• Straight Talking Sustainability

  • By: Emma Burlow
  • Podcast

Straight Talking Sustainability

By: Emma Burlow
  • Summary

  • 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!
    Copyright 2025 Emma Burlow
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Episodes
  • Bending the Climate Curve with Jenny Morgan
    Jan 13 2025

    What if tackling climate change isn’t just about CO2? In this episode, I sit down with Jenny Morgan, a leading expert in sustainability, to explore the game-changing impact of targeting non-carbon greenhouse gasses.

    From refrigerants to orphaned methane wells, these overlooked pollutants warm our planet thousands of times faster than CO2—and tackling them offers massive potential for immediate results.

    We’ll unpack why addressing these gasses is a hidden yet critical opportunity for businesses and individuals. Jenny also shares practical advice on how to engage with impactful climate solutions that aren’t just good for the planet but also for your bottom line.

    If you’re ready to rethink your approach to sustainability, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

    Here are the highlights:

    (2:24) Explaining the Climate Reduction Curve

    (3:55) Focus on Non-CO2 Gases

    (6:03) Projects and Global Impact

    (18:07) Engaging Businesses and Public Education

    (23:00) Political and Industry Impact


    Jenny Morgan links:

    LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/jennycmorgan

    Project Drawdown - Table of Solutions | Project Drawdown

    Tradewater - Reducing the world’s carbon footprint


    Jenny’s New Book:

    Cancel Culture in Climate


    Connect with Emma

    Website

    Email

    Emma Burlow | LinkedIn


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    41 mins
  • Straight Talking Books - Black Gold by Jeremy Paxman
    Jan 6 2025

    In this episode, I review Black Gold by Jeremy Paxman, a fascinating exploration of how coal shaped Britain’s history and economy. From its pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution to its lasting impact on society, this book unpacks the stories behind the rise and fall of coal mining.

    Whether it’s understanding how St. Paul’s Cathedral was funded by coal taxes or how mining communities thrived and suffered, this book sheds light on a resource we often overlook.

    I share key takeaways about coal’s role in shaping the UK and the lessons we can apply to today’s sustainability challenges. The book also dives into the human cost of the industry—its exploitation and resilience—and why we need to rethink how we approach global energy transitions.

    If you’ve ever been curious about the roots of modern industry or wondered how history shapes the future of sustainability, this one’s for you!

    Here are the highlights:

    (3:10) The Role of Coal in the UK's Development

    (6:33) The Dark Side of the Coal Industry

    (7:49) The Economic and Social Impact of Coal

    (8:49) The Power of Small Groups and Social Movements

    (12:48) The Legacy of Coal and Its Impact on Modern Society

    (14:46) The Ethical and Economic Responsibility of the UK


    Connect with Emma

    Website

    Email

    Emma Burlow | LinkedIn


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    17 mins
  • Simple Sustainability Hacks for 2025 - Winter
    Dec 30 2024

    This episode is all about simplifying sustainability with practical tips you can start using today. I’m sharing 13 simple hacks to help reduce your carbon footprint, from switching to a greener electricity tariff to embracing meat-free meals and even repairing your favourite trainers.

    These aren’t big, expensive changes, but small, actionable steps that add up over time and fit seamlessly into your daily routine. Plus, most of these are so easy, they’ll barely cost you a thing!

    Whether you’re looking to make your home more energy-efficient, get creative with leftovers, or even plant a few trees, there’s something here for everyone. I’m breaking down each tip so it’s quick to understand and easy to implement.

    Here are the highlights:

    (2:18) Changing Your Bank for Environmental Impact

    (4:38) Reducing Food Waste and Composting

    (6:09) Energy Efficiency

    (10:54) Insulating Homes and Planting Trees

    (13:28) Recycling High-Value Items and Repairing Clothes

    (15:50) Switching to Renewable Electricity Tariffs


    Links:

    1

    Change your bank

    https://bank.green/ and https://www.mymothertree.com/bank-league-table

    2

    Freeze your leftovers / Reduce Food Waste

    https://www.lovefoodhatewaste.com/

    3

    Compost your food waste

    Recycle an Item | Recycle Now

    4

    Turn the thermostat down 1 degree

    Energy Savings Trust

    5

    Don’t idle your engine - or approach others that do https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/emissions/stop-start-engines-common-myths-busted

    https://www.mumsforlungs.org/our-campaigns/idling

    6

    Write to your MP and see how they voted

    WriteToThem - Email your Councillor, MP, MSP, MS, MLA or London Assembly Member www.theyworkforyou.com

    7

    Choose meat-free options for Xmas; New Year; January

    https://veganuary.com/

    8

    Know your carbon footprint hotspots and plan to reduce it

    WWF Footprint Calculator

    9

    Insulate your home- doors and drafts and windows first

    Energy Savings Trust – Quick Tips

    10

    Plant 9 trees, or more!

    www.9trees.org/

    11

    Recycle at home & work - include WEEE; Textiles; foil and batteries

    Recycle an Item | Recycle Now

    12

    Repair your clothes, shoes...

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    19 mins

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