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.

Subscribe Listen in podnod RSS feed Show website

134 episodes
Updated Nov 26, 2025

Episodes134

Newest first

Jun 12, 2019 · 1 hr
13: Listener Q&A!
And that’s a wrap for season one of For What It’s Earth! This week, to celebrate making it this far, we’ve been answering your questions, from finding the most impactful environmentally-friendly actions we can make from our own home and exploring whether we can travel the world sustainably, to finding environmentally-friendly earplugs and wondering whether the series has changed our own attitudes towards sustainability. Thanks for listening this far, we’ll be back bigger and better than ever in the autumn with season two! Things we chatted about: Offset your flights and choose routes with lower-impact airlines and more sustainable fuel mixes: https://flygrn.com/ Cambridge Centre for Climate Science: https://www.climatescience.cam.ac.uk/ 100% renewable energy providers in the UK: Bulb: https://bulb.co.uk/ Octopus: https://octopus.energy/ Good Energy: https://www.goodenergy.co.uk/ Zao Organic Makeup: https://www.zaoorganicmakeup.com/ Instagram @forwhatitsearthpodcast Facebook /ForWhatItsEarth Twitter @WhatEarthPod Theme music and sound mixed by Mark Skinner.
Jun 5, 2019 · 38 min
12: Climate emergency: What does that even mean?
Children have gone on strike from schools, Extinction Rebellion has occupied our headlines and our cities, and now the UK has declared a Climate Emergency, as have many individual towns, cities and communities - Universities, even! But what has the Greta-effect actually had on the UK, and what does declaring a very official sounding (but not actually very officially-binding) Climate Emergency even mean? Things we chatted about: WWF Climate Emergency Demand Action Petition: https://www.wwf.org.uk/fight-climate-change Friend's of the Earth's to-do list for the UK Government to address climate change: https://friendsoftheearth.uk/climate-change/climate-emergency-plan?gclid=Cj0KCQjwz6PnBRCPARIsANOtCw1k4RA1FFWRIuMw9O-PIw07hXL4QRiu90QFsUuWWXPsU-0l78IzG-YaAnbyEALw_wcB The Guardian, 'We must mobilise for the climate emergency like we do in wartime. Where is the climate minister?': https://www.theguardian.com/environment/commentisfree/2019/jun/03/we-must-mobilise-for-the-climate-emergency-like-we-do-in-war-time-where-is-the-climate-minister Instagram @forwhatitsearthpodcast Facebook /ForWhatItsEarth Twitter @WhatEarthPod Sound mixed by Mark Skinner
May 24, 2019 · 31 min
11: Libby Bowles: Marine conservation, plastics, and bamboo bicycle trips
Marine conservationist and educator, Libby Bowles, joins us to chat about her journey across New Zealand on a bamboo bicycle, discussed why she's dedicated her time to educating kids about plastic pollution and shared her wisdom on how to live a more sustainable life in a genuinely helpful, less 'I'm doing this for Instagram' kind of a way! We featured a few minutes of her interview on our 'Plastics - What Can We Do?' episode, but as all of her stories are packed full of inspiration and advice, this bonus episode consists of the whole chat. You can find out more from Libby on Instagram (@treadlighterlib) or on her website www.treadlighter.org. Get in touch: Instagram @forwhatitsearthpodcast Facebook /ForWhatItsEarth Twitter @WhatEarthPod Theme music and sound mixed by Mark Skinner.
May 8, 2019 · 33 min
10: Why is nature important in our cities? With Avon Wildlife Trust
Joined by the Rosie Maple from the Avon Wildlife Trust, we explore the reasons why we need urban wildlife and to understand why conservation movements such as The Wildlife Trusts believe cities rely on their green spaces. Find out why we need to keep our cities little bit wild, how careful planning and tree management can help urban environments cope with climate change, and what each of us can do to help our cities thrive. Find out more about the Avon Wildlife Trust: https://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/ The Wildlife Trusts: https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/ Theme music and sound mixed by Mark Skinner. Instagram @forwhatitsearthpodcast Facebook /ForWhatItsEarth Twitter @WhatEarthPod
May 1, 2019 · 52 min
9: Electric cars
Chocks away! From life-cycle emissions and the environmental issues surrounding the lithium-ion batteries to finding charging points and looking at how EVs (electric vehicles) can help rather than hinder the National Grid, buckle up your seatbelt because this week we’re racing through the topic of electric cars. We’ve also got a quick chat with Robert Lewellyn (of Red Dwarf, Scrapheap Challenge and Fully Charged fame) about his Tesla and Hyundai Kona, all thanks to Andrew from the wonderful Cosmic Shed podcast. Listen, subscribe and if you enjoy it, leave us a review! Stuff that we spoke about: Find your nearest charging station: https://chargemap.com/ How eco-friendly are electric cars? https://www.dw.com/cda/en/how-eco-friendly-are-electric-cars/a-19441437 Best electric cars 2019: https://www.drivingelectric.com/best-cars/584/best-electric-cars-2019 Fully Charged, with Robert Lewellyn: https://www.fullychargedshow.co.uk/ The Cosmic Shed podcast: https://thecosmicshed.podbean.com/ Theme music and sound mixed by Mark Skinner. Instagram @forwhatitsearthpodcast Facebook /ForWhatItsEarth Twitter @WhatEarthPod
Apr 17, 2019 · 27 min
8: Palm oil: What’s the problem?
Confused about palm oil? We’re heading deep into the former rainforests of South East Asia to explore the huge palm oil plantations that fuel far more of the food industry in the west than we realise (and also chop down quite a lot of the lush forest greenery). Things we chatted about: WWF Palm Oil Buyers Scorecard: http://palmoilscorecard.panda.org/ Buycott app to scan your produce and find out whether it contains palm oil or ties to any other unsustainable practices: https://www.buycott.com/ RSPO certification to identify sustainable sources of palm oil: https://rspo.org/certification Theme music and sound mixed by Mark Skinner. Instagram @forwhatitsearthpodcast Facebook /ForWhatItsEarth Twitter @WhatEarthPod
Apr 10, 2019 · 36 min
7. Sustainable cosmetics & toiletries, with Sophie Pavelle
Emma is joined by conservationist and all-round nature legend, Sophie Pavelle for this episode on cosmetics and toiletries. Dead chuffed to be wondering how we can make our bathroom routines a little greener, Sophie has taken a break from generally saving all of the UK's wildlife to chat cosmetics, talk about toiletries and suss out some sustainable solutions. Listen, subscribe and, if you enjoy it, leave us a review! Stuff that we spoke about: Neal’s Yard Remedies organic bee range: https://www.nealsyardremedies.com/bee-lovely-timeline.html Send your contact lenses to Acuve for recycling: https://www.acuvue.co.uk/recycle ‘Naked’ shampoo from Lush: https://uk.lush.com/article/naked-revolution Deodorant and volatile organic compounds (air pollution):https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/16/climate/perfume-pollution-smog.html Theme music and sound mixed by Mark Skinner. Instagram @forwhatitsearthpodcast Facebook /ForWhatItsEarth Twitter @WhatEarthPod
Apr 3, 2019 · 39 min
6: Plastics (part 2): What can we do?
It's time to chat about PLASTICS. This here is part two and we're looking at some of the things that we can do to reduce our plastic footprint. Plus, we'll be chatting to Libby Bowles, who cycled around the world on a bamboo bicycle to teach kids about plastics. If you haven't listened to the first part, we suggest you head back and download that one first. In part one, we explored the issues with plastics in marine environments, trie to figure out what's going on with microplastics and even dive into a bit of chemistry to look at the links that scientists have recently discovered between plastics and our health. Get in touch and keep up to date by following us on Instagram @forwhatitsearthpodcast, liking us on Facebook @ForWhatItsEarth or by shooting us a message on Twitter @WhatEarthPod. Theme music and sound mixed by Mark Skinner.
Apr 3, 2019 · 34 min
5: Plastics (part 1): What‘s the problem?
In part one, we're exploring the issues with plastics in marine environments, trying to figure out what's going on with microplastics and even diving into a little chemistry when we look at the new links that scientists have uncovered between plastics and our health. Once you've finished this episode, head over to enjoy part two. We'll be looking at some of the things that we can do to reduce our plastic footprint. Plus, we'll be chatting to Libby Bowles, who cycled around the world on a bamboo bicycle to teach kids about plastics. Get in touch and keep up to date by following us on Instagram @forwhatitsearthpodcast, liking us on Facebook @ForWhatItsEarth or by shooting us a message on Twitter @WhatEarthPod. Theme music and sound mixed by Mark Skinner.
Mar 19, 2019 · 32 min
4: Recycling: How does it work and are we doing enough?
We are diving deep into our green bins and following the things we throw away on their journey through the recycling process (or not). Find out why we're fascinated by 'Air Knives' in Brighton & Hove, and join us as we discover just why the UK has SO much green glass in its recycling bins... Download, subscribe, leave us a review and lend us your ears. Stuff that we spoke about: 'Air Knives' and other extraordinary elements of Brighton & Hove's fascinating (genuinely!) recycling system: https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/content/environment/recycling-rubbish-and-street-cleaning/how-your-recycling-sorted Recycling glass: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/earth/3313930/Is-it-worth-it-Recycling-glass.html Let's all just send our recycling abroad: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/recycling-waste-uk-overseas-landfill-pollution-nao-environment-defra-a8458991.html https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jul/23/uks-plastic-waste-may-be-dumped-overseas-instead-of-recycled Theme music and sound mixed by Mark Skinner. Instagram @forwhatitsearthpodcast Facebook /ForWhatItsEarth Twitter @WhatEarthPod
Mar 12, 2019 · 33 min
3. Fast fashion: How can we shop sustainably?
What are you wearing and do you know the hidden costs associated with your clothes? Trawling through the world of Fast Fashion this week, we're exploring the complicated and not very environmentally-friendly textile dying processes, asking whether organic cotton is really all that and finding out why we all should be hunting down our nearest charity shops and fabric recycling banks. Download, subscribe and lend us your ears. Let us know what you think! Stuff that we spoke about: Patagonia clothing: https://www.patagonia.com/sustainability.html Rapanui clothing: https://rapanuiclothing.com/ H&M recycling scheme: https://rapanuiclothing.com/ Water pollution with dyes: https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/environment-costs-fast-fashion-pollution-waste-sustainability-a8139386.html Guppyfriends micro-fibre 'catching' laundry bags: http://guppyfriend.com/en/ Instagram @forwhatitsearthpodcast Facebook /ForWhatItsEarth Twitter @WhatEarthPod Theme music and sound mixed by Mark Skinner.
Mar 5, 2019 · 42 min
2. Vegan, vegetarian or flexitarian? Sustainable diets and smart food choices
Put down your hamburgers! This week we are tucking into the topic of sustainable diets, looking at the many, many environmental impacts of the food industry and finding out why many of us are moving to vegan, vegetarian or flexitarian diets. We’re looking at the future of food security in a growing world, the carbon emissions and water demands of different food-producing practices, nifty new farming and agriculture technologies, and whether or not that all means we all have to turn 100% vegan. Download, subscribe and let us know what you think! Things we chat about: The Water Calculator: https://www.watercalculator.org/ Pineapples: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-46070037 Vertical farming: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/aug/14/world-largest-vertical-farm-newark-green-revolution BBC calculator/comparison tool for food and drink: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-46459714 What to eat more/less of/consider: https://www.sciencefocus.com/planet-earth/five-foods-that-could-save-the-planet-and-five-more-that-definitely-wont/ The Conspiracy documentary: http://www.cowspiracy.com/ Fiber and our immune systems: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1038/cti.2016.29 Lancet Planetary Health paper: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542-5196(18)30174-8/fulltext The Green Roasting Tin cookbook: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Green-Roasting-Tin-Vegetarian-Dinners/dp/1910931896 Instagram @forwhatitsearthpodcast Facebook /ForWhatItsEarth Twitter @WhatEarthPod Theme music and sound mixed by Mark Skinner.
Feb 27, 2019 · 31 min
1: Why do we need bees (and other pollinators)?
Why do we need bees in our gardens (and everywhere else)? To kick off the first series, we're sitting down to talk about honey bees, solitary bees (yes, they’re a thing), pollination, trying to figure out how to feed the world’s growing population without these stripy characters, and exploring the ways that we can make our cities, our farmlands and our own gardens or windowsills beautifully bee-friendly. All the while trying not to headbutt their microphones. Download, subscribe and tune in, let us know what you think! Things we've mentioned in the episode: Friends of the Earth Bee Saver Kit: https://friendsoftheearth.uk/bees/donate-save-britains-bees-get-your-bee-saver-kit-today Four Ways to Help The Bees: https://sustainableamerica.org/blog/four-ways-to-help-bees/ Bee-Friendly Plants for Your Garden: https://www.thompson-morgan.com/save-the-bees-with-bee-friendly-plants Silence of the Bees: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/silence-of-the-bees-how-can-you-help-the-bees/36/ Urban Bee-Keeping: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2018/01/25/urban-beekeeping-harming-wild-bees-says-cambridge-university/ Instagram @forwhatitsearthpodcast Facebook /ForWhatItsEarth Twitter @WhatEarthPod Theme music and sound mix by Mark Skinner.
Feb 20, 2019 · 29 sec
For What It's Earth Trailer
Hello and welcome to For What It's Earth! Your brand new environment and sustainability podcast explaining the science behind what’s going on in the world, and exploring the things that we can do to make a little bit of a big difference. Each week we sit down and look at a different topic, from plastics to palm oil and from conservation to cosmetics, sharing good ideas in a world of bad news. Join us for a new episode every Wednesday. Hosted by Emma Brisdion and Lloyd Hopkins. Instagram @forwhatitsearthpodcast Facebook /ForWhatItsEarth Twitter @WhatEarthPod