listen that glaciers are retreating and that winter snow no longer falls in the glorious abundance of the past.

Two worlds were colliding in my mind. I felt deeply moved – indeed mobilised! Then the host city of COP26 was announced; Glasgow was not exactly my local city, but it certainly felt local enough.

GETTING TO COP

I had wanted to attend a COP for a long time but didn’t feel like I was qualified and wasn’t quite sure

what I would do if I went. Now I had the excuse that I needed. I wasn’t going for me, but to host an event for young people and with young people – for our Extreme community and disenfranchised youth from all around the world.

I felt very strongly that somebody needed to demonstrate not simply that we care about the environment, but also that we care about their human fears and, perhaps even more importantly, that we value their opinions and contributions.

I wanted to highlight the many wonderful people and organisations tackling this crisis head-on – teaching the solutions, building the businesses delivering the solutions and leading the NGOs delivering these solutions in the field. Many of them had been doing so for decades.

I wanted all these brilliant young people to know that there is hope – that there are people out there who are fighting for their future, from every corner of society; that there are places for them to go to actively participate in creating the future of their dreams, not their nightmares. That we may not be all-powerful, yet, but that we had their backs.

So naturally, the next step was to leap on a train to Glasgow and join a member of our team in a hunt for a venue. Alistair, founder and CEO of Extreme – and, incidentally, also my husband – now famously recounts how he thought that I would not find one square inch of available space to host any kind of event, but also (most erroneously) that my ambitions were limited to perhaps hosting a lunch or drinks party. How wrong can one guy be!

I returned having secured a repurposed ferry moored on the River Clyde, right in the heart of the city – not for an evening, but for the full two-week duration of COP. And so the work began, with the backing of my husband and the wider Extreme team, all having bought fully into my somewhat mad vision.

SHARING SOLUTIONS

We called and emailed everyone I knew and people I didn’t, inviting them to come and participate in a fringe event where we promised there would always be a young person on our stage – participating in conversations with politicians, business leaders and scientists. We wanted to help people express not just their fears but also their hopes – to share the stories of successful endeavours, of real-life solutions that were active today.

We wanted to cover everyday topics as well as the highbrow stuff; we wanted to get the world interested, so felt we should lean in to their existing passions – sport, yes, but also fashion, food, music, gaming, film and art. The floodgates opened: we were joined by wonderful and visionary commercial partners and myriad leading local, national and international charities and communities who wanted to be part of the conversation.

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NEWS

CLOCKWISE Bear Grylls speaking at Extreme Hangout COP26, Glasgow; group picture at Extreme Hangout COP27, Egypt; Oluwaseyi Moejoh, Nigerian environmentalist and National Geographic Young Explorer, at Extreme Hangout COP28, Dubai; Extreme Hangout Stage at COP28, Dubai; Uyunkar Domingo Peas, president of the Amazon Sacred Headwaters Alliance, speaking at Extreme Hangout COP26, Glasgow

SETTING THE STAGE

A number of years ago I was greatly inspired by One Young World; its dreams were dashed when the organisation wasn’t allocated space in one of the official COP zones. I immediately called Ella, the wonderful managing director, and said ‘our stage is your stage – please come and use it.’

That is how we built a programme of conversations that began at 10 o’clock in the morning and lasted until late in the evening. There were panel discussions and interviews, workshops, film screenings and live music events – we even built a studio for podcasts and filmed interviews.

A NOURISHING SPACE

Most importantly to me, there was a hangout space. I have long found conferences to be soulless; you get herded into air-conditioned, windowless rooms with obnoxious strip lighting, uncomfortable chairs and dreadful food, and are expected to at least remain engaged and at best perform at the peak of your ability. Not in my world!

I wanted everyone to feel at home, and know that there was somewhere to charge their laptop, hop on a call, have a coffee with a friend, share something to eat or even to grab a little nap. So many people were flying in from all corners of the world because they felt it was important to be at this global climate conference. They came not only with their own personal expertise and dedication, but also all the heartfelt pressure that comes from caring enough about something that you fly halfway around the world in order to show up and fight for it.

This is, of course, emotionally exhausting. And the reality is that still today, with all the progress made, we still return home burnt and bruised, disappointed sometimes to the core.

But our presence at COP26 was a success; the reception and heavenly notes and letters, some from complete strangers, were enough to convince

us that we needed to keep showing up. So began our annual pilgrimage to the COPs; next was COP27 in Egypt on the shores of the Red Sea, then Dubai for COP28, where for the first time we made an appearance in the Green Zone as part of the official lineup. Now we are knee-deep in preparations for COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan where once again we are delighted to be working with the local host, organising a team for our great big space in the Green Zone.

CELEBRATING STORIES

Every COP has a new host nation which presents new challenges – but every time we learn so much and return home with many new friends. And of course, irrespective of the challenges, the show must go on. This is our climate emergency, after all.

Lots of people – mostly young people and other underrepresented and underfunded communities, such as women (yes, women!), Indigenous nations,

SIDS (Small Island Developing States) and many others, in particular from the Global South – lean on us and I just love the fact we are there for them.

Nature too is central to every theme; we don’t exist without nature – we are nature.

Our sponsors and partners are critical to our success; PwC has taken the biggest punt on us and for that we are deeply grateful. My fabulous, devoted team of staff and our many volunteers are utter dynamite – I admire and appreciate them all so much.

Showing up to a COP is a simple thing to do in practice but reality bites quickly – it’s expensive, daunting, exhausting – but it counts for so much, perhaps for everything.

I celebrate everyone who makes the effort to attend and for all those who do, know you will always have a home at the Extreme Hangout – our stage is your stage – so please come and visit us.

And if you can’t make it, join us on social media, get stuck in to the wonderful stable of talks on our YouTube channel or Facebook, TikTok and Instagram for shorter content.

If you really want to get down and dirty, watch out for (or indeed apply to host) an Extreme Hangout Local in your city, region or country. Like a cousin to the TEDx format, we have created a manual so anyone can recreate their own Extreme Hangout event to celebrate the climate champions and changemakers from their home town – the gals and guys who aren’t waiting for the energy giants and major polluters to slowly make their transition.

There are so many magical stories, I promise you we do have much to celebrate. Come check out the Extreme Hangout and you will see.

Find out more

n I nformation about the Extreme Hangout at COP29 is at extremehangoutcop29.com

mygreenpod.com COP29 13

SAVING THE

AMAZON A new model for forest conservation in Bolivia shows saving trees makes good financial sense

W

hen it comes to conservation, Bolivia is no stranger to radical ideas. In 1987 it became the first nation to test a ‘debt-for-nature’ swap, whereby Conservation International bought $650,000 of Bolivia’s debt in exchange for a promise the government would establish protected areas in the Amazon.

40 years on the areas remain protected – but the rainforest is by no means safe. It’s cheaper to purchase forest than agricultural land in Bolivia, meaning the Amazon has a unique draw for those looking to make a profit – or even just a good living.

Intensive farming – of soy, beef and corn – is a familiar threat, but slash-and-burn land clearance practices aren’t restricted to multinationals.

Farmers within Bolivia also buy and clear forested land because it makes more financial sense. The fires can be impossible to control, leading to destruction on a huge scale and destroying the homes of animals and Indigenous peoples.

‘Slash-and-burn techniques, often used to expand agricultural and cattle farming frontiers, are the primary cause of forest fires in Bolivia’, says Javier Calvo, president of Amazon For Life. ‘There’s a persistent myth that deforested land is worth more, which drives this destructive practice.’

While Javier would like to see slash-and-burn techniques prohibited and alternatives for land use promoted, he acknowledges that conservation efforts will only succeed if different cultural perspectives in Bolivia are balanced.

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‘Each group in Bolivia has different land-use practices’, Javier explains. ‘Some focus heavily on agriculture, which can lead to forest clearing, while others might prioritise livestock farming. For Indigenous communities, the rainforest is their home and livelihood. They have a deep, spiritual connection to the land. Interculturales and Mennonites, on the other hand, often view the land as a resource for agricultural and economic use.’

If not managed sustainably, these different approaches can contribute to habitat destruction.

The solution for Javier is to create economic models that respect both cultural practices and the ecological importance of the forest.

Baru nut trees (top images) are central to Amazon For Life’s plan to save the Amazon.

Baru saplings (above) are grown in Amazon For Life nurseries and then planted in urban and rural reforestation projects (left) all over Bolivia

TAKING ACTION

Javier comes from a long line of entrepreneurs and politicians. ‘Five of my great-grandparents were founding fathers of Bolivia’, he tells us. ‘From an early age, my parents instilled in us a deep love for our country and a strong sense of responsibility to use our talents to make a difference. They emphasised the importance of living a life with purpose and serving others.’

Javier’s lightbulb moment came when he realised that Bolivia had become the world’s third-largest deforester of primary tropical forests – and first per capita. ‘The urgency of this crisis pushed me to take action’, he shares. ‘I gathered a team of professionals from various fields, and we analysed the root causes of deforestation in Bolivia. We

NEWS concluded that the only way to counter the expansion of cattle ranching and agriculture was to offer private landowners and Indigenous communities an alternative income source.’

After months of research, Javier launched Amazon For Life, a company focused on integrating agriculture, livestock and forests with native trees like the Dipteryx alata (the baru nut tree) at its core.

Its motto – ‘A living forest is worth more than a dead one’ – reflects the organisation’s mission to change mindsets, help communities, build value chains and ultimately stop deforestation.

‘We aim to halt deforestation by demonstrating to Bolivia – and the world – that there is a more profitable and sustainable way forward’, Javier explains. ‘Our vision is to show that real change can

private land by 2026’, Javier tells us. ‘The produce from these trees will be transformed into high-value products such as baru nut butter, oil and milk, generating income for all stakeholders while preserving the forest.’

The mission is not just to reforest but to restore ecosystems, reconnect communities with nature and create lasting economic value. ‘Our key projects include the acquisition of Tahuamanu, the largest sustainable Amazon nut (Brazil nut) collector and distributor; the acquisition of INPA, the last standing forest in the Chiquitania region; a partnership with Concesión Forestal San Luis to protect and forage superfoods across 233,000 hectares and our flagship 10,000-hectare productive tree plantation’, Javier tells us. ‘These

‘We aim to halt deforestation by demonstrating to Bolivia – and the world – that there is a more profitable and sustainable way forward. Our vision is to show that real change can happen when the private sector, communities and governments come together. Protecting the Amazon is not only a moral and ecological obligation but also the most economically rewarding path.’

JAVIER CALVO

projects will generate profits shared with our partners and the communities, and reinvested in stopping forest destruction.’

CHANGING THE PARADIGM

The Amazon represents 60% of Bolivia’s land mass, making it an integral part of the nation’s identity.

Its protection is not just an environmental issue but a matter of cultural preservation and national pride. Yet the challenges for anyone who wants to save the rainforest are numerous; education and aligning interests are crucial for long-term success.

‘As a father, a Bolivian and a human being, I’m driven by the responsibility to protect the environment for future generations’, Javier tells us. ‘It’s not only the right thing to do – it’s also the most sustainable and profitable choice.’

Amazon For Life has established sister companies in the US, UK and Europe to distribute Amazon For Life products globally. These companies also aim to strengthen partnerships with individuals and businesses who want to help make a difference.

The belief is that together, we can change the paradigm and prove that conservation is not only essential but profitable.

PRESIDENT OF AMAZON FOR LIFE

happen when the private sector, communities and governments come together. Protecting the Amazon is not only a moral and ecological obligation but also the most economically rewarding path.’

THE AMAZON’S VALUE

Just as debt-for-nature swaps have become a mainstay of global conservation, Amazon For Life has developed an approach that could become a blueprint for conservation in a rapidly changing world – and at the heart of it all is the baru nut tree.

‘With its exceptional nutritional value and the potential to generate substantial income, it became clear that this tree could play a crucial role in saving the Amazon’, Javier reveals. By year five, a single tree can yield around $12, and by year 10, up to $60. With 100 to 200 trees per hectare, the potential earnings are significant – between $1,200 and $12,000 per hectare annually. This sustainable and profitable approach, combined with the Amazon’s immense value as a source of food and medicine, is the inspiration behind the company name, Amazon For Life.

‘We plan to plant over 1 million productive trees on more than 10,000 hectares of indigenous and

CLOCKWISE Amazon For Life’s Javier Calvo (left) closing an agreement with the Mayor of Robore, the city most affected by forest fires; the Amazon For Life team at a new nursery; Amazon For Life’s first nursery; R&D is underway for a baru nut protein bar

Find out more

n Information about Amazon For Life projects and how to get involved is at amazonforlife.com mygreenpod.com COP29 15

Breaking the

silence Kathleen Prendiville’s journey from corporate strength to authentic vulnerability

T

he tech world is a whirlwind of pressure and performance. For Kathleen Prendiville, a successful account executive at Google, this world was all she knew.

Kathleen thrived on the challenge, but beneath the surface lay a hidden struggle: the pressure to project an image of unwavering strength. ‘Over the last decade at Google, I became fixated on showing everyone just how strong I was’, Kathleen admits. ‘Invulnerable. Unbreakable.’

Two years ago a phone call shattered Kathleen’s world. Her younger sister, Sarah, had taken her own life.

This devastating loss forced Kathleen to confront the fragility of life and the limitations of her own perceived strength. Initially, she sought refuge in the familiar rhythm of work, but the pain was relentless. Finally, Kathleen made a life-changing decision: she took a leave of absence.

A TURNING POINT

Stepping away from the demands of the corporate world, Kathleen found herself in the unfamiliar territory of silence and stillness. It was terrifying and liberating all at once. Without the constant noise, she could finally begin to process her grief and confront the emotions she had been suppressing for so long.

‘It was like coming up for air after being underwater for years’, Kathleen reflects. ‘I realised that true strength wasn’t about hiding my pain, but about acknowledging it.’

This profound realisation marked a turning point; Kathleen began to prioritise her mental and emotional wellbeing, embracing vulnerability and self-compassion. She discovered that true strength lay not in suppressing her emotions but in honouring them.

REDEFINING STRENGTH

Kathleen’s journey has taught her that we live in a world that often equates strength with stoicism, but she knows firsthand that this is a dangerous misconception. ‘Suppressing your emotions is like trying to hold a beach ball underwater’, she explains. ‘It takes a tremendous amount of energy and eventually, it’s going to pop back up.’

For Kathleen, true strength lies in acknowledging our mental health needs, in seeking help when we need it and in prioritising self-care. It’s about recognising that we are all human.

FINDING PURPOSE

Driven by her new-found purpose, Kathleen sought ways to share her story and help others. She discovered OMMM, a 16 COP29 mygreenpod.com

global organisation dedicated to holistic wellbeing, and was immediately drawn to its mission.

OMMM wasn’t just another organisation; for Kathleen, it was a reflection of her own transformed self. The emphasis on blending ancient wisdom with modern wellness practices resonated with her new appreciation for inner strength and self-care.

The focus on unity and interconnectedness spoke to her desire to create a world where people felt safe to share their struggles and support one another. And the commitment to personal transformation mirrored her own journey from a woman who projected an image of invulnerability to one who embraced her authentic self – vulnerabilities and all.

As an ‘OMMMbassador’ Kathleen doesn’t just talk the talk – she walks the walk, too. She shares her story with unflinching honesty, her vulnerability creating a ripple effect that empowers others to open up about their own experiences.

Kathleen doesn’t shy away from the hard truths; she uses data and research to illuminate the very real impact of mental health on individuals and organisations. And she doesn’t leave people hanging, either. She offers practical tools and strategies for prioritising wellbeing, fostering empathy and building a culture of support in the workplace.

But perhaps most importantly, Kathleen issues a powerful call to action: she challenges us to redefine strength and to reject the outdated notion that vulnerability equals weakness.

She encourages us to question the status quo, to demand better for ourselves and for those around us. She empowers us to believe that we can create lasting change, one conversation, one action and one compassionate choice at a time.

A RIPPLE EFFECT

Kathleen’s story isn’t just about personal transformation; it’s about inspiring collective change. It’s about creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond her own life, touching the hearts and minds of individuals and organisations alike.

Already, her vulnerability has sparked countless conversations both online and in real life. Women in tech, long feeling the pressure to project an image of unwavering strength, reach out to Kathleen to share their own struggles and express their gratitude for her honesty. They speak of feeling seen and understood for the first time, of finding the courage to prioritise their own wellbeing.

In boardrooms and leadership meetings, Kathleen’s voice is making a difference, too. CEOs, inspired by her story and practical strategies, are implementing new initiatives to foster a

BUSINESS

CLOCKWISE Kathleen speaking to Deloitte’s Emily Cromwell about mental health in the workplace, P.E.A. Awards Evolution of Sustainability event, 2024; inside Google’s Toronto head office, Kathleen’s workplace, 2024; Kathleen’s younger sister, Sarah Prendiville, visiting the Vatican while travelling in Italy, 2019

culture of support and prioritise mental health in the workplace.

Employees are feeling heard, supported, and empowered to bring their whole selves to work. The results speak for themselves: increased productivity, higher employee retention and a more positive and collaborative work environment.

‘It’s incredible to see the tangible impact my story is having’, Kathleen shares. ‘When I hear from people who have found the courage to seek help, or when I see companies making real changes to support their employees’ mental health, it fuels my passion even more.’

DESTIGMATISING MENTAL HEALTH

Kathleen’s vision extends beyond individual stories and organisational shifts; she’s on a mission to normalise conversations about mental health on a societal level.

‘I want people to feel comfortable talking about their struggles, just as they would any other health issue’, Kathleen explains. ‘We need to break down the stigma and challenge the outdated notion that vulnerability equals weakness.’

Kathleen’s not just talking about mental health; she’s actively working to effect positive change. Through workshops, speaking engagements and her work with OMMM, Kathleen is creating safe spaces for dialogue, providing education and resources and empowering individuals to become advocates for their own mental wellbeing.

‘My biggest aspiration’, Kathleen continues, ‘is to see a world where mental health is prioritised and celebrated. A world where everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to the support they need to thrive.’

A CATALYST FOR CHANGE

Kathleen’s story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of vulnerability. By embracing her own pain and redefining strength, she has become a beacon of hope, illuminating the path towards a world where mental health is prioritised and celebrated. Her work as an OMMMbassador exemplifies her unwavering commitment to creating a world where everyone feels empowered to live their lives to the fullest.

Find out more

n I nformation about Kathleen and her practical strategies for improving mental health is at ommmpresents.com/kathleen-prendiville

mygreenpod.com COP29 17

EFFICIENT

NETWORKS

Improving tech in the workplace can boost productivity, sustainability and the bottom line

T

echnology can support a lifestyle that many of us would choose: less time tied to the office desk, fewer hours wasted on the commute and the kind of work-life balance that can improve mental health as well as productivity when we fire up the laptop.

Yet tech is also one of the biggest contributors to climate change; in addition to the raw materials extracted to create our hardware, electricity is required to power it and mountains of e-waste are created by built-in obsolescence and a culture of upgrading hardware sooner than is necessary.

On top of all that, power-hungry data centres are now required to power our digital lives.

SUPPORTING STAFF

Forward-thinking businesses are looking at ways to harness the latest innovations in tech as a way to support the lives employees would choose without leaving a negative environmental legacy for future generations – and they are saving money along the way.

‘Switching to an energy-efficient network can yield significant environmental and financial

‘Studies suggest that by committing to greener telecom networks, operators can potentially cut energy costs by at least 15-20% within one year, with further savings anticipated over a longer period’

JAI THATTIL

SENIOR DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY & SUSTAINABILITY MARKETING, JUNIPER NETWORKS

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BUSINESS

savings’, says Jai Thattil, senior director of Industry & Sustainability marketing at Juniper Networks.

SLASHING ENERGY COSTS

Environmentally, energy-efficient networks help to reduce a company’s electricity consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, and therefore its environmental impact and operational expenses.

‘Studies suggest that by committing to greener telecom networks, operators can potentially cut energy costs by at least 15-20% within one year, with further savings anticipated over a longer period’, Thattil shares. ‘Energy networks optimised and designed to reduce energy use and improve thermal comfort can significantly improve energy efficiency.’

Advancements in power management, the use of sustainable materials in manufacturing and the development of energy-efficient chipsets and components have all contributed to the shift to more efficient hardware – and now artificial intelligence is playing a part as well.

AI’S ROLE IN TECH

Juniper Networks has introduced the industry’s first and only AI-Native Networking Platform, providing AI-native insight to improve user experiences.

‘This innovation reflects the integration of AI into network operations, allowing for proactive identification and resolution of potential issues in order to enhance network reliability and performance’, Thattil explains.

AI is becoming increasingly important in energy-efficient tech; it’s already being leveraged to optimise power use, predict energy consumption patterns, analyse data from smart devices for more efficient energy management and even automate processes to reduce wasted energy.

‘In January 2024, Juniper introduced the industry’s first AI Native Networking Platform, purpose-built and optimised for AI to enable measurable, secure and reliable connections across every network device, user, application and asset’, Thattil tells us.

‘The platform’s support for AIOps enables fast, automated troubleshooting that reduces inter-site travel. The platform has been shown to eliminate up to 90% of wireless network trouble tickets.’

Now AI is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of energy-efficient hardware, too; efficient networks reduce physical onsite visits and increase productivity, saving energy.

BUILT TO LAST?

While AI can be used to improve the efficiency of hardware, energy consumption and environmental impact should both factor heavily at the design stage. ‘Design is key to power consumption, heat dissipation and recyclability’, Thattil tells us.

‘Power-efficient hardware minimises energy consumption, and Juniper’s modular framework makes repairs easier to extend product life.’

This focus on longevity is crucial at a time when e-waste continues to contribute to environmental pollution, resource depletion and health hazards

Hardware designed for longevity, upgradability and recyclability can support a circular economy by extending the lifespan of electronic devices, reducing waste and promoting the reuse of components due to the improper disposal and recycling of electronic devices.

TACKLING E-WASTE

Efforts to combat e-waste include initiatives for proper electronic waste recycling, the development of sustainable materials for manufacturing electronics and the promotion of circular economy principles – though we are a long way away from having standardised regulation across different regions. ‘Coordinated efforts are needed if we are to address e-waste on a global scale’, Thattil warns. ‘They must include standardised recycling practices, extended producer responsibility and initiatives to promote the circular economy. Hardware at the end of its useful life should be disposed of through certified e-waste recycling facilities to ensure proper handling of hazardous materials and the recovery of valuable resources.’

Hardware designed for longevity, upgradability and recyclability can play a part in supporting a circular economy by extending the lifespan of electronic devices, reducing waste and promoting the reuse of components, which is where modularity is gaining traction.

‘Designing products for longevity, upgradability and recyclability is crucial in minimising environmental impact, reducing electronic waste and optimising resource efficiency’, Thattil says.

‘While these issues have not always been at the forefront of design, they have become increasingly prominent in recent years due to growing environmental awareness. The speed at which tech is evolving does present a challenge; the hardware and software will have to cope with that.’

DATA AND POWER

Data centres also play a crucial role in the overall efficiency of the tech used by individuals and businesses; they are essential for storing, processing and managing vast amounts of digital data and applications – and these tasks require a lot of power.

‘Data centres use energy for various purposes, including powering servers, cooling systems, networking infrastructure and other operational components, which all lead to significant electricity consumption’, Thattil explains.

‘To streamline operations, our hardware portfolio features the industry’s first 800G router utilising Juniper’s custom silicon, which reduces power consumption by 75% (Watts/Gig) compared with the previous generation. Additionally, our Juniper data centres leverage AIOps for predictive insights, significantly reducing operational expenses.’

TECH FIT FOR THE FUTURE

For Thattil, the hardware of tomorrow will likely feature increased energy efficiency, resource optimisation and sustainable materials. ‘The shift today should include sustainability as a culture in the entire lifecycle of a product, from research, design, development and adoption of sustainability tech products in home and business’, he shares.

When it comes to software, Juniper’s Energy Intelligence and Traffic steering solutions are just two examples of how efficiencies can benefit users and businesses.

Juniper’s Energy Intelligence is an offbox tool designed to optimise network energy usage by accurately forecasting bandwidth demand, carbon emissions and thermal requirements, enabling proactive and sustainable energy management.

Juniper Power Steering is an innovative solution that optimises network power efficiency by identifying and recommending the deactivation of underutilised network infrastructure components during low-bandwidth demand periods, ultimately reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions without compromising network capacity demands and end-customer experience.

Juniper’s Power Steering innovation was recently awarded Deutsche Telekom’s Green Future Best Practice Award in the ‘Innovation / Potential Game Changer’ category at the 2024 Telekom Campus Fair event in Bonn, Germany.

The Green Future Best Practice Awards recognise best practices from Deutsche Telekom partner companies that are driving a more sustainable and climate-friendly industry through initiatives that support their strategic environmental targets.

Find out more

n Information about Juniper Networks is at juniper.net

mygreenpod.com COP29 19

QUARTER OF A CENTURY OF CHANGE Good Energy’s Ian McKee reflects on 25 years of pioneering renewable energy

25

years ago the way we produced energy in the UK was very different; over that time Good Energy, the pioneering clean power company founded in 1999, has seen seismic changes.

As the company celebrates its 25th anniversary, we wanted to take a look at the those shifts and assess what needs to be achieved in the next 25 years in order for the country to become net zero by 2025.

Meanwhile, renewables were practically non-existent. Just over 2% of all electricity generation came from renewable sources, mostly hydroelectric from power stations that had existed since the ‘50s and ‘60s.

Setting up an energy company that promised ‘100% renewable electricity’, as Good Energy’s founder Juliet Davenport did in late 1999, was quite an extraordinary idea.

LATE 1990s:

THE DAWN OF WIND POWER

STILL IN OUR FOSSIL FUEL ERA

In the late 1990s, the UK’s energy system was still predominantly reliant on fossil fuels, with coal and natural gas the primary sources of electricity generation.

It was in this period that gas became a major source of electricity generation, going from just 1.5% in 1990 to 37% in 1999. It largely took its share from coal which, alongside nuclear, was the dominant source of power in the decade.

Good Energy created the scheme that paid homeowners for the solar energy they generate

2000s:

The UK’s first commercial wind farm was at Delabole in Cornwall. The small set of turbines was actually first built by the Edwards family, on its own land, way back in 1991; this was long before wind power was mainstream. The wind farm was bought by Good Energy in 2002 and repowered with new turbines in 2010.

This was the decade the majority of our onshore wind farms popped up around the country, until the Conservative government effectively banned onshore wind in 2015. This ban has only recently been lifted.

The year 2000 saw the UK’s first commercial offshore wind farm in Blyth Harbour. This milestone set the stage for the UK’s leadership in wind power; together, onshore and offshore wind’s share of electricity generation has grown from less than 1% at the turn of the century to 28% last year.

2008:

THE CLIMATE CHANGE ACT

The introduction of the Climate Change Act in 2008 was a pivotal moment for the UK’s energy system. This precursor to the country’s net zero pledge set legally binding targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions to at least 100% lower than a 1990 baseline by 2050.

2010s:

THE RISE OF SOLAR POWER

Find out why Good Energy is a My Green Pod Hero at mygreenpod.com

20 COP29 mygreenpod.com

In 2004, Good Energy created the first UK scheme to pay homeowners with solar for the power they generate. This was then supercharged when HomeGen became the blueprint for the launch of the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme in 2010. FiT was a government-legislated scheme; like the Climate Change Act, it

ENERGY

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A wind turbine at Delabole, Cornwall – site of the UK’s first commercial wind farm

was brought in by then Energy Minister Ed Miliband, who has recently returned to the position. It provided financial incentives for households and businesses to install solar panels, leading to a surge in solar capacity.

Between its launch in 2010 and closure in 2019, the FiT scheme saw over 850,000 small-scale solar installations, with a total capacity of 5 gigawatts. That’s bigger than the UK’s largest single power station. Advances in technology and reductions in the cost of solar panels further accelerated the adoption of solar power, which in 2023 produced 4.9% of the UK’s electricity.

2014:

CONTRACTS FOR DIFFERENCE

The Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme, introduced in 2014, is a mechanism to create long-term price stability for renewable energy projects, particularly large bits of infrastructure – such as offshore wind farms – that have high upfront costs. It has been a major driver of offshore wind’s growth ever since.

2022:

THE ENERGY CRISIS

Energy prices were already starting to rise in late 2021, as COP26 took place in Glasgow. But shockwaves hit energy markets as Russia attacked Ukraine in March 2022. The instability, and Russia’s position as a major exporter of gas across Europe, sent energy prices skyrocketing.

The UK, not a significant importer of Russian gas but uniquely exposed to global gas prices due to the high percentage we still use to produce power and to hear our homes, was hard hit.

It was a starkly clear sign that the urgent need to move away from fossil fuels would not just cut carbon emissions, it would bring down bills and improve energy independence as well.

2024:

UNBLOCKING ONSHORE WIND

This year we have seen the return of a Labour government, entering parliament with an immediate overturn of the ban on onshore wind and a commitment to get to completely clean power by 2030. This is an ambitious target, but it is also only part of the picture.

Thanks to the growth in renewables and demise of coal power — the last coal power station shut at midnight on 30 September 2024 — most of the UK’s decarbonisation has been led by electricity.

Now transport and buildings, namely how we heat them, are the top two contributors to the country’s carbon footprint.

To achieve net zero by 2050, the country needs to get off gas and petrol. The abundant clean power generation we will see being built must also power how we heat our homes and travel.

As in the past 25 years of the energy transition, Good Energy plans to continue helping customers be a part of the next 25 years of positive progress. In addition to truly 100% renewable power, proven to help grow green electricity, the company offers solar installations, smart tariffs for exported solar power and charging EVs, solar, storage and EV charging installation.

All you need for a greener home.

The year 2000 saw the UK’s first commercial offshore wind farm in Blyth Harbour. This milestone set the stage for the UK’s leadership in wind power; together, onshore and offshore wind’s share of electricity generation has grown from less than 1% at the turn of the century to 28% last year. mygreenpod.com COP29 21

HEALTH & BEAUTY

COP29 and cleaner living

Natural beauty expert Janey Lee Grace explains how choosing eco-friendly brands can support a greener future

A

s COP29 approaches, discussions around climate change and sustainability are moving to the top of the agenda.

While governments work on policies to reduce carbon emissions, we as individuals can also make a significant impact through our buying decisions.

Supporting brands that prioritise eco-friendly practices, natural ingredients and ethical production is a powerful way we can all contribute.

By getting behind brands that are committed to sustainability, we not only protect the planet but also promote our own wellbeing.

It’s been great to have My Green Pod as a media partner for the Platinum Awards 2024; here are some of the winners who are making great strides in sustainability by offering high-quality products that are both effective and environmentally responsible.

PRODUCTS AND PACKAGING

AEOS Skincare (Active Energised Organic Skincare) is renowned for its dedication to biodynamic farming and the use of natural ingredients. Its ecofriendly approach includes using sustainable, organic sources for its products while maintaining a focus on holistic beauty.

AEOS combines natural elements with cuttingedge formulations, promoting radiant skin while protecting the planet through responsible sourcing and environmentally conscious packaging.

Salt of the Earth, a leader in the natural deodorant space, also puts a spotlight on packaging; its eco-friendly products, made with 100% natural ingredients, are available in refillable and recyclable options to reduce waste. Choosing an eco deo is a good place to start for a more

by promoting healthy skin and joint function. The company is committed to ethical business practices, using organic, non-GMO ingredients and donating a percentage of its profits to environmental causes.

By choosing Viridian, shoppers can support a brand that balances health, beauty and sustainability.

Weleda has been setting a sustainable example for years, and its Men’s Facial Care Collection showcases the company’s dedication to natural ingredients and sustainability.

Weleda supports biodiversity while creating effective, eco-conscious skincare solutions. Its holistic approach to wellness is supported by a commitment to protecting the planet, making Weleda a trusted and pioneering leader in sustainable skincare and health products.

SUPPORTING A GREENER FUTURE sustainable approach to skincare, so it’s great to support a brand that’s also dedicated to reducing its environmental footprint.

With a focus on ethical beauty, Handmade Naturals crafts products using sustainably sourced ingredients, like its Natural Plum & Avocado Face Cleanser. The company’s commitment to minimal, recyclable packaging and cruelty-free formulations ensures the products are gentle on both your skin and the environment.

This company has a huge range of affordable products and sets a great example of how ecofriendly practices can be integrated into everyday beauty routines.

ETHICAL BUSINESS

Viridian Nutrition has an impressive range of skincare and wellbeing products, and its new Collagen Pro Factors supports beauty from within

COP29 emphasises the need for global environmental action, and individual choices can contribute to a larger solution. By selecting products from eco-conscious brands, consumers can transform their daily habits into a force for good that contributes to a more sustainable future.

The Platinum Award-winning brands featured here demonstrate that you don’t have to compromise on quality to make eco-friendly decisions. It really is a case of ‘small change – big difference’, and making those changes in your beauty routine can mean we collectively make a big difference for the planet while supporting both your personal wellbeing and the broader environment.

Find out more

nF or a full list of 2024’s Platinum Awards winners, visit imperfectlynatural.com

CLOCKWISE The new Men’s Facial Care Collection from natural wellness pioneer Weleda; Salt of the Earth’s eco deodorants are 100% natural and come in refillable and recyclable packaging options; Handmade Naturals products are cruelty free and come in minimal packaging; AEOS uses sustainable and organic ingredients with a focus on holistic beauty

22 COP29 mygreenpod.com

ARTS & FASHION

Fashion at

COP29

Model twins Brett and Scott Staniland explore how shaking up the fashion industry could help keep our emissions target alive

I

t’s no secret that the last couple of UNFCCC Conference of the Parties – or ‘COP’ – meetings were heavily scrutinised before they took place.

Last year the sceptics were mostly proved right when leaders of the UAE, including COP28 president Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, used the event in Dubai to schedule meetings aimed at brokering new oil and gas deals with other delegates.

COP29 (11-22 November 2024) is being held in Azerbaijan, and the incumbent president – Mukhtar Babayev – is yet again a fossil-fuel industry veteran.

Azerbaijan itself relied on oil and gas for 92.5% of its export revenue in 2023.

FAST FASHION’S EMISSIONS

It is worth assessing the fashion industry’s progress regarding the Paris climate agreement, signed at COP21 in 2015, to limit global warming to 1.5ºC above pre-industrial levels. Earlier this year, the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service confirmed that the critical 1.5ºC global heating threshold had, for the first time, been breached for 12 consecutive months.

With talk of sustainability now a common theme among fashion brands, how does the sector as a whole measure up? To cut a long story short, pretty terribly.

We are consuming resources at 1.75 times the rate supported by our planet. The fashion industry’s Charter for Climate Action has a mission to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 – yet fashion consumption is set to double by 2030.

Fast fashion giant Shein recently increased its revenue by 39%; its emissions, which grew 82% as a result, now exceed those of Paraguay.

H&M makes somewhat conflicting claims of trying to double revenue and halve emissions; in most cases those two targets are mutually exclusive.

FIVE NEW ITEMS A YEAR

What drastically needs to change is our consumption of fashion. I don’t really like the word consumption – fashion isn’t perishable, even though people treat it as disposable – much like I don’t like the word consumer, but stick with me for now.

In order to truly shift the dial and live within the remits required to achieve the 1.5ºC target, the planet can afford us just five new items a year. This was the conclusion of Tiffanie Darke, an industry authority, editor and author. It may seem restrictive at first but I challenge you to look through your wardrobe now and note how much of it you wear on a regular basis. Reports tell us that on average it is just 20-30%.

Change from consumers can move brands, too; if we require less from them, they may actually start making less for us. Which leads us back to COP.

MAKING AN IMPACT

Can we still take COP seriously? We’re not sure.

What do we need from delegates? Well, let’s say they take a page out of France’s playbook and truly limit fast fashion in a legally binding agreement, effective immediately.

Less advertising would mean we’d buy less.

A surcharge making products that are of no greater quality more expensive would mean we’d buy less. If fast fashion brands were to disclose publicly how bad they really are, some of us would buy less.

Group all of that with a growing underconsumption, slow fashion and secondhand fashion movement, and we are actually starting to get somewhere.

For us, the best thing COP could do is limit the volume of fast fashion, for this is the most impactful thing that can happen to the industry.

EMISSIONS TARGETS

It is well known now that no amount of rental, recycling, repairing, mending or shopping for secondhand clothes will keep global warming within the required limits.

As a country we are scheduled to double the emissions required to hit the 1.5ºC target, while fashion alone is expected to pump out four times its emissions target.

Of all British Fashion Council brands – that is British designer brands that show at a fashion week – 3.4% have emissions reduction targets and less than 2.5% of them align with the Paris Agreement. This excludes the well-known polluters such as ASOS, Boohoo, Frasers and all of their groups’ brands.

Find out more

nS tay up to date with Brett and Scott on Instagram: @twinbrett and @twinscott

mygreenpod.com COP29 23

Future-proofed

fashion

Introducing the clothing brand that doesn’t produce clothes

24 COP29 mygreenpod.com

ARTS & FASHION

W

hen asked how to fix the harm caused by fast fashion, ALLSAINTS founder Stuart Trevor had a novel response for his daughter: ‘We’re gonna create a clothing brand that doesn’t produce any clothing!’

This line of thinking is a step beyond Patagonia’s Black Friday 2011 advert, but the thinking behind Stuart’s new venture and the Patagonia campaign – ‘Don’t Buy This Jacket’ – is the same.

‘There’s far too much clothing in production all around the world’, Stuart acknowledges; ‘100 to 150 billion garments are produced every year!’

BRAINWASHED BY FAST FASHION

For Stuart, one of the many charges against fast fashion is the way huge clothing brands are brainwashing people into believing they don’t have enough and constantly need more.

‘Social media fed into that narrative by influencing people to buy clothing they don’t need – often simply to wear for special media posts’, Stuart tells us. ‘They return the clothes the next day and it’s cheaper for huge corporations to send their returns off to landfill than to reprocess them back into their own warehouses.’

Much of this unwanted clothing is made from polyester – a cheap fabric that isn’t made to last, but that will persist in landfill for hundreds of years.

‘Multi-billion dollar corporations are chasing multibillion dollar increases and they often get it completely wrong’, Stuart tells us. ‘Overproduction is greater now than ever before; every seven minutes a pile of clothes the height of Everest goes into landfill. The world cannot afford fast fashion – it’s killing the planet. Now is the time to act.’

CHANGE YOUR WORLD

Stuart started customising vintage and hand-medown clothes at the age of nine, in a bid ‘to become Bowie’. He realised he could turn this passion into a career when, at the age of 16, he discovered the fashion department at college on the first day of his Art Foundation course. After completing a Fashion Design degree and working as head of design at REISS for 10 years after graduation, Stuart founded ALLSAINTS in 1994.

Throughout his hugely successful career in fashion design, Stuart has always been guided by the same philosophy: ‘change your image, change your life, change your world’.

Now Stuart’s bringing that same conviction to his new sustainable brand, STUART TREVOR. ‘I want to create something that brings the same joy, even more pleasure to people while doing what’s right for our planet’, he explains.

TRANSFORMING DEAD STOCK

The mission with STUART TREVOR is to make it easier and more fun to buy sustainable fashion and wear ‘non-destructive clothing’ – by which Stuart means clothing that doesn’t end up in landfill. Think clothes that have been reworked, rebranded, cut up, distressed and reimagined with care – patched,

Designer Stuart Trevor wants to bring joy and pleasure back to the fashion sector

printed, hand painted, sprayed, washed and embroidered, often with ‘less is more’ in mind.

‘We take other people’s waste and try to create something unique, cool and exciting that people want to get involved with’, Stuart explains. ‘There’s a huge supply of vintage and charity shop finds as well as unwanted inventory from other brands – clothing that’s ready to be given new life.’

There are also millions of metres of ‘dead stock’ – unwanted stock that can be left sitting around for years. ‘It’s often just the leftovers from huge corporations that don’t know what to do with it’, Stuart tells us. ‘It can end up being sent off to landfill or even burned, which is an environmental disaster. We turn this ‘dead stock’ into ‘living stock’.’

While many small designers are trying to make a success from a similar approach, STUART TREVOR may well be the first to completely close the loop, and deliver a circular commercial product that can be scaled to help more people satisfy their needs without harming the planet.

‘We believe that we can make this a huge success’, Stuart tells us. ‘There’s more excess stock on the planet than you could ever imagine – enough stock that we could go several generations without producing anything else. It’s our goal to make everyone change their current shopping habits and buy only from sustainable sources.’

HOW FASHION CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE

For Stuart there will always be a place for fashion; ‘We will never stop people from wanting to make themselves look more attractive’, he says. ‘After food, I believe fashion is possibly the second most

important thing that people do every single day. If you eat healthy food you’ll live a healthy life. If you dress interestingly, you’ll live an interesting life.’

The challenge for Stuart is around the way we shop; we need to stop buying things we don’t need and instead buy better quality products, from secondhand or vintage shops. ‘Swap clothes with family and friends and wear things longer’, Stuart advises; ‘wear them for life. We all used to have favourites and we need to go back to that – owning fewer clothes, but clothes we actually love. Less is definitely more!’

As well as helping to lift the burden of unwanted stock in warehouse all over the world, Stuart is encouraging people to clear out their wardrobes and exchange anything they no longer need for a credit note for a STUART TREVOR creation.

‘We are looking to open experiential event spaces and retail outlets where we introduce people to how we create something unique from other people’s waste’, Stuart reveals. ‘We’ll be working with artists, tailors and designers to show people how they can create their own products from existing things they no longer love.’

POSITIVE CHANGE

Stuart’s timing couldn’t be better; sustainability is a growing concern for younger generations and questions around fashion’s contribution to social and environmental harms are equally high on the agenda.

‘Eco-anxiety is higher than ever before’, Stuart acknowledges. ‘People are starting to realise that the world cannot afford to carry on with this conspicuous consumption they’ve been brainwashed into believing makes them happy. It doesn’t – and it has made many people realise that they are addicted to something that’s killing the planet for future generations. Yet we still want that dopamine hit and will always want to treat ourselves and our loved ones.’

Stuart’s hope is that by producing exciting products from existing clothing, he can make a difference in the world by satisfying that desire in a way that creates a smaller environmental impact.

With all the challenges currently facing the fashion sector, does Stuart ever feel tempted to leave the industry? ‘Every single morning!’, he admits. ‘But I feel like I have to keep pushing forward and keep spreading the message; we can bring about change and make sure that everyone we meet knows what has been going on in the world and how they can help to change the world in a positive way.’

Anna Wintour once said ‘there is something about fashion that can make people really nervous’ – but with designers like Stuart Trevor, it feels like the sector could at last be in safe hands.

Find out more

nF ollow Stuart Trevor’s world at @stuarttrevorofficial and online at stuarttrevor.com mygreenpod.com COP29 25

HERO PRODUCTS

NOVEMBER SWITCHES

Introducing our November Heroes!

We’ve picked these products because we believe they are all best in their class for people and the planet.

They represent simple, sustainable switches that will help to keep you, your home and the planet healthy – without compromising on experience or performance!

Help power a cleaner, greener future for everyone with a renewable energy tariff from Good Energy, Britain’s only home energy supplier with B Corp certification.

TOP 5

View all our Heroes at mygreenpod.com/heroes HOME & GARDEN

1

@GoodEnergy mygreenpod.com/heroes/ good-energy-tariff

2

Looking for an ethical coffee?

Bird & Wild’s shade-grown organic, Fairtrade coffee helps native and migratory birds by protecting crucial habitats. @BirdandWild mygreenpod.com/heroes/birdwild-medium-roast-coffee THE SILICONE STRAW COMPANY – COLOURFUL 8 PACK

These colourful and reusable silicone straws are safe for your family and the planet. They’re soft, flexible and easy to clean, and come in plastic-free packaging. mygreenpod.com/heroes/ the-silicone-straw-companycolourful-8-pack

FOOD & DRINK

KEEP THIS CRACKER – SIX REUSABLE CRACKERS

We love these reusable and plasticfree crackers! They even have a petfriendly ecosnap® that pulls without the loud bang. Pop them into shape and fill with your own gifts. mygreenpod.com/heroes/ keep-this-cracker-six-reusablecrackers-red-jewel-design

RE-WRAPPED WRAPPING PAPER

This beautiful, fully recyclable gift wrap is made using 100% recycled post-consumer waste unbleached pulp. The designs are printed on 100gsm paper with vegetablebased inks. mygreenpod.com/heroes/ re-wrapped-wrapping-paper

HOME & GARDEN

3

Steer clear from nasty ingredients when you groom your pets! The Conscious Way Pet Dog Wash is the first UKmade organic shampoo for dogs. #TheConsciousWay mygreenpod.com/heroes/theconscious-way-pet-dog-wash

4

Give Christmas cocktails a twist with Arbikie’s Nàdar Gin – the world’s first climatepositive spirit. It’s made from peas, which are grown to fix nitrogen into the farm’s soil. @Arbikie mygreenpod.com/heroes/ arbikie-nadar-gin

5

VINTAGE ROOTS ORGANIC EVERYDAY

This selection of six light, everyday organic vegan wines offers something for everyone. mygreenpod.com/heroes/vintageroots-organic-everyday

26 COP29 mygreenpod.com

SKÄR ORGANICS ORGANIC BEESWAX DINNER CANDLES

Bring magic to the dinner table with the UK’s first certified-organic dinner candles, available in four different sizes (8”, 10”, 12” or 20”).

The candles are made from organic and unrefined yellow beeswax, and have an organic, chlorine-free cotton wick.

mygreenpod.com/heroes/skar-organics-organic-beeswax-dinner-candles

Looking for a gift that gives?

Mark any special occasion with the gift of a tree and a wooden decoration from 9Trees CIC. #9Trees mygreenpod.com/ heroes/9trees-tree-gift

CONSCIOUSNESS

Jarv’s rules Jarvis Smith unpicks the evolution of sustainability

A

s sustainability becomes increasingly mainstream, many brands, organisations and individuals are choosing to retrofit ‘eco’ concepts into old-paradigm models – and things continue to get worse.

Carbon emissions are still rising, ecosystems are still declining, biodiversity loss increases and extreme weather events break into new territories.

A decade ago my climate mentor shared that he hadn’t really been able to make the kind of difference he’d anticipated, and that perhaps he’d simply helped to delay the inevitable process we are living through today.

What’s clear is that those at the top of the financial food chain – I’m talking the 10% who own 85% of the world’s wealth – will cash in on any situation: global warming, pandemics – I could go on. Therefore we can’t rely on anyone whose sole focus is to make more money. Whether it’s with malicious intent or not is irrelevant; what matters is that they will always try to profit from a given situation rather than doing the right thing for the whole.

I’m not sure we can resolve any of this until we find peace and love in ourselves, and with each other.

PHOTOGRAPHY ISTOCK

A NEW NARRATIVE

The system we are born into creates addicts to life’s external drama – but what if we are in fact spiritual beings having a human experience, and what if this experience is just one of many in the multiverse we live in?

Those who have deeply explored the spiritual aspects of consciousness and being-ness – through sacred arts like yoga, meditation, qigong, shamanism, druidism, Buddhism, Taoism, tai chi and so many more – certainly seem to have a more balanced perspective on our times.

If, like me, you believe we are spirited beings who are here to experience life on this planet, and that Earth and Mother Nature are coaxing us and conspiring with us to create a mass

awakening, wouldn’t it be a completely different narrative from the one we are being told today?

The consciousness of the world, and perhaps our whole entire existence, could simply be a game – a highly intelligent process we call life, where each experience is a level. Each experience we learn is sent into a higher consciousness. When you think about AI and how it learns from information entered into its system, surely it’s plausible.

When I describe this process as a game I am not saying for a moment that it’s fun for everyone – it’s just a word to describe the act of playing a part in a system that was created by something beyond ourselves.

There are of course rules – manmade ones and natural ones.

If we played by the natural rules, or even those described as sacred, then our parameters would be very different – and so would the situation in which we find ourselves today.

TAKING CHARGE

There are some simple practices that help us to rebalance our addictions in the outside world with a knowledge of our inward selves, and through these practices we can begin to see and feel life as an experience we chose – something we have power over and that we can change. In a sense this means taking responsibility for the situation we are in and working out how we can take control of it.

These practices begin with good health and a clarity of mind: what are you eating and drinking and what is your mind consuming? Meditate, take up yoga and stay true to the principles of an ayurvedic or organic lifestyle where financially possible. Get out in nature and really get to know her; observe the gifts she is offering us, rather than filling your mind with a narrative created by other humans as a way to keep us locked in a rat race. Only then can we all make this experience count.

Find out more

nD iscover how to live sustainably – sign up at mygreenpod.com/subscribe and go to ommmpresents.com to learn or deepen your spiritual practices

mygreenpod.com COP29 27

FOOD & DRINK

Festive family food I

Yeo Valley Organic shares two simple organic recipes to whip up with the kids

f you’re looking for a way to bring a little festive magic to your kitchen, Yeo Valley Organic has got you covered; the family farm has given us two delicious recipes that are as fun to make as they are to share.

The Mini Quiche Lorraine Christmas Tree Tarts are a merry twist on a classic favourite; these bite-sized treats are bursting with flavour and shaped like Christmas trees for a perfect addition to your festive spread.

Whether you’re hosting a party or just fancy a festive nibble, they’re sure to impress.

For those with a sweet tooth, the Christmas Pudding Chocolate Crispy Cakes are a decadent way to indulge in some seasonal cheer. Crunchy, chocolatey and topped with a hint of Christmas pudding flavour, these no-bake treats can be thrown together and shared at any festive gathering.

Both recipes are fun and simple to make, taste delicious and use Yeo Valley Organic ingredients, so you can feel good about what’s on your plate. Gather your family and friends, roll up your sleeves and let the baking begin!

Find out more

n Discover more recipes that won’t break the bank – from healthy suppers to festive specials – at yeovalley.co.uk/recipes

MINI QUICHE LORRAINE CHRISTMAS TREE TARTS

These flaky pastry trees, filled with smokey bacon and cheesy chunks, will make your Christmas feast truly magical.

INGREDIENTS n 320g shortcrust pastry n 1 tbsp olive oil n 1 brown onion (diced) n 200g streaky bacon (diced) n 4 eggs n 200g Yeo Valley Organic Greek Yogurt n 200g Yeo Valley Organic Double Cream n 115g Yeo Valley Organic Mature Cheddar (grated) n Salt and pepper

CHRISTMAS PUDDING CHOCOLATE CRISPY CAKES

Deck the halls with these Chocolate Crispy Cakes! Mix crunchy cereal and chocolate cheer for a jolly treat that Santa himself would savour. Ho-ho-yum!

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

n 150g milk chocolate

nM elt the chocolate, butter and golden syrup in a

n 200g dark chocolate

pan. Add all the rest of the ingredients to a large mixing bowl. nA llow the chocolate mixture to cool slightly before pouring over the dry ingredients. Mix to combine the ingredients. nL ine 12 egg cups with cling film and add the mixture, pressing it into the cup. Put the egg cups in the fridge to set for 4 hours. nR oll the fondant icing to the same thickness as a pound coin and cut it into snowflake shapes.

Top with the edible Christmas holly and enjoy!

n1 75g Yeo Valley Organic

Unsalted Butter n 100g golden syrup n 50g raisins n 50g mini marshmallows n 50g toasted flaked almonds n 100g puffed rice n Icing n 150g white fondant icing n Edible Christmas holly

28 COP29 mygreenpod.com

METHOD nR oll the shortcrust pastry to the same thickness as a

pound coin and line non-stick Christmas tree moulds with the pastry. Set the moulds in the fridge for 30 minutes. nH eat the olive oil in a pan and fry the onion for 4 minutes; add the bacon and cook for a further 4-5 minutes until the bacon is cooked through. Allow it to cool. nC ombine the eggs, Greek Yogurt and Double Cream in a mixing bowl and season the mixture with salt and pepper.

Heat the oven to 170ºC. nA dd a spoonful of the onion and bacon mix to the Christmas mould and top with grated cheese. Carefully pour the egg mixture into the mould. nC ook in the oven for 15 minutes, then turn the oven temperature down to 150ºC and continue to cook for a further 5-10 minutes. Allow the mini quiches to cool down in the mould before removing them. Serve and enjoy.

FOOD & DRINK

M

ass-produced coffee is often grown in full sun to speed up the growing and harvesting processes, but this often entails deforestation. According to some estimates, a square inch of rainforest is lost for every cup of coffee consumed. Growing coffee in the shade not only saves trees but also improves biodiversity and taste, allowing complex flavours time to develop.

‘95% of our coffee grown in Colombia is shade grown’, says Natalia Garcia, managing director of Tambia Coffee, Oro Molido UK, a collection of coffee farms in Colombia that recently expanded into hospitality through Oro Molido Experiences.

‘More than 25% of our land is shaded by trees, which provide habitats for over 115 species of bird at our La Sierra farm.’

EMBRACING CHANGE

The Oro Molido story began nearly 40 years ago, when a cattle farm was converted into a coffee farm during the war in Colombia. ‘The conflict made it difficult to maintain cattle, which were easily targeted by guerrillas’, Natalia explains.

‘Coffee, on the other hand, was harder for them to appropriate, so the switch made sense.’

The business has grown from a single farm – Campo Amor, on the slopes of Cerro Bravo overlooking the Cauca River valley – to many across different regions of Colombia. ‘Our expansion over the years has been purposeful’, Natalia tells us. ‘We have only sought farms at high altitudes, with many water sources and rich and well-draining volcanic soils in order to ensure the highest quality.’

SUSTAINABLE COFFEE

Altitude, soil and climate all shape the flavour and quality of coffee beans; the variety of the coffee plant and the farming methods are also important.

‘When first-generation coffee farmer Raul Escobar Restrepo started the farms, the focus was always on producing high-quality coffee while staying connected to the local community’, Natalia tells us.

‘Back then, sustainability wasn’t a formal concept like it is today, but there was always a respect for the land and nature.’

Today Oro Molido also focuses heavily on water conservation, cleaning and treating wastewater from processing before returning it to the land.

‘Sustainability has always been there’, Natalia says, ‘but it’s now more of a conscious, core part of how we operate and balance the health of the environment with quality coffee production.’

FROM CATTLE

TO COFFEE How one farm’s post-war transformation is helping to support communities and biodiversity

handpicked at our farms in the Andes mountains.’

To address this, Tambia Coffee, through the Oro Molido Foundation, offers scholarships focused on agro industry to inspire the next generation to remain in farming. ‘This year we have 30 students from local areas on scholarships for continuing education beyond high school and into careers that focus on environment, agronomy – with a strong emphasis on coffee agriculture and skills – and tourism’, Natalia tells us. ‘These areas of focus have been chosen to build skills that will be applied in the local community and support its longer term economic development.’

FARMERS FIRST

The coffee industry has changed massively over the three generations Tambia Coffee has existed – most notably with the rise of specialty coffee. ‘The focus on quality has definitely increased, and that’s a positive thing’, Natalia says. ‘But it’s still a tough

Find out why Tambia Coffee is a My Green Pod Hero at mygreenpod.com

THE URBAN EXODUS

Oro Molido employees, some of whom have been with the company for over 20 years, are given opportunities for training and career progression – many have moved from coffee picking to quality grading or management roles. This helps to sustain the coffee industry and also the community.

‘A big challenge we’re facing is that young people are leaving the countryside to pursue opportunities in cities’, Natalia shares. ‘It’s increasingly difficult to find workers to help us harvest the cherries – especially since they must be

reality that the bulk of earnings go to roasters, leaving farmers with a smaller share of the pie.’

Tambia controls every step of the process to ensure quality is managed from beginning to end.

‘We’re farmers first’, Natalia says. ‘We don’t just roast coffee, we grow it, from seed to harvest, and then bring it directly to our consumers in the UK.’ Natalia would like to see sector-wide transparency throughout the supply chain and a focus on fair labour practices, so consumers know where their coffee comes from, how it’s produced and who is involved in its journey from farm to cup.

‘By prioritising direct trade relationships, we can ensure farmers receive fair compensation for their hard work, which in turn supports local communities and encourages sustainable farming practices’, Natalia adds. ‘Our land is our most precious resource; we want to play our part in protecting it while offering a beautiful cup of coffee that brings a smile with every sip.’

LEFT TO RIGHT Tambia’s coffee cherries are hand-picked in the Andes mountains; Tambia offers career progression and training opportunities; Tambia is roasted by non-profit Skylark in the UK

mygreenpod.com COP29 29

Sustainable autumn comfort

BOSH! chefs Henry and Ian share three mouth-watering recipes that will help you get more plants on plates this autumn

W

e’re thrilled to share three of our favourite plant-based BOSH! recipes – Tomatoey Chickpea Broth, Firecracker Smashed Sweet Potatoes and Pumpkin Dauphinoise – for this special COP edition of My Green Pod Magazine.

These warming dishes encapsulate everything we love about plant-based cooking: they’re comforting, packed with flavour and a great way to showcase the produce that is available in the autumn months.

Each recipe has been designed to be not only delicious but also affordable and easy to prepare; they’re ideal for anyone new to plant-based cooking and eating, or those simply looking to add more plant-based dishes to their repertoire.

At BOSH!, our mission has always been to make plant-based eating accessible for everyone, and show just how simple it can be to create nourishing, satisfying meals without using any animal products.

We believe plant-based eating is key to building a more sustainable future, which is increasingly important as we face the pressing challenges of climate change. That’s why we’ve chosen these recipes for My Green Pod's November COP issue: they’re not only delicious but also a small step towards a greener, plant-powered world.

We hope you enjoy making and eating them as much as we do!

TOMATOEY CHICKPEA BROTH This warming soup is perfect for a dark and blustery evening.

Contains lots of hidden protein as well as being super nutritious.

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

For the stew: n 1 brown onion n 3 cloves garlic n 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil n 2 sprigs fresh rosemary n 2 tbsp tomato purée n 1 tsp chilli flakes n 2x 400g tin or 1x 700g chickpeas n 200g small tubular-shaped pasta n 1 litre veg stock n 200ml aquafaba n 125g kale n Salt and pepper

Prepare the veggies: nP eel and finely chop the onion; grate the garlic cloves; drain the chickpeas, reserving the cooking liquid; prepare the vegetable stock.

To serve: n Extra virgin olive oil n Toasted pine nuts n Toasted sourdough

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Begin the stew: n I n a large pot, heat the olive oil on medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onions with a pinch of salt and sauté for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Next, add the rosemary, tomato purée and chilli flakes, constantly stirring until the purée is a deep red colour. Add half of the chickpeas and turn off the heat. Use a potato masher or wooden spoon to crush the chickpeas until they are a smooth paste. Add the rest of the chickpeas, along with the

aquafaba, pasta and veg stock.

Bring to the boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente.

Finish the stew and serve: nO nce the pasta is cooked, remove the rosemary sprig then stir through the kale. Season with a big pinch of flakey sea salt and black pepper. Divide the stew between four bowls, finish with olive oil and a sprinkle of pine nuts. Serve with chunky slices of sourdough.

FOOD & DRINK

FIRECRACKER SMASHED SWEET POTATOES Sweet potatoes are a great alternative to regular jacket potatoes – these are packed with chilli and topped with a firecracker sauce that packs a punch!

INGREDIENTS Sweet potatoes: n 4 small to medium sweet potatoes n Olive oil n Flakey salt n Sichuan pepper Creamy Chilli Crisp: n 50g tahini n 2 tbsp chilli crisp n 1 lime n Salt to taste n Water to loosen

Spicy Spinach Cannellini Beans: n 2 tbsp olive oil n 2 large cloves garlic n 1 400g tin cannellini beans n 100g baby spinach n 1 tbsp chilli crisp

METHOD Prepare the sweet potatoes: nU se a fork to pierce the sweet potatoes; drizzle a little olive oil over the sweet potatoes and rub it into the skins. Rub a little salt around the sweet potatoes.

Put the sweet potatoes in the roasting tin and roast for 40-45 minutes until soft and tender.

Prepare the Creamy Chilli Crisp: nH alve the lime and squeeze the juice into a small bowl; add the tahini, chilli crisp, a little salt

and stir to combine. Add a little water to reach a viscous pouring consistency.

Prepare the Spinach Cannellini: nP eel and finely slice the garlic; drain, rinse and pat dry the cannellini beans; warm the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat, add the garlic and fry until aromatic and golden.

Add the cannellini beans and stir for 2-3 minutes to cook through.

Add the spinach to the pan and stir for 1 minute until quite wilted.

Pour over the chilli crisp and stir to combine.

Finish and serve: nL ay the sweet potatoes out equally on serving plates and split them down the middle with a sharp knife. Drizzle a little olive oil, sprinkle a little salt and a tiny pinch of Sichuan pepper over the steaming flesh of the roasted sweet potatoes. Use a fork to fluff up the flesh of the potatoes before pressing down on the potatoes with the back of the fork to spread the potatoes out. Spoon the Spinach Cannellini over the sweet potato, drizzle the Creamy Chilli Crisp over spinach cannellini, garnish with sesame seeds and serve immediately.

PUMPKIN DAUPHINOISE This is a great way to use up leftover pumpkins after October. They're a very versatile ingredient and many people don't realise how tasty they are!

INGREDIENTS For the dauphinoise: n 3 mixed pumpkins (ideally a similar, small size) n 6 maris piper potatoes n 3 large white onions n 2 tbsp sugar n Knob of butter n 4 sprigs of fresh thyme n 100g plant-based cheese n Olive oil n Salt and pepper to taste For the dauphinoise cream: n Plant-based cream n Plant-based milk n 4 garlic cloves n 4 sprigs of fresh thyme n 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary n White pepper

METHOD Prepare the ingredients: n Peel the garlic cloves; peel and slice onions; peel and thinly slice the potatoes; add potatoes to iced water and set aside; slice the selection of pumpkins.

Make the dauphinoise cream: n Pour plant-based cream and milk into a small saucepan; add the fresh herbs, garlic and white pepper; bring to a gentle simmer.

Make the dish: n Add onions to a casserole pan with sugar; cook down with knob of butter and fresh thyme. Once caramelised remove onions from pan. Layer potatoes, pumpkin, onion, plant-based cheese, salt, pepper and repeat.

Pour over dauphinoise cream. Top with more plantbased cheese, put on the lid and cook for 45 mins.

Then cook for 15 mins with lid removed for gratanation.

Find out more

n For more plant-based recipe inspiration, head over to bosh.tv

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FOOD & DRINK

The waste-fighting app How you can fight waste, support your community and be a climate hero for COP29

A

s COP29 kicks off, people everywhere will be looking for ways they can do their bit to fight the climate crisis – and one app can help us do just that, in a unique way.

Olio was founded by two friends with a simple yet powerful vision: to stop good food from going to waste.

What started as a local food-sharing platform in 2015 has since evolved into an app with over 8 million users, helping people all over the world to fight waste of any kind.

With Olio, anyone can easily share food, furniture, clothes, toiletries, books, toys, tools and lots (lots) more with their neighbours. Businesses can also share their spare food for people nearby to request and collect.

At the same time, Olio is helping to build stronger, more connected communities – and tackling the climate crisis by helping to end waste.

SHARE YOUR SPARE

Household consumption is responsible for 65% of global greenhouse gas emissions; by using Olio, we can all share the stuff we don’t need (rather than throw it away), help out our neighbours and protect our planet’s resources.

It’s as easy as snapping a picture, listing it on the app and waiting for a neighbour to collect it right from your doorstep.

The app also has a selling feature that allows you to make a few extra pounds in the process — so sharing can be good for your purse as well as the planet!

You can lend and borrow items, too. Need a drill for the day? On average, a drill is used for only 12 minutes in its entire lifetime so don’t buy one new – borrow one from a neighbour instead.

SAVE MONEY WHILE SAVING THE PLANET

CLOCKWISE Olio connects you to free food, local deals and community news; the app is a great way to find gifts on a budget; volunteers collect free food from supermarkets

Millions of UK families are still feeling the effects of the cost-of-living crisis, with many also facing food insecurity.

While food and other items shared on Olio are available for everyone, the app has often been a vital helping hand for people going through a hard time.

75% of Olio’s app users say that Olio has improved their financial wellbeing, whether by providing access to free food shared by volunteers, collecting from supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, ASDA and more or by showcasing bargains in the Deals section, which shows real-time discounts on groceries available at local stores.

As the festive season approaches, Olio is also a perfect place to source gifts on a budget, with many great free finds up for grabs in your community.

CONNECTED COMMUNITIES

While Olio’s mission is rooted in reducing waste, it’s also about reconnecting communities.

Over the years, lifelong friendships have been formed through Olio, and 40% of users report making friends through sharing on the app.

For those who would like to give back to the community, Olio’s food redistribution programme is powered by over 120,000 dedicated volunteers, who collect surplus supermarket food and share it through the app, allowing local people to access free food.

If you’ve been considering volunteering in your free time but haven’t taken the plunge, this is the perfect opportunity to make a real impact – and meet members of your local community in the process!

The team at Olio believes that millions of tiny actions caused the climate crisis, so by this same logic, millions of small, everyday actions — like sharing a meal or an unused item — can help reverse it.

Find out more

n Become part of the sharing movement – download Olio on the App Store or Google Play

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TRANSPORT

EV OR NOT EV

For Jonathon Porritt, THAT is the question

I

’m a veteran London cyclist – 50 years and counting. I shudder to think about the state of my lungs!

I’ve just loved watching the number of little green flashes on London number plates ticking up year after year, each one marking the disappearance of one more filthy, polluting internal combustion engine (ICE). Yay! But these celebrations don’t last long. Electric vehicles (EVs) may be better but they are not good.

Looking ahead, I bet that it won’t be long before climate campaigners, having seen off the majority of petrol and diesel vehicles in our towns and cities, will turn their firepower on those little green stripes!

I can’t get into the whole rural transport challenge here, but campaigners would do well to recognise that far more people need a car in rural areas, and it’s not a particularly big deal, relatively speaking, whether it’s an EV or an ICE. Focus on those much bigger urban prizes!

EV-MAGEDDON

There are about 1.4 billion vehicles on the world’s roads today – the vast majority being ICEs. All other things being equal (such as politicians remaining catastrophically complacent about the climate crisis), that will rise to around 1.7 billion by 2030.

It’s been calculated that replacing all of those ICEs with EVs by 2035 would require an annual production level of between 75 and 80 million new EVs every year. Great for economic growth. Another hammer blow for life on planet Earth.

Back in 1991, Heathcote Williams wrote a book called Autogeddon, a penetrating critique of our obsession with the motor car, laying bare what would happen if the number of cars on our roads kept on rising. So who’s up for a 21st-century equivalent: EV-Mageddon?

PHOTOGRAPHY ISTOCK

AGAINST EVS

The charge sheet against electric vehicles is already long – and it’s getting longer. All those precious metals (such as nickel, cobalt, copper and lithium) and all those rare earths (most of which are mined in countries where workers are screwed over as exploitatively as the environment, be that in China, Africa or south-east Asia), all that pollution (EVs are heavier, so tyres get worn down quicker) and so on.

This is a charge sheet much loved by the oil industry as it does everything it can (legal and illegal) to extend the life of today’s ICEs. But the fact they rely on it, with increasing desperation, to try and undermine today’s unstoppable shift to EVs, doesn’t make it any the less telling.

So, the answer to my question (‘EV or not EV’) is (obvs!) ‘EV’ – but based on a radically different prospectus from that of today’s EV growthists, driven by two complementary revolutions.

Despite attempts to extend the life of internal combustion engines, the shift to EVs is now unstoppable

THE TECH REVOLUTION

This is all about the battery. Today’s lithium-ion batteries are technological nightmares: resourceintensive and expensive, with a relatively short lifespan and hard to deal with at end-of-life.

Fortunately, despite near-total market dominance today, they’re destined for as rapid a demise as that of the ICE. Both sodium-ion batteries and iron-air batteries are getting closer and closer to commercialisation – just one small part of the emerging revolution in storage technologies that would bring joy to people’s hearts (if they didn’t find anything to do with energy storage so totally boring!).

THE POLICY REVOLUTION

I’m still slightly astonished that so many governments have summoned the courage to commit to phaseout timetables for the ICE. Car manufacturers and investors have had no option but to face up to that inevitability – notwithstanding a few pushbacks!

That was the hard bit. Now they just need to row in behind the rest of the policy revolution, sorting out the ‘end-of-life dilemma’ by regulating for minimum levels of disassembly and materials recycling.

All that nickel, cobalt and copper is just as important to the renewables industry as it is to battery manufacturers – maximum reuse and recycling must be the order of the day, even if it makes things more expensive in the short term.

To be honest, that’s still relatively easy to sort out through smart policy design, implementation and enforcement. It’s much harder for politicians to deal with human behaviour! Because what we now need is an unambiguous acknowledgement that the days of the private motor car in our towns and cities are numbered. All policies must now be geared to improvements in public transport and in cycling and walking infrastructure, as well as in car-sharing schemes and car clubs (all EVs of course!). And that demands a revolution in people’s mindsets – which is still some way off in the future.

Find out more

n Jonathon Porritt is an author, campaigner, founder-director of Forum for the Future and former chair of the UK Sustainable Development Commission (2000-2009). Read more at jonathonporritt.com mygreenpod.com COP29 33

TRANSPORT

BURNING STUFF

Fully Charged’s Dan Caesar on the combustion industry’s ‘fog’ of war

L

ook at the tailpipe of a car on a cold day.

Observe the plumes above the power station.

View the gases fly from the flue of your boiler. More than that, visit the oil fields. Take a trip to the tar sands. Watch as waste and wood are shipped in fossil-fuelled vehicles and then incinerated.

All around us is visible evidence that mankind has an addiction to burning stuff – for warmth, electricity and transport. Countless studies show that millions die prematurely from air pollution; we are poisoning ourselves as well as the planet.

This would all be too bleak if there weren’t solutions, but there is an array of cleaner, greener technologies at our fingertips.

Below are the technologies we need in the fight for our futures. What has the combustion industry done to accelerate these cleaner technologies, to combat climate breakdown and clean the air?

Chiefly, it has been using its industrial might to pump out fear, uncertainty and doubt – straight from the tobacco’s industry playbook.

SOLAR AND WIND

Harnessing solar energy is such an obvious solution, it’s incredible that anyone could argue against this technology. Almost entirely recyclable, the emissions from manufacturing are negligibly low when compared with combustion technologies.

Having topped out at an efficiency of ~25%, new work here in the UK, using perovskite instead of silicon, could even increase that efficiency to ~30%.

Every commercial and residential building should have solar on it. It has been calculated that a solar area the size of 500,000 square kilometres would be enough to provide all the world’s power.

From the perspective of physics, the sun of course is also the reason we have wind, and we’re getting better at harnessing that power. Even if you 34 COP29 mygreenpod.com

believe that the majestic turbine is a blight on our landscape, you will be reassured to know that it can be built out at sea – and yes, turbines too are highly recyclable, with lifetime emissions much lower than combustion technologies.

In the UK we are blessed with wind, especially on our coastline; it provides valuable power and the opportunity to revitalise coastal communities. Over the last 12 years British wind power has effectively pushed coal power off the grid.

BATTERY AND HYDRO POWER

Energy storage is enjoying a golden era. Big batteries – also known as BESS (battery energy storage systems) – are enabling us to store grid-, solar- and wind-generated electricity and to keep it for use at optimal times. While battery manufacture is a relatively intense process, we will need far fewer materials than we do to stoke combustion technologies. Again these batteries are almost entirely recyclable, and have a much, much longer life than other technologies in the first place.

No technology is without its drawbacks, but hydroelectric power is an incredible resource. Not every country can make hydro work at scale, but in countries like Canada, China and Norway its contribution is significant. Almost all British Columbia’s power comes from its dams.

ELECTRIFICATION

Well known as the biggest elephant in the room, heat – and its contribution to building emissions – has been a harder problem to solve. But many solutions now exist, including air source heat pumps – proven out in the colder climes of Scandinavia – ground source heat pumps, infrared heating, zeroemission ‘boilers’, smart thermal storage, district heating and large-scale heat derived from rivers.

GOING NUCLEAR

If nuclear is a contentious inclusion on this list, let me explain. Nuclear is one of the lowest carbon emitting generation options we have, and while we are building out the renewable generation and storage options outlined above, we should safely maintain our existing nuclear fleets in order to balance and buttress the grid.

Ultimately, will we have nuclear power in its current form? We believe there will be much less nuclear power than there is today; declining economies of scale are likely to see nuclear become more and more prohibitively expensive, and to date small modular reactors have seemed more like a mirage than a reality.

Finally, we need a word on the fossil-fuelled ‘con job’ that is carbon capture and storage (CCS). This technology belongs in the bin, along with other major state-sponsored missteps such as burning wood for power (biomass), burning rubbish for power (waste to energy) and burning diesel in cars.

The fact that the new British government is, at a time of restrained fiscal headroom, investing over £22bn into this technology should be cause for serious concern. Why? Well, the efficacy of CCS at scale is largely unproven, and in simple terms the best way to get milk out of a cup of tea is to not put it in in the first place.

In short, #stopburningstuff is a simple mantra that humanity should heed. So, how can you help?

When able, consign the combustion technologies you rely on to the bin, and spread the word about the better technologies available to us right now.

Find out more

n Dan Caesar is CEO of Fully Charged Show Ltd and launch CEO of Electric Vehicles UK. Discover more content at fullycharged.show

PHOTOGRAPHY ISTOCK

HOW TO STOP

All heat can – and, we believe, will – be electrified around the western world by 2050. Retrofitting insulation would reduce heat demand, too.

Electric vehicles (EVs) have been caught in the crossfire of the culture wars, but they’re significantly better than the vehicles we have been using up to this point. There is almost no ground transportation option that cannot go electric – and yes, the incrementally growing grid can cope with the incrementally growing demand for electricity.

While an electric car is more carbon intensive to manufacture, that initial debt is paid off after as little as 15,000 miles of driving – even if powered off the dirtiest grid electricity. EVs (significantly) outlast their combustion counterparts, and when they come to the end of their ‘motive’ lives, they can be repurposed as ‘stationary’ energy storage in buildings before being almost entirely recycled.

In the UK, we have added renewable capacity, and electrification, at pace over the last 12 years, and yet we now use less energy than ever before.

How? Smarter use of energy, certainly, but the biggest single contributor to this statistic was the large-scale switch to low-energy lightbulbs, which was achieved by regulation. We are wasteful, and there are many more ways in which we can reduce our energy requirements.

COMPETITIONS We’ve got our hands on a bunch of prizes from fantastic companies that are doing things differently. We love them all and we want to give you a chance to get to know them, too – so we’re running these competitions so you can have a go and see for yourself!

We’ve hand-picked this selection of green pearls – a personalised selection of shade-grown coffee from Colombia, a natural skincare set to boost your complexion and a guide to hitting Europe’s roads in an electric car – to help set you on a path to a lighter lifestyle.

To enter and view any Ts & Cs, visit mygreenpod.com

WIN TAMBIA COFFEE’S ‘TASTE OUR RANGE’ GIFT SET

This exclusive prize includes four 200g bags of Tambia’s specialty coffees: Geisha Light Roast and Pink Bourbon Light Roast, plus Finca La Sierra (Castillo) and Castillo Honey Beans. Choose your preferred roast level and grind for a personalised coffee experience.

Deadline for entries: 01.02.25

WIN LONELY PLANET’S ELECTRIC VEHICLE ROAD TRIPS OF EUROPE

WIN OBVS SKINCARE’S PURIFYING OAT CLAY MASK GIFT SET

Free from preservatives and synthetic fragrances, this vegan, cruelty-free and COSMOS-certified organic gift set, complete with a wooden spoon, mixing bowl and brush, brings the luxury of a spa to your home and will reveal your skin’s natural glow.

Deadline for entries: 01.02.25

Carefully mapped out with detailed itineraries, illustrated maps and charging station locations, this new guide will expand the horizons of EV owners and try-beforeyou-buy experimenters who want to hire an EV for a European road trip.

Deadline for entries: 01.02.25

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