For What It’s Earth

Emma Brisdion & Sophie Pavelle

Environment, sustainability, and climate action podcast: We make big eco issues bite-sized, answer your green living questions, and explore the things that we can do to help save the planet. With Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle.

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134 episodes
Updated Nov 26, 2025

Episodes134

Newest first

Apr 22, 2020 · 35 min
33: Alcohol: Getting sloshed, sustainably (and responsibly)
Getting sloshed, sustainably… This week we’re raising a glass and toasting the end of series 2 of For What It’s Earth, by taking a look at the environmental footprint of the alcohol industry. From the packaging used and the carbon footprint associated with your bottle or can’s transport around the globe, to the amount of water or energy used in the crop growing or distilling process, it turns out, there’s rather a lot to think about. Find out what we recommend you consider when deciding on your next tipple of choice, and explore some of the companies that we’ve found that use waste products, partner with environmental organisations or use closed-loop systems to brew beverages that are good for the planet, as well as the consumer. Always drink responsibly. Find For What It's Earth on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Don't forget to leave us a review on your podcast platform - it helps new listeners find the podcast!
Apr 1, 2020 · 36 min
32: Save the butterflies, plus getting your nature fix during lockdown
In this episode, we find out why butterflies (and moths!) are an essential part of our ecosystems, learn about why they're under threat and in decline, and explore ways in which we can protect these beautiful pollinators from our own homes. As we're also recording separately and practising social distancing, we're also sharing some top tips for making sure you still get your nature fix while in lockdown - whether you've got a garden, window boxes or just the internet to help! Our Google Doc of things to do to connect with nature while we're in lockdown: https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fdocs.google.com%2Fdocument%2Fd%2F1_h8LaUrQFzkLJ-_Bkh8-a8bKFeQhFGGi1eTolZMWOHo%2Fedit%3Fusp%3Dsharing%26fbclid%3DIwAR0wfwhMfk3Ogfzn0GbW9cvbzm-K1xBpeofsugo0Bu6HjyC0Kb5VKXxIS9w&h=AT27U9HoKKTX9HkXyldY2j_uu9N4iAGnyo96kpKGGOJYOm5oazCwecDs_56JPe6s9SPMj7yIOXYQvoNXHZ2QllpQfugAvmxcbzvYF9AWlvb2vLA4-o4DqLtCQEBR0AXLo1hCBfrh This list is full of podcast, YouTube, app and reading ideas to keep family members of all ages (and the environment) happy at this time. Got anything to add to the list? Let us know and we'll include it! Find For What It's Earth on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Don't forget to leave us a review on your podcast platform - it helps new listeners find the podcast! Sources: Butterfly Conservation: https://butterfly-conservation.org/ A guide to the best plants for nectar for different butterfly species: https://butterfly-conservation.org/sites/default/files/butterflynectardownload.pdf Make a butterfly banquet: https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/give-nature-a-home-in-your-garden/garden-activities/makeabutterflybanquet/ Make fat balls for birds: https://www.rspb.org.uk/fun-and-learning/for-kids/games-and-activities/activities/make-a-speedy-bird-cake/ How to make a hedgehog feeder: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FY6-1rQb294 Inside the Petri Dish Podcast on Coronaviris: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/working-on-a-coronavirus-ward-dr-harry-ferguson/id1317403844?i=1000468655506 We have tees! Get yourself a sustainable FWIE teeshirt here: https://forwhatitsearth.teemill.com Wonderful theme music by Mark Skinner
Mar 11, 2020 · 37 min
31: Water scarcity
As our population grows and so too does our consumption of resources, this week Emma and Lloyd are exploring why one of life’s most essential resources is becoming more and more scarce around the world. We look at the causes of water scarcity, explore big ideas for dealing with it and find out what easy changes we can make in our daily lives that can reduce our personal water usage. Sources: Ted Talk: We need to track water like we track the weather: https://www.ted.com/talks/sonaar_luthra_we_need_to_track_the_world_s_water_like_we_track_the_weather/transcript?language=en Countryfile: Saving water in the UK https://www.countryfile.com/news/water-shortage-in-the-uk-whats-the-problem-and-how-to-save-water/ WWF: Water Scarcity https://www.worldwildlife.org/threats/water-scarcity Reclaim Your Sh*t book: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/why-do-we-use-drinking-water-in UN Water: https://www.unwater.org/water-facts/scarcity/ Experts on water scarcity: https://www.resilience.org/stories/2020-02-04/vital-implications-on-water-scarcity-according-to-14-experts/ BBC: Water shortages in England: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-47620228 Nestle being generally terrible for the planet: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/oct/29/the-fight-over-water-how-nestle-dries-up-us-creeks-to-sell-water-in-plastic-bottles Find For What It's Earth on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Don't forget to leave us a review on your podcast platform - it helps new listeners find the podcast!
Mar 4, 2020 · 45 min
30: Overpopulation: climate change‘s uncomfortable truth? With Dave Gardner
Dave Gardner, host of GrowthBusters Podcast and The Overpopulation Podcast joins Emma this week to talk about climate change’s uncomfortable truth: We’re struggling with overpopulation. We need to do something about our population size and our rate of consumption. How do you deal with that without telling women what to do with their bodies? Download the episode to find out! We even got Dave to answer YOUR listener questions! Find For What It's Earth on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Don't forget to leave us a review on your podcast platform - it helps new listeners find the podcast! Things we spoke about in the episode: One Planet One Child campaign and fundraiser: https://fundrazr.com/oneplanetonechild Thailand’s cops and rubbers campaign: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6l4loplFtYg 8 Billion Angels: https://8billionangels.org/ Growthbusters Podcast: https://www.growthbusters.org/podcast/
Feb 26, 2020 · 32 min
29: Flooding: Can we blame climate change?
With the UK still recovering from the flooding caused by Storm Dennis and Storm Ciara, we’re looking at the news this week. We're exploring the links between flooding, intense weather events and climate change, and whether there's much we can do about it. And that means, of course, we're also taking BEAVERS. Emma gets pretty enthusiastic about nature’s natural flood management squad, which are currently being trialled in Devon and Cornwall... #morebeaverforbritain Find For What It's Earth on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Don't forget to leave us a review on your podcast platform - it helps new listeners find the podcast! Things we spoke about: Beavers in Britain & the Devon Wildlife Trust: https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/saving-species/beavers Is flooding in our future? https://www.carbonbrief.org/how-much-flooding-is-in-the-uks-future-a-look-at-the-ipcc-report Building houses on flood plains: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-51584946 Beavers: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-51575650
Feb 19, 2020 · 49 min
28: Tori Tsui on modern-day activism and fixing the system
The passionate and fantastic climate activist Tori Tsui joins Emma this week! After a 3-month sail across the Atlantic which helped to raise awareness about the need for thinking about how we travel and making lower-carbon alternatives feasible, Tori is dialling in from Colombia where she's helping run the fantastic Sail for Climate Action project, taking Latin American and Caribbean youths across the Atlantic to take part in climate talks in Europe in April. We talk about tackling the carbon footprint of, and the growth of the aviation industry, the role social media can play in combating climate change, she’s become one of the beautiful faces of Stella McCartney’s recent campaigns, and how the obsession for perfection can get in the way of climate activism and public change. Find out more about Sail To The Cop: https://www.sailtothecop.com/ Read up on Sail For Climate Action: https://www.sailforclimateaction.com/ See Tori's work and thoughts on Instagram @ToriTsui_ And don't forget to find For What It's Earth on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Do leave us a review on your podcast platform - it helps new listeners find the podcast!
Feb 12, 2020 · 41 min
26: Renewable energy: How it works, sources and switching
Renewable energy! What is it, how does it work, and how can you switch supplier? Some of the most common renewable energy questions are answered in this episode as we explore on-shore and off-shore wind, solar, biomass and nuclear energy. Find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and leave us a review - it helps new listeners find the podcast! Things we spoke about: Which? Understanding solar panels: https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/solar-panels/article/solar-panels/how-does-solar-pv-work Which? How green is your energy tariff: https://www.which.co.uk/news/2019/09/how-green-is-your-energy-tariff/ Solar panel smart export guarantee: https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/solar-panels/article/smart-export-guarantee-explained Biomass: https://www.ovoenergy.com/guides/energy-sources/bio-fuels.html USwitch green energy supplier comparison: hhttps://www.uswitch.com/gas-electricity/green-energy/ Support the show: Treat yourself to something from our range of organic cotton goodies, from teeshirts to tote bags: https://forwhatitsearth.teemill.com/ Help us cover the pod's running costs with a one-off donation or sign up for monthly support (as little as the cost of a cup of coffee goes a long way) using Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/forwhatitsearthpodcast
Feb 5, 2020 · 35 min
27: Roxy Furman on activism and low-impact living
AKA Roxy the Zoologist, this lovely activist and wildlife filmmaker joins Emma this week to chat about all things vegan, how social media and activism can come hand in hand, and teaches us how to make oat milk. Follow Roxy on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/roxythezoologist/ Check out her sustainable supermarket, Zephy EcoMarket: https://www.zephyrecomarket.co.uk/ Organic underwear company which donate pants each time you purchase: https://www.youunderwear.com/ Find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and please do leave us a review - it helps new listeners find the podcast! We have FWIE podcast tees! Treat yourself to a wonderfully sustainable, organic cotton and low-waste teeshirt here: https://forwhatitsearth.teemill.com Wonderful theme music by Mark Skinner Sound.
Jan 22, 2020 · 35 min
25: Strange sustainability solutions
It’s a fun one this week as we explore some of the most interesting and unusual sustainability solutions and environment-saving action plans the internet has to offer! We’re talking about robot-bees, plastics made from fish waste, bicycles and towers which suck smog out from the air, toilets which convert urine into electricity, shower curtains which grow spikes to kick you out and save water… aaannd all kinds of other things! If you’ve heard of any cool climate or sustainability solutions recently, let us know! We LOVE hearing about them. Find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and leave us a review - it helps new listeners find the podcast! Things we spoke about: - Marinatex plastic made from organic fish waste: https://www.jamesdysonaward.org/2019/project/marinatex/ - Spiky shower curtain: https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/spiky-shower-curtain-gets-you-out-of-hot-water-to-help-save-the-environment_n_55b65012e4b0224d8832caeb?ri18n=true - Tokyo Electricity Forecast: http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/forecast/html/index-e.html - Smog-free bicycles:https://www.studioroosegaarde.net/project/smog-free-bicycle - Beijing smog-sucking tower: https://www.studioroosegaarde.net/project/smog-free-tower https://www.fastcompany.com/40421177/this-giant-smog-vacuum-cleaner-in-china-actually-works - Building underneath glaciers and ice sheets: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/sep/20/build-walls-on-seafloor-to-stop-glaciers-melting-scientists-say - Harvard's Robo-Bees:https://wyss.harvard.edu/technology/robobees-autonomous-flying-microrobots/ - Nigeria Plastic Bottle Houses: https://www.dw.com/en/doing-your-bit-nigerias-houses-made-from-plastic-bottles/av-48013059 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14722179 We have tees! Get yourself a sustainable FWIE teeshirt here: https://forwhatitsearth.teemill.com Wonderful theme music by Mark Skinner Sound
Jan 15, 2020 · 33 min
24: Wildfires: Causes, biodiversity loss and climate change
This week we're exploring the topic of wildfires. As immense wildfires currently blaze across huge areas of Australia and both California and Siberia have also experienced vast fires in recent years, we look at the causes of wildfires, the impact they can have on biodiversity and the natural environment, how fires fit into nature's usual cycles and the role that climate change is having on the increased frequency and severity of wildfires. We also speak to Professor Stefan Doerr from the University of Swansea about understanding how climatic conditions have influenced the severity of the fires, and the best ways to handle living in fire-prone natural environments. Some of the things we've spoken about: 8 things everyone should know about Australia’s wildfire disaster: https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2020/1/8/21055228/australia-fires-map-animals-koalas-wildlife-smoke-donate Australia Wildfires: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/01/world/australia/fires.html How wildfires work: https://science.howstuffworks.com/nature/natural-disasters/wildfire3.htm Biodiversity at risk in Australia: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jan/04/ecologists-warn-silent-death-australia-bushfires-endangered-species-extinction Australia Wildfires: https://edition.cnn.com/2020/01/01/australia/australia-fires-explainer-intl-hnk-scli/index.html California wildfires: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/04/us/fires-california.html California wildfire causes: https://www.wired.com/story/californias-wildfires-are-the-doom-of-our-own-making/ Prof Stefan Doerr:https://www.swansea.ac.uk/staff/science/geography/s.doerr/ Donate to the Australian Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org.au/campaigns/disaster-relief-and-recovery-donate Registered Bushfire Charities: https://www.pmc.gov.au/registered-bushfire-charities Don't forget to subscribe, find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and leave us a review - it helps new listeners find the podcast! We have merch! Get yourself a sustainable FWIE teeshirt here: https://forwhatitsearth.teemill.com Wonderful theme music by Mark Skinner Sound
Jan 8, 2020 · 38 min
23: Overfishing & eating fish sustainably, with Marine Conservation Society
With lots of information about overfishing and depleted wild fish stocks in the news, it can be hard to know what fish or seafood we should and shouldn't be eating. This week Emma joins Charlotte Coombes from the Marine Conservation Society to talk about their Good Fish Guide, a handy tool for finding out which species and which fishing styles are 'red-listed' and to be avoided, and which species or sustainable practices we can choose to buy and support! MCS' Good Fish Guide: https://www.mcsuk.org/goodfishguide/search Thanks to Charlotte for joining us this week, and to the Marine Conservation Society, who you can also find on Instagram and Twitter. Don't forget to subscribe, find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and leave us a review - it helps new listeners find the podcast! We have merch! Get yourself a sustainable FWIE teeshirt here: https://forwhatitsearth.teemill.com Wonderful theme music by Mark Skinner Sound.
Jan 1, 2020 · 36 min
22: Sustainable & plastic-free periods
This week we're talking about that time of the month. Half of the world menstruates at some point during their lives and often the sanitary products used are single-use and contain significant quantities of plastic. City to Sea estimates that a regular pack of pads contains as much plastic as five plastic bags and that 2.5 million tampons are flushed in the UK every year, and the Marine Conservation Society have seen huge numbers of sanitary products wash up on our beaches every year. The things we use for just a matter of hours can outlive even us when discarded, causing huge issues in the environment. We're exploring the issues with conventional pads, tampons and applicators, and sharing some of the best solutions currently available to make periods friendly on the environment as well as you, from organic and plastic-free pads and tampons to reusable pads and absorbent period pads! Things we spoke about: Modibodi re-usable period underwear: https://www.modibodi.co.uk/ Mondays organic period product subscription: https://organicmondays.com/ City to Sea plastic-free periods campaign: https://www.citytosea.org.uk/plasticfreeperiods-2/ Freedom 4 Girls charity tackling period poverty: https://www.freedom4girls.co.uk/ 10 of the best menstrual cups: https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/body/health/g23117116/menstrual-cups/ Don't forget to subscribe, find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and leave us a review - it helps new listeners find the podcast! We have merch! Get yourself a sustainable FWIE teeshirt here: https://forwhatitsearth.teemill.com Wonderful theme music by Mark Skinner Sound.
Dec 18, 2019 · 25 min
21: Letters from listeners
A few months ago, a year 6 class at Mendip Green Primary School sat down to do a writing exercise; they wrote us letters on the topic of plastic pollution! Today we're sharing a few of these fantastic letters, which range from issues they've researched in-depth to some fantastic creative writing exercises. What happens to Rodrigo The Eager Sea Hampster, and why did Alfred clamber onto the oak table to stamp his foot, you ask? Listen to probably our most heart-warming episode so far to find out! Don't forget to subscribe, find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and leave us a review on whichever platform you're using - it really helps new listeners find the podcast! Get yourself a sustainable FWIE teeshirt here: https://forwhatitsearth.teemill.com Wonderful theme music by Mark Skinner Sound.
Dec 11, 2019 · 33 min
20: Sustainable cities: Nancy Grimm on future-proofing for climate change
This week Emma's chatting to Dr Nancy Grimm @DrNitrogen from Arizona State University about sustainable architecture, and her research and role in designing our cities to better prepare them (and us) to handle climate change, which is bringing more frequent and extreme weather events. Don't forget to subscribe, leave us a review and keep in touch with us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Get yourself an organic cotton, sustainable FWIE teeshirt here: https://forwhatitsearth.teemill.com The very tiny proceeds of which go towards helping us keep producing this podcast for free and allow us to travel to speak to brilliant individuals. Thanks also to Mark Skinner for our intro and outro music.
Dec 4, 2019 · 41 min
19: Happy holidays: Being sustainable at Christmas
Happy Christmas! This week we're kicking off the festive season by sharing some of our favourite ideas for making this Christmas a real hoot without it being hard on the environment. Links we mentioned: Recycle Now's local Christmas tree recycling finder: https://www.recyclenow.com/local-recycling?rlw-initial-path=places/all%3Fmaterials%3D97 Furoshiki Japanese Fabric Wrapping: https://www.1millionwomen.com.au/blog/how-furoshiki-japanese-fabric-wrapping/ Seedboms: https://kabloom.co.uk/ (Head over to our Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for your chance to win two!) Don't forget to subscribe, leave us a review and keep in touch with us on social media. Get yourself an organic cotton, sustainable FWIE teeshirt here: https://forwhatitsearth.teemill.com The very tiny proceeds of which go towards helping us keep producing this podcast for free and allow us to travel to speak to brilliant individuals. Thanks also to Mark Skinner for our intro and outro music.
Nov 28, 2019 · 36 min
18: The Great British Beach Clean, with Lizzie Prior and Marine Conservation Society
Every year, millions of items of litter wash up on our shores, from crisp packets and plastic bottles to cigarette stubs and microplastics, and every year hundreds of volunteers join the Marine Conservation Society's Great British Beach Clean weekend. Volunteers get to be citizen scientists, picking up all the litter found on a 100m stretch of their local beach, recording what they find and sending the data off to MCS, who use the results to inform policy and ask for government change. Today, MCS is releasing the results of their 2019 clean up, so this week Emma has had a chat with Lizzie Prior, the Beachwatch Officer at MCS, to find out more about the scheme, why it's important and how we can get involved! Thanks to Lizzie for joining us this week, and to the Marine Conservation Society, who you can also find on Instagram and Twitter. Read the full report here. Don't forget to subscribe, find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and leave us a review! Get your organic cotton FWIE podcast tee here: https://forwhatitsearth.teemill.com Thanks also to Mark Skinner for our intro and outro music.
Nov 20, 2019 · 33 min
17: Rewildling and reforestation: Can trees save the planet?
This week we're wandering through the topics of rewilding and reforestation! We find out how many trees we would need to help the UK become 'carbon neutral', learn about some of the amazing projects in Scotland, Yosemite and Mauritius in which fantastic teams of conservationists are restoring whole ecosystems and reintroducing species, and explore the ways in which taking inspiration from Mother Nature herself could help us save the world. Oh, and did you know that planting trees can sometimes be a bad thing? You'll have to listen to find out why! If you'd like to support the podcast, you can get a sustainable FWIE teeshirt here: https://forwhatitsearth.teemill.com Don't forget to subscribe, find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and leave us a review! Thanks to Mark Skinner Sound for our brilliant intro and outro music.
Nov 13, 2019 · 37 min
16: British birds and wildlife-friendly gardens, with Dan Rouse
This week Lloyd speaks to the completely lovely Dan Rouse, ornithologist and wildlife presenter! Find out more about how to look after our birdlife, how to make your garden super wildlife-friendly, how to get the best from bird boxes, and how fulmars use vomiting to protect their chicks. This is the first in our efforts this series to sprinkle more interviews and interesting chats with brilliant people. This one was recorded in the park earlier this summer, so you can hear more birdsong than you would in our usual studio. Get your organic cotton FWIE podcast tee here: https://forwhatitsearth.teemill.com Don't forget to subscribe, find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and leave us a review! Thanks to Mark Skinner for our intro and outro music.
Nov 6, 2019 · 36 min
15: How can we travel more sustainably?
Emma and Lloyd are back for season two of For What It's Earth! To kick off our next batch of sustainability podcasts, we're celebrating Greta Thunberg's sail across the Atlantic to raise awareness the need for us to reduce our carbon emissions, and, because trans-Atlantic boat journeys aren't always feasible, we're exploring other ways that we can make our travels more sustainable. We're also dead chuffed to now be working with Teemill to produce some snazzy, organic cotton sustainable teeshirts, the very tiny proceeds of which go towards helping us keep producing this podcast for free. Get yours here: https://forwhatitsearth.teemill.com Don't forget to subscribe, find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and leave us a review! Thanks to Mark Skinner for our intro and outro music.
Jul 17, 2019 · 33 min
14: BONUS episode! Arctic bumblebees & climate change
Hello from the Arctic! In this cheeky bonus episode, we're sharing an episode of one of the podcasts that Emma has been working on in northern Sweden this summer, for the Climate Impacts Research Centre. She's joining Ryan and Lottie from Imperial College London for a day out on the mountain, catching and recording Arctic bumblebees! Click here for more episodes of Field Notes on Climate Change, and here for more information on the Climate Impacts Research Centre. Keep in touch and let us know what you want to hear in season two: Instagram @forwhatitsearthpodcast Facebook /ForWhatItsEarth Twitter @WhatEarthPod Theme music by Mark Skinner.