In the last week, the 16-year-old Swedish climate warrior Greta Thunberg’s “How dare you?” speech at the UN Climate Action Summit has been unrelentingly popping up on all our screens. Though a refreshing change from the usual faces that the headlines have been hurling at us, the speech does leave us in a state of panic about the environment state of affairs. With dilemmas rising between recyclable plastic containers and questioning the resources that go into recycling itself, promoting organic produce to putting together your own kitchen garden, the endless conflicts of what is sustainable and what is not, can be a daunting thought to face when departmental stores stack your essentials in rows of plastic-packaging.
How does one go eco-friendly? Tackling this serious question on a lighter vein, these podcasts break down sustainable living concepts and bring the art of low-impact living and working into our homes, offices and lifestyle choices. The path to a lifestyle change does not have to come with major brouhaha, it could be as simple as plugging in your earphones on the way to work.
Sustainababble
Sustainababble
“Why’s everything got to be so confusing?” With this as their battlecry, Ol and Dave plunge into one aspect of climate change every week, sifting through them with cheekiness in 40 minutes or less. With episodes like Birthstrike, Extinction Rebellion and Alarmism , the podcast presents unsettling reality in a light-hearted tone, motivating one to take action rather than despair. The duo also brings in eminent personalities for discussions, never losing the element of humour. In their latest episode, they talk to Harvard professor, author and activist Naomi Oreskes who, according to them, “is blessed with a brain as large as her laugh.” Their giggle-packed chatter is an enlightening doorway to the world of climate consciousness.
The Adaptors
The Adaptors
In this no-frills podcast, Flora Lichtman presents uncommon yet relevant scientific concepts. Exploring these in conversation with science writers, ecologists and biologists, Lichtman’s unassuming and educative narration lays bare the facts that are necessary as backing in your quest for sustainability. The variety in the episodes spans topics like ‘How we measure the Earth breathing’ and ‘Cosmic Toilet’. Ideal for a quick enriching listen, these 15-minute episodes are akin to a few hours in the library.
Hippie Haven
Hippie Haven
Wondering how to organise a community trash cleanup? Or how to fight food waste with your phone? This podcast hosted by zero waste consultant Callee Ackland has all the answers. From debunking common vegan myths to how to preserve foods and reduce plastic pollution, this podcast is a go-to guide for the amateur zero-waster. Going beyond everyday sustainability tips, the young entrepreneur who runs the eco-friendly product store Bestowed Essentials, also talks about how to set up a zero-waste business and initiate community action in this fortnightly podcast.
The Sustainable Minimalists Podcast
The Sustainable Minimalists Podcast
Uncover conscious consumerism, the basics of minimalist cooking and how to shop secondhand with Stephanie Seferian as she takes you through the act of making the shift to a sustainable life without burning your pocket. She also shares some much-needed wisdom like 10 Handbag Essentials for On-the-Go Sustainability, 5 Ways to take home less plastic from the Supermarket and The Case for a Smaller Wardrobe. The podcast also poses interesting challenges that will instigate the activist in you. Try the No-Spend Challenge and the Zero-Waste swaps that reduce resource consumption or up your low-impact game with a No-presents birthday.
My Ocean
My Ocean
Find yourself bobbing on the uplifting currents of inspiration in this podcast about the saviours of our oceans. The podcast dives into the remarkable ways in which our activists are protecting our blue planet. Hosted by Alexis Brown, each episode profiles a new personality who is making a difference to the world’s oceans. With our shores warranting special concern and attention, this is the place to look for tested models that can be applied across the world. From National Geographic underwater photo documenter Brian Skerry to cave diver Jill Heinerth, listen to the conservation stories of the people who have restored and preserved the oceans.
