Straight Talking Sustainability

Emma Burlow
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Welcome to Straight Talking Sustainability! I'm your host, Emma Burlow. If you're feeling lost in all the sustainability talk or struggling to see real results in your business, this podcast is for you. We’ll clear up the confusion and focus on practical, straightforward actions that actually work. Join me as I talk with experts, share real-world stories, and tackle the common roadblocks that stop businesses from making progress. This is all about making sustainability easier and sharing what truly makes a difference. Let’s keep it simple, effective, and make sustainability stick!

  1. 20m ago

    Design Museum

    In this episode, Emma sits down with Elise Foster-Vander Elst from the Design Museum to discuss the significant role museums can play in driving sustainability and tackling the climate emergency. The conversation reveals how museums leverage their trusted status, how collective action sparks innovation, and how every job can contribute to meaningful environmental change. Key Topics & HighlightsRole of Environmental Impact Lead Elise Foster-Vander Elst shares her dual role at the Design Museum, overseeing exhibitions and leading sustainability practices from material reduction to influencing departmental decarbonisation 01:14. Staff Numbers & Agility The Design Museum, with around 100 staff and many volunteers, is described as a “mini speedboat” able to act swiftly, unlike larger institutions 01:51. Public Expectations vs. Awareness Insights from the Act Green Survey: 77% of respondents think museums should influence on climate, but only 17% believe museums are prioritising it—highlighting a disconnect 02:58. Museums as Trusted Messengers Museums (and curators) are amongst the UK’s most trusted professions, behind only nurses, librarians, doctors, and teachers (05:40). The Power of Community and Networks Elise Foster-Vander Elst describes collaborative initiatives among museums and cultural institutions, such as the South Kent Zen Network and shared sustainability programmes 08:11. Local and Sector-wide Collective Action Discussion about how locality and sector-specific approaches can accelerate change and foster information sharing 10:09. Design’s Critical Role in Climate Action Examples of museum exhibitions (e.g., Waste Age, How to Build a Low Carbon Home) and research programmes (e.g., Future Observatory, projects on eliminating single-use plastics in the NHS) 13:40. Change as a Constant Both speakers challenge the narrative that “people don’t like change” and instead frame historical and societal progress as evidence that humans continuously adapt 20:21. Addressing Imperfection and Green Hushing Elise Foster-Vander Elst introduces the concept of “green hushing,” the danger of staying silent about progress for fear of criticism, and the value of sharing both successes and mistakes for collective learning 35:12. Empowering Staff and Sharing Tools Highlights from carbon literacy training at the museum, empowering every department to engage in sustainability efforts (33:29), and the use of carbon calculators to inform decision-making 31:23. Design Museum: designmuseum.orgGallery Climate Coalition: galleryclimatecoalition.orgFuture Observatory programme: (via Design Museum)Carbon Literacy Project: carbonliteracy.com Connect & Continue the ConversationVisit the Design Museum and explore their exhibitions.Engage with your local museum on sustainability programming and events.Reach out to Emma Berlow and Elise Foster-Vander Elst on LinkedIn.Share your questions and ideas for future episodes. For more insights and upcoming episodes, subscribe to Straight Talking Sustainability and sign up for the Lighthouse Sustainability newsletter, The Beacon. Book a Power Hour with Emma https://calendly.com/emma-lighthouse/power-hour Connect with Emma Website Email Emma Burlow | LinkedIn

  2. Jul 26

    The world is literally on fire...why aren't we acting?

    In this episode, Emma Berlow dives deep into the concept of cognitive dissonance—how it impacts our response to climate emergencies, and why so many people seem immobilized or contradictory in their climate actions, especially amid heat waves and wildfires. Emma Burlow also shares personal reflections on her recent work with Innovate UK’s Battery Innovation Programme, offering listeners a sense of hope about the ambitious projects and funding happening behind the scenes, even when media headlines can feel overwhelmingly bleak. Key Topics CoveredPersonal Reflections & Recent Activities Sitting on a funding assessment panel for Innovate UK's Battery Innovation Programme, which will invest £452 million between 2026–2030Experience in the Mighty Heart course with Rhian Sherrington Cognitive Dissonance & Climate Inaction Definition and origins of cognitive dissonance (05:00)Real-life example: the Dorothy Martin “alien flood” case and what it teaches us about entrenched beliefs and resistance to changeWhy facts and evidence often fail to change minds where identity and worldview are wrapped up in old paradigms How to Spot Cognitive Dissonance Disconnection between language and action (e.g., ambitious targets without real follow-through, greenwashing) (09:26)Personal and organizational examplesImportance of authenticity and setting an example Emotional and Societal Barriers Climate anxiety vs. societal overwhelm (04:01, 15:53)Difference between apathy, stupidity, and psychological overwhelmThe importance of taking manageable, meaningful action—both micro (daily habits) and macro (community initiatives, industry change) Moving Forward: What Can You Do? Encourages listeners to have open, nonjudgmental conversations about climate impacts with colleagues outside the sustainability bubble (18:08)Questions to ask: “Are you noticing anything?” and “Is our response proportional?”Listen more than you speak to open new doors for engagement Memorable Quotes“It’s too simplistic to put this down to a spreadsheet, and a triple bottom line, or some sort of moral argument.” (07:22)“It’s not your job to fix other people. It’s your job to put the gears and levers in place.” (13:28)“If you can listen more than you talk, I promise you, you will learn something, and that might just open a door that didn’t exist before.” (19:57) Recommended ActionsName and recognize cognitive dissonance—in yourself and others—but don’t use it to shame or divide (16:00)Foster safe, open, and non-judgmental spaces for climate conversations in your community or workplaceFocus on action and agency, however small, and seek out opportunities to support or initiate positive change If you enjoyed this episode or found it useful, please share with a friend or colleague. Subscribe, rate, and review to help more people find Straight Talking Sustainability! Book a Power Hour with Emma https://calendly.com/emma-lighthouse/power-hour Connect with Emma Website Email Emma Burlow | LinkedIn

  3. Jul 19

    Repair is the new recycling with Heather Davies, Re-Action Collective

    This week, Emma Burlow is joined by Heather Davies to discuss why repair is quickly becoming the new recycling, especially in the context of sustainability and community impact. Heather Davies shares the inspiring story behind the Re-Action Collective, a growing network aimed at amplifying local repair, upcycling, and community reuse of outdoor gear. They explore how repair initiatives started at a grassroots level in ski resorts, evolved into a collective model, and now connect around 70 organizations internationally. They discuss the importance of "finding the others" — bringing together people with shared purpose to build momentum for community-led repair and circular economy practices. Key TopicsOrigins and Growth of the Reaction Collective: From a local community event to an international network supporting 70 organizations 01:29–05:00Importance of Community in Repair: Tackling loneliness, sharing skills, and the power of collective agency 06:34–09:24Skills Loss & Consumer Habits: The shift from repair to replacement explains the decline in repair knowledge and capacity 10:25–11:24Brand Initiatives: How companies like Patagonia, RAB, and Alpkit are changing the landscape of repair and where gaps remain 12:33–14:31The Case for Decentralized Repair: Heather Davis's white paper explores barriers, solutions, and the value of supporting local repairers 15:45–17:19Making Repair More Accessible: Comparing centralized brand repair vs. community/local repair shops 18:44–23:35Policy & International Perspectives: Insights from France’s right to repair policy and bonus scheme; discussion on VAT and government incentives 25:02–29:38Challenges of Scaling Repair: The current role of the third sector and the need for more support to reach greater scale 30:35–31:08Action Steps for Listeners: How to engage with local repairers or support the movement 32:32–34:37 Notable Quotes"We only really have true agency when we act collectively." — Heather Davies 05:18"If you send something off for repair and it comes back, it's very transactional. Whereas, when you build a relationship with your repairer, you value the repair more." — Heather Davies 22:27"Once you've repaired something, you're more likely to repair it again." — Heather Davies 22:47"Our goal has always been to support the people and to help them support their communities." — Heather Davies 36:56 Take ActionFind something in your home that needs repairing, and take it to a local repairer 32:32Read Heather Davies' white paper on decentralized textile repair—contact her via LinkedIn to get a copy34:35Support community repair initiatives—offer opportunities, funding, or simply help spread the word 34:37 If you enjoyed this episode, please share it, subscribe, and leave a review! Instead of a linear model (buy, use, discard)—which results in unnecessary waste, avoidable carbon emissions and rising costs for customers—Re-Action supports circular alternatives already working locally. These alternatives focus on repair and maintenance; collection, resale and redistribution; rental and sharing; upcycling and reuse; skills and knowledge exchange. By connecting and supporting the people already providing these services, Re-Action builds more visible and robust circular systems. Through her work with Re-Action, Heather has developed a particular interest in repair, identifying what she calls "the repair gap". She's finalising a white paper arguing for more decentralised repair solutions that are more resilient and benefit customers, communities and the repairers themselves. The white paper will be out soon. LInkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-davies-communicating-sustainability/ Re-Action website: https://re-action-collective.org/ Re-Action LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/re-action-collective/ Book a Power Hour with Emma https://calendly.com/emma-lighthouse/power-hour Connect with Emma Website Email Emma Burlow | LinkedIn

    Repair is the new recycling with Heather Davies, Re-Action Collective

  4. Jul 12

    The Unspeakable 'C' word

    In this episode, Emma tackles the “unspeakable C word”—climate—and explores why, even amid extreme weather and record-breaking heatwaves, there’s a widespread reluctance to talk about climate change directly. Instead, conversation often pivots to coping strategies and adaptation, neglecting the root causes and mitigation. Talking About Heat, Not Its CauseSociety focuses on the discomfort and practicalities of extreme heat, rarely acknowledging climate change as the driver 03:00.Surrendering to AdaptationCommunities and individuals are quick to find ways to adapt—air conditioning, altered routines—while skipping over discussions about how to prevent or stop escalating temperatures 07:03.Softening of Language in BusinessBusinesses are increasingly using vague terms like “responsible growth” or “sustainability” in place of “climate emergency,” often as a form of avoidance 09:32. Key TakeawaysSocially Organized Denial: Referencing sociologist Kari Norgaard, Emma Berlow describes how society keeps climate conversations abstract and disconnected from daily life and action 06:13. The Adaptation Leap: There’s been a jump to adaptation solutions at the expense of mitigation efforts. This risks making climate impacts seem inevitable and unchangeable 08:53. The Challenge for Sustainability Professionals: Emma Berlow calls on listeners to recognize avoidance—both in themselves and their organizations—and push for honest, direct conversation about climate causes and action 10:46. She urges listeners to perform a “counter move”: naming the climate issue and advocating for action where appropriate. Ripples of Change: Even small acts—like discussing climate more openly in community groups—can create positive ripples, slowly shifting what is considered normal conversation and action 17:07. Personal ChallengeSpot softened language or avoidance in conversations around heat and climate.When safe and strategic, respond with honesty about climate causes and the need for mitigation—don’t just nod along or join in the avoidance 15:31. If you found this episode useful, please share, subscribe, rate, and review. Book a Power Hour with Emma https://calendly.com/emma-lighthouse/power-hour Connect with Emma Website Email Emma Burlow | LinkedIn

  5. Jul 5

    Career Pivot Special - 3 Guest Compilation

    This special compilation episode is a celebration of midsummer and a chance to reflect on the journeys of impact-driven professionals working in sustainability. Hayley takes the helm, curating clips from three standout past guests whose insights, honesty, and approaches have inspired the podcast community. Whether on holiday, commuting, or simply in need of motivation, listeners are invited to revisit (or discover) invaluable guidance on building impactful careers, overcoming personal barriers, and fostering supportive communities. Featured Episodes1. Katy Carey – The Power of Data and Business Case (Episode 21)Career journey: From chef and TV production to FMCG operations and big corporates, Katy’s path underscores the value of creative, data-led strategy in sustainability.Key messages:Tiny operational changes can drive large-scale impact and are foundational to any sustainability strategy 05:45.Always start with the business case—define clearly what value your sustainability actions will add, from cost savings to customer value and risk reduction 09:11.Storytelling and transparency are growing in importance, especially as consumer demand for sustainable products rises 11:44.Top myth: Sustainability is not good for business. Data increasingly shows sustainable practices benefit the bottom line 13:08.Creativity is born out of constraints—focus on what’s possible with what you have and let those wins pave the way for greater change 14:40. 2. Tamsin Aitchison – Breakthroughs in Leadership and Self-Promotion (Episode 46)Role: Leadership coach, champion of cutting through personal barriers.Key messages:Fear of arrogance often holds people back from claiming their expertise—they equate authority with bragging, especially those from modest backgrounds 19:29.Self-promotion can feel cringeworthy, but reframing it as an act of service helps—it’s not about ego but about letting others benefit from your knowledge 21:39.Elevator pitches are about sparking interest, not relaying your full life story 23:53.Cultivating accountability and community is essential to breaking through imposter syndrome and building a sense of belonging in the field 18:44. 3. Claire Osborne – Navigating Career Change and Burnout (Episode 69)Role: Coach helping professionals untangle decisions and find clarity.Key messages:Many struggle with feeling stuck or unsure about their impact and legacy 28:05.Career transitions are not solved in one leap—breaking down questions, seeking out case studies, and building a supportive, honest team is critical for success 27:18.A supportive social accountability system—where you can share openly and receive compassion—helps people move past “icky” moments and make meaningful progress 28:36.True legacy is about empowering others, not just achieving for oneself 33:10. Practical TakeawaysStart with small, strategic changes—track their impact and build from there.Make your business case for sustainability with clear data and customer focus.Practice reframing self-promotion as service and remember that authenticity builds trust.Tackle burnout and stagnation by building a network for accountability and mutual support, not just knowledge sharing.Your legacy is not just what you achieve, but how you help others to grow and amplify impact. Thanks for listening! Stay tuned for more straight-talking, practical insights into building a lasting impact through sustainability. Book a Power Hour with Emma https://calendly.com/emma-lighthouse/power-hour Connect with Emma Website Email Emma Burlow | LinkedIn

    Career Pivot Special - 3 Guest Compilation

  6. Jun 28

    How to Talk to a Climate Denier Part 2

    R – Regulate E – Empathise S- Stay Curious E – Explore T – Take Boundaries In this episode, Emma shares hands-on advice for handling conversations with climate change deniers, especially in professional settings. Drawing on a real-life training experience with a group of engineers, she introduces her “RESET” model—a practical framework for navigating challenging interactions without losing your composure or confidence. Key TopicsWhy conversations about climate are difficult and often avoided 02:22Emotional triggers and the importance of self-regulation 04:22The “RESET” approach for managing climate denial:R: Regulate yourself – Pause, breathe, slow down, and control your body language to prevent being triggered 04:22E: Empathize first – Acknowledge good questions and the other person's perspective without jumping to correct or lecture 06:21S: Stay curious – Ask clarifying questions and explore which aspects the other person is unsure about, rather than reacting defensively 08:32E: Explore their thinking – Use your expertise when relevant and clarify uncertainties for the benefit of the whole group 12:22T: Take boundaries – Set clear limits and keep the space constructive without agreeing to falsehoods 15:46Why expertise is not required to respond effectively; your role is to facilitate safe and respectful discussion 19:52The goal: Diffuse defensiveness, stay respectful, and make everyone else in the room feel safe and heard 21:01 TakeawaysYou don’t need all the answers; regulate yourself, stay curious and respectful 22:40The RESET model helps you stay grounded in difficult conversations and maintain a constructive environment for all 23:13Most important: Holding the space and lowering defensiveness is more valuable than “winning” the argument 21:01 Did you find this episode helpful? Please share it, subscribe, and leave a review! When trolls explain science to scientists How to Respond to Climate Change Deniers | Rainforest Alliance How to Talk to a Climate Denier Part 1 EP22 Book a Power Hour with Emma https://calendly.com/emma-lighthouse/power-hour Connect with Emma Website Email Emma Burlow | LinkedIn

  7. Jun 21

    Is People, Planet, Pint the parkrun of Sustainability? With Adam Bastock, Small99

    In this episode, Emma sits down with Adam Bastock, founder of Small 99 and the grassroots movement People Planet Pint. The conversation dives into Adam Bastock's journey from digital marketing to sustainability, the origins and evolution of People Planet Pint, and the critical role of community-led action in making real, lasting change. Key TopicsAdam Bastock's Background & MotivationStarted in digital marketing, specializing in SEO for SMEs (01:25).Noticed sustainability advice, like digital marketing, was often aimed at big companies and hard for small businesses to implement (01:41).Frustration with lack of SME-focused sustainability guidance inspired the creation of Small99 (02:55). Small99 & People Planet Pint (PPP)Small99: Aims to empower small businesses to decarbonize rapidly thanks to their nimble decision-making (03:07).People Planet Pint: Born from the realization that business owners are more likely to gather in pubs than formal training rooms—turning the traditional networking and learning model on its head (06:38).Lessons from experimentation: Tech tools like to-do lists and online calculators weren’t as effective for SMEs as community and peer support (06:07). Community, Behaviour Change, & The Magic of the PubReal, lasting behavior change happens in informal, social spaces—over a pint, not in a classroom (09:08).Events like PPP remove the threat and formality of standard sustainability events, providing a "safe space" for networking and support (18:35).Mini games and monthly themes have proven a powerful way to spark conversations and learning (10:48, 30:07). Failures and Learnings: People Planet PastryAttempted morning meetups ("pastry"), but found them less accessible, often attracting a more privileged, professional crowd (10:29).Realized morning networking isn't for everyone—validated the pub as the most inclusive, accessible space (11:16). The Role of Technology & AITech (including AI) can now generate carbon reduction plans for free, making human-to-human connection the true unique value PPP offers (13:51).Nothing yet replaces the spark of real conversation and shared experience in the pub (14:15). Working With the National Emergency BriefingPPP complements the National Emergency Briefing: watch the hard-hitting film, then come to the pub to share, vent, and act (18:28).Emphasis on being welcoming and non-threatening for those who might feel out of place at activist-run events (20:14). Impact & GrowthSince 2021, PPP runs about 80 events monthly, with more than 35,000 registrants (22:54).Dream: To become the "Parkrun of sustainability"—consistent, safe, locally run events driving exponential growth and deeper community (24:09). Expanding the MovementLooking to break out from the sustainability sector regulars to engage the "quietly concerned"—people who care about climate but don’t feel part of the movement yet (28:19).Open to partnerships, sponsorships, and new chapter (location) hosts—especially brands and influencers with wide reach (29:55). How To Get InvolvedAttend your local People Planet Pint event—bring a friend for the most impact (36:48).Interested in hosting or partnering? Connect with Adam Bastock via LinkedIn or at small99.co.uk (40:11).Help PPP reach 200,000: listeners, partners, and sponsors wanted! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate, share, and subscribe so more people can find ways to take practical, community-driven climate action. Send in your guest suggestions for the upcoming 100th episode! LINKS https://small99.co.uk/find-people-planet-pint-near-you/ https://small99.co.uk/action-box/ Book a Power Hour with Emma https://calendly.com/emma-lighthouse/power-hour Connect with Emma Website Email Emma Burlow | LinkedIn

    Is People, Planet, Pint the parkrun of Sustainability? With Adam Bastock, Small99

  8. Jun 14

    Emma in the Hot Seat: Lessons from 30 Years in Sustainability

    In this special episode, the usual host Emma is interviewed by her colleague and co-founder of Not Sustainable, Rebecca Watson. The tables are turned as Emma shares her journey, expertise, and reflections on her 30-year career in sustainability. The conversation covers her background, the evolution of her work, her approach to training and advisory, and her motivation for supporting individuals and organisations in delivering meaningful sustainability action. Highlights & Key TopicsEmma’s Background & Career Path Started in sustainability in 1997, with a degree in Environmental Science and early experience in conservation and compliance (01:08)Pivoted to work in climate and set up Lighthouse Sustainability, focusing on training and advisory work (01:55) Approach to Training Majority of Lighthouse’s work is carbon literacy training, including workshops, short courses, and "train the trainer" programmes (04:00)Emphasis on building capacity in organisations by embedding skills internally (05:11) Ideal Clients & Advisory Work Works with a variety of organisations, from SMEs to large corporates (e.g., B&Q, BT, Openreach) (07:02)Focused on helping organisations cut through complexity and set meaningful priorities (08:23) Strategic Impact & Board-Level Support Helps organisations integrate sustainability strategically, not just as an add-on (10:24)Experience as a board member and strategic advisor, including roles such as CSO (13:13) Hearts & Minds: The Importance of Motivation Sustainability training is about engaging people’s values and motivations, not just technical knowledge (22:38) Advice for Listeners Don’t get stuck in the weeds: focus on what's material and significant (32:02)Start where you are, leverage your influence, and don’t hesitate to seek external support or coaching (33:01) Additional ResourcesNot Sustainable Not SustainableThe Carbon Literacy Project: carbonliteracy.com Book a Power Hour with Emma https://calendly.com/emma-lighthouse/power-hour Connect with Emma Website Email Emma Burlow | LinkedIn

    Emma in the Hot Seat: Lessons from 30 Years in Sustainability
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Welcome to Straight Talking Sustainability! I'm your host, Emma Burlow. If you're feeling lost in all the sustainability talk or struggling to see real results in your business, this podcast is for you. We’ll clear up the confusion and focus on practical, straightforward actions that actually work. Join me as I talk with experts, share real-world stories, and tackle the common roadblocks that stop businesses from making progress. This is all about making sustainability easier and sharing what truly makes a difference. Let’s keep it simple, effective, and make sustainability stick!

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