Straight Talking Sustainability

In this episode of Straight Talking Sustainability , Emma sits down with Gareth Kane, sustainability author and creator of the “Green Jujitsu” engagement model, for a wide-ranging conversation that challenges long-held assumptions about how we drive environmental action inside organizations. From the pitfalls of PowerPoint preaching to the psychology behind real behaviour change, Gareth shares dec...

In this powerful solo episode of Straight Talking Sustainability , Emma delves into the profound difference between passion and commitment in the world of sustainability. We've all been called "passionate" about our work, but is that enough? Emma makes a compelling case that true, lasting impact comes not from fleeting enthusiasm, but from deep, unwavering commitment , especially when the outcomes...

In this energising and honest conversation, Emma and Carbon Literacy Project co-founder Phil Korbel dive into what truly makes carbon literacy impactful. Spoiler: it’s not just about what you know, it’s about how you apply it, talk about it, and make it real in your organisation. From training Nobel-adjacent scientists in Antarctica to working with major corporations facing internal resistance, Em...

This week I’m sharing part of our summer series - 12 simple sustainability tips (numbers 27–38) that are easy to action even when you’re in holiday mode. From switching your search engine to Ecosia, to skipping the lawnmower, there are plenty of small changes that make a big difference. We’re covering everything from flea treatments and sunscreen to eco-friendly ways to host a party and travel dur...

This week, I’m speaking with Briony Pete - leadership coach and engagement specialist - about why change doesn’t start with strategy; it starts with people.  We explored how traditional sustainability roles often miss the mark by not equipping professionals with the mindset or leadership tools needed to influence real transformation. Briony shared that the biggest blocker isn’t a lack of know...

In today’s episode, I share what happened when someone told me, “You need better evidence if you want to convince us.” It made me realise - we’re not here to convince, we’re here to connect. I explore why trying to prove the case for sustainability can create more resistance, and how shifting to curiosity, listening, and meeting people where they are is a far more effective approach. If you’ve eve...

This week on Straight Talking Sustainability, I’m diving into one of the biggest shake-ups in the sustainability world - the B Corp standards reset.  I’m joined by the brilliant Ellie Austin and Jessica Farrow from 12, who work hands-on with purpose-led consumer brands navigating B Corp certification. We talk about what’s changed in the new standards, why the old point-scoring system is out,...

We’ve officially done it - Lighthouse is now a certified B Corp!   This episode is a bit of a behind-the-scenes on what that really means, why I decided to go for it, and what the journey’s been like as a small business. I’m sharing what helped us get over the line, what surprised me along the way, and the parts that were way more challenging than I expected. It’s been nearly four years in th...

In this inspiring conversation, Emma welcomes global communications coach Caroline Harvey to explore why so many women - especially in STEM and sustainability - struggle to be heard.  From imposter syndrome to the myth of “not being expert enough,” they dig into the common barriers women face in sharing their expertise with confidence. Caroline shares practical tips for owning your voice, sim...

In this solo episode, I’m talking about something I know so many of us in the sustainability space are feeling right now - things feel loud, divisive, and at times, completely disheartening. I share why sustainability doesn’t disappear with bad politics, and how progress often works in cycles - not a neat upward line.  You’ll hear why I believe chaos creates opportunity, why we need to accept...

In this episode, I sit down with the brilliantly bold Jarvis Smith - founder of My Green Pod and the PEA Awards - to talk about what it really means to fuse business with spiritual purpose.  From shamanic training and sacred plants to launching the world’s biggest ethical lifestyle magazine, Jarvis shares how a transformative experience on a landfill (yes, really) shaped his life’s work.&nbsp...

Feeling totally swamped by sustainability?  You're not alone.  In this episode, I’m getting straight to the point about why so many of us are stuck in a cycle of burnout, blank stares from the boardroom, and to-do lists that never shrink.  It’s not you - it’s the impossible expectations.  I’m breaking down the real reasons behind sustainability overwhelm and sharing a practical...

AI is everywhere right now, but what does it really mean for sustainability? In this episode, Emma sits down with Rebecca Allen, a business strategist and AI mentor, to untangle the tricky relationship between AI, energy use, and corporate responsibility. They break down the good, the bad, and the slightly alarming when it comes to AI's environmental impact, with plenty of real-world examples and...

In this episode, I’m digging into the idea that sustainability is always “someone else’s problem” - the government, big business, China, consumers, take your pick.  Inspired by a Douglas Adams quote and a lot of workplace reality, we’re exploring the psychological blind spots that keep teams stuck and sustainability sitting out in the metaphorical corridor. I share why this mindset is so pers...

In this episode, I’m joined by Karen Sutton, founder of the Global Good Awards, for an eye-opening conversation about what really goes on behind the scenes of awards in the sustainability world.  We get into vanity awards (yes, the ones that “nominate” you and then ask for £3K), why some schemes are all fluff and no substance, and how the Global Good Awards are pushing the bar way higher. We...

We keep hearing that people won’t take action on sustainability because it means sacrifice . But is that actually true - or just an outdated story we’ve been telling ourselves?  In this episode, I’m unpacking the myth of sustainability as deprivation, and exploring how flipping the narrative can unlock real behaviour change. I’ll walk you through how simple reframing can shift people from ove...

We talk a lot about recycling, plastic, and Net Zero - but what if I told you that food waste is a bigger climate issue than fashion and aviation combined?  In this episode, I’m joined by Tessa Clarke, co-founder of Olio, the app that's redistributed over 100 million meals (and counting). We get into the emotional and environmental impact of waste, why most of it actually happens at home, and...

Ever found yourself stuck in a conversation with someone who thinks climate change is a hoax? In this episode, I break down exactly how to handle climate deniers - whether it’s a heated online debate or an awkward professional situation. I share the five most common arguments they throw out, why they’re flawed, and how to respond without getting trapped in an energy-draining argument. We’ll also t...

In this week’s episode, I sit down with Katie Carey, an ESG and sustainability expert with 17 years of experience working with major brands like Amazon. Katie breaks down how small, data-driven changes can lead to massive impact (and cost savings), making sustainability a business superpower instead of just another compliance headache. We chat about integrating sustainability into core business st...

Spring is here, and it’s the perfect time to refresh your sustainability efforts! In this episode, I’m sharing 52 easy, impactful hacks to help you live and work more sustainably - without overhauling your entire life.  From creating a native wildlife pond and building a bug hotel to active travel tips and reducing your carbon footprint at work, these small changes add up to something big. We...

Ever wondered what real leadership in sustainability looks like?  Jane Davidson doesn’t just talk about change - she makes it happen.  From driving Wales’ groundbreaking Future Generations Act to championing policies that actually deliver results, Jane has spent her career proving that good governance isn’t about ticking boxes - it’s about creating lasting impact.  In this episode,...

Why are women in sustainability less visible on LinkedIn, despite leading incredible work in the industry?  In this episode, I take a look at a LinkedIn post that sparked over 150 comments and 17,000 impressions.  From imposter syndrome to time pressures and the mental load, I explore why women’s voices aren’t being heard as loudly and what we can do about it. I also share practical tips...

Fast fashion isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a community issue, too. In this week’s episode, I sit down with Sam Taylor to expose the hidden realities of the fashion industry.  From supply chain waste to why clothing quality keeps getting worse. We break down why recycling isn’t the solution you think it is and how low-cost fashion brands cut corners in ways you’d never expect. But it’...

Why do so many businesses hesitate to take real action on climate change?  In this episode, I break down the five most common excuses people use to avoid action—from believing individual efforts don’t matter to assuming sustainability is too expensive. I’ll share how to move past these roadblocks with simple, cost-effective solutions that actually make an impact. We’ll also explore how peer-t...

What if going green wasn’t just good for the planet—but also great for business?  In this episode, I sit down with Richard Dickson, co-founder of Play It Green, to explore how businesses can reduce their carbon footprint while boosting their bottom line.  We dive into conscious capitalism, the power of nature-based solutions, and why sustainability needs to be more than a box-ticking exe...