Join Brianne West, environmentalist and social entrepreneur, as she wanders through the world of 'sustainability'. "Now, That's What I Call Green" busts myths, ...
How Is a Gin Company Going to Change the World? With Dr. Jo Davy and Dr. Helen Gower
What do marine biology, menopause, and gin have in common? More than you might think! In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Jo Davy and Dr. Helen Gower – two marine biologists turned gin distillers and ethical entrepreneurs. They met in a university lab studying marine ecosystems and coral diseases, spent decades working in science and public health, and then went on to start a gin company – but not your typical one. Unlike the bearded, serious craft distillers that dominate the industry with glass bottles (you know how I feel about that), Jo and Helen bring something different. A science-and-ethics-first approach to creating something delicious for an underserved, often invisible group of consumers. And they’re having fun doing it. In this episode, they share: Their backgrounds in marine biology and the journey to gin-making Why glass isn’t the sustainable solution we’ve been led to believe The massive carbon footprint of traditional spirits packaging How they started distilling gin in a leaky garage between lockdowns The scientific method behind their gin formulations (yes, they have lab notebooks) The connection between gin and menopause Why their brand is reclaiming the lost history of female distillers How they navigate the male-dominated, “hairy seriousness” of the spirits industry The challenge of convincing people that two women actually make their own gin Their transition from paperboard bottles to post-consumer recycled aluminium Key Quotes“People see glass as premium, but they have no idea about the environmental cost.”“We walked into a gin festival, looked at the tiny still in the corner, and thought - we can do that.”“We’re invisible. And if you stand up for yourself, that can be annoying and irritating and people don’t like that.”“If someone swaps a gin that they might currently purchase regularly that might be actually damaging the planet… that could move the needle quite a lot.”More about Jo and Helen: follow them on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/joandhels/You can get involved with the podcast onlineFind our full podcast via the website here:https://www.nowthatswhaticall.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowthatswhaticallgreen/You can follow me on socials on the below accounts.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannemwest/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briannemwestLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannemwest/For our latest big project, find out more about Incrediballs here: https://incrediballs.com/
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31:28
Plastic Pollution, Microplastics & The Mess We’re In – with Dr Olga Pantos
There have been a few big news stories circulating, claiming that microplastics have reached such a level that 5% of our brain is now made up of them.While that data is… questionable, it’s undeniable that plastic pollution is a major concern. That’s why, in this episode, we’re digging into the scientific evidence to separate fact from fiction. In what might be a slightly bleak but necessary conversation, I’m joined by Dr Olga Pantos to help clear things up about plastics and microplastics.Dr Olga Pantos is a Senior Scientist at the Institute of Environmental Science and Research and co-lead of the MBIE-funded project Aotearoa Impacts and Mitigation of Microplastics.Her background is in marine biology - she completed her undergraduate degree in Marine and Environmental Biology at St Andrews University in Scotland and her doctoral studies at The University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK. In this episode, she shares:Why and how she got into marine biologyHow she came to focus on pollutants in marine ecosystemsWhen plastic pollution first entered public awarenessWhat microplastics actually areWhy the term microplastic can be misleadingThe major issues plastics pose in the environmentAre plastics making their way into soil or water more?Why plastic always ends up in the environment, no matter whatWhether there are any perfect solutionsWhether PLA and PVH cause as much damage as conventional plasticsWhy our understanding of microplastics is far too simplisticWhat we can actually do about microplastic pollutionPractical steps she takes to reduce exposure to plasticsKey Quotes“Even if we turn the tap off now to plastic use, we’ve got a huge amount in the environment that is going to break down.”“Wastewater treatment plants have never been designed to deal with microplastics.”“We just need to reduce what we use, and its essential, reduce what we demand, because these companies will continue to make them.”You can get involved with the podcast onlineFind our full podcast via the website here: https://www.nowthatswhaticall.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowthatswhaticallgreen/You can follow me on socials on the below accounts.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannemwest/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briannemwestLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannemwest/For our latest big project, find out more about Incrediballs here: https://incrediballs.com/
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41:26
How to Spot Media BS: A Crash Course in Media Literacy
Separating facts from bias in the news is harder than ever, so this week's episode is all about media literacy.I break down a Stuff article on “the healthiest type of milk” as an example of just how subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) media bias can be. Spoiler: It’s not about which milk is best. It’s about how language, framing, and missing context can manipulate your perception without you even realising it.We can’t rely on many places to report actual facts anymore, so now we need to get better at spotting nonsense ourselves.In this episode I share: How to spot bias in articles - even when it’s subtle Why nostalgic framing makes you feel like things were better in the past The sneaky power of word choices (e.g., “humble” cow’s milk vs. “trendy” plant milk) Why omitting key facts is just as bad as misinformation The way experts are used (or misused) to push an agenda How to fact-check bold claims with actual data Why being “processed” doesn’t automatically make food bad The real story behind plant milk sales and industry trendsKey Quotes"This article spends 80% of the time talking about cow’s milk in glowing terms and barely mentions plant milk - but claims it's a fair comparison. That’s not analysis; it’s marketing.""The phrase ‘full of oil, flavourings, and stabilisers’ sounds scary - but when you break it down, it’s just... milk. Plant milk goes through almost the exact same process as cow’s milk. The difference? One has better PR.""We’ve stopped valuing expertise and started giving the loudest voices the biggest platforms. Media isn't always the villain here - lazy, irresponsible marketing plays a much bigger role than we realise."You can get involved with the podcast onlineFind our full podcast via the website here: https://www.nowthatswhaticall.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowthatswhaticallgreen/You can follow me on socials on the below accounts.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannemwest/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briannemwestLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannemwest/For our latest big project, find out more about Incrediballs here: https://incrediballs.com/
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26:17
Sustainable Floristry: What’s Green, What’s Not, and How to Do Better with Melanie Stapleton
It’s nearly Valentine’s Day, but before we all rush out and buy flowers for the special people in our lives, it’s worth thinking about the environmental impact of the flowers we buy.I’m not saying don’t go and buy them, but it’s worth being educated about the industry so we can make informed decisions.I personally love wildflowers and would just have us all buy those, but it’s not always an option.Joining me today is Melanie Stapleton, founder of Cecilia Fox, a floral design studio. She’s not your typical florist, but her designs are absolutely beautiful.She is constantly educating herself about sustainable practices in the industry, so I’ve asked her to join me so we can have all the information before we rush out and buy flowers this year.In this episode, she shares:How she became a floristThe sustainable ways she runs her businessThe different environmental issues in the floristry industryWhat floral foam is and why it’s badThe big environmental impact of importing flowersThe green waste impact of floristry and why it’s the biggest issueThe first thing a florist should do if they want to start being more sustainableKey Quotes:“Floral foam is the green squishy stuff. It is essentially just a block of microplastics.”“Imported flowers have this very nasty name behind them, but it’s not necessarily fair.”More MelanieFollow Melanie onInstagram, on herwebsite and listen to herpodcast.You can get involved with the podcast online:Find our full podcast via the website: https://www.nowthatswhaticall.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowthatswhaticallgreen/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/now-that-s-what-i-call-podcastsFollow me on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannemwest/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briannemwestLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannemwest/For our latest big project, find out more about Incrediballs here: http://www.incrediballs.com/
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49:45
Bugs Aren’t the Problem – We Are
Bugs get a bad rap. Sure, they’re small, sometimes unsettling, and often unwelcome in our homes. But they’re also doing some of the most important jobs in our ecosystems – jobs we rarely think about, let alone appreciate.
This week, I’m joined by Dr Leilani Walker – entomologist, arachnid expert, and all-around invertebrate champion. She’s a Senior Lecturer at Auckland University of Technology and the Curator of Entomology at Auckland War Memorial Museum, and she’s here to challenge how we think about insects. From their crucial roles in maintaining ecosystems to the very real consequences of their decline, we dig into why bugs matter, what happens if we keep wiping them out, and which ones we should actually be worried about.
If you’re someone who reaches for the fly spray at the first sign of movement, this episode might just change your mind.
In this episode, she shares:
What got her into entomology and why she loves it
What her curator role entails
The essential roles invertebrates play in our world
What we should be paying attention to as insect populations decline
Whether the so-called insect apocalypse is something we need to worry about
The biggest misconception people have about invertebrates
The real problem pests we should be concerned about
Whether insects actually have personalities
Key Quotes:
“I think a spider would be just as upset to wake up inside your foot.”
“It’s not actually important that everyone is a bug nerd.”
More about Dr Leilani Walker
Leilani mentioned the Bug of the Year award. You can find out more and vote here: Bug of the Year
You can get involved with the podcast online:Find our full podcast via the website: https://www.nowthatswhaticall.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowthatswhaticallgreen/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/now-that-s-what-i-call-podcasts
Follow me on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannemwest/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briannemwest
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannemwest/
For our latest big project, find out more about Incrediballs here: http://www.incrediballs.com/
Join Brianne West, environmentalist and social entrepreneur, as she wanders through the world of 'sustainability'. "Now, That's What I Call Green" busts myths, shares the science, and talks about the amazing world we live in (with lots of cute animals). Does rewilding help? But what can I do? Are electric cars better? Is it too late to do something about climate change? Why don't sharks have bones? For those curious about the environment and eager to make a difference, tune in for a non-judgmental, evidence-based approach that is all about progress over perfection.
New Zealand