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Wayne & Koda: Walk The Coast of Britain, Eco-Anxiety and Nature Connection

Wayne & Koda: Walk The Coast of Britain, Eco-Anxiety and Nature Connection

#LitterHeroes Wayne & Koda are walking the whole of the UK coast litter picking along the way.

Wayne & Koda are truely inspiring every day heroes!  If you are ever in any doubt about what is possible in life then this is the inspirational story for you!

Wayne Dixon, from Lancashire, has overcome addiction, mental health problems, a broken neck, grief and financial difficulties but none of that stopped him from following his true passion.  He is walking the entire coast of Britain picking up every piece of litter he passes along the way and is showing us how one passionate person CAN create positive change.

Wayne & Koda

Photo c/o Bude Today

Wayne became frustrated at how society treated his bi-polar father; frustrated at how his peers were stuck in a cycle of heroine addition; and frustrated at the lack of respect society has for its environment.  He has worked a a support worker and experienced first hand the problems of our current society.  Now more than ever, people are overwhelmed by concerns about our environment.  But as those in power seem to ignore the impact they could have and instead appear to support those making it worse.  The rich are getting richer and the problems in society continue to be under supported.  This hass given Wayne the drive to keep going, to talk about his story, to raise awareness of the problems and inspire the next generations to be different.

We NEED people like Wayne.  There are so many priviledge folk talking about plastic but there are people from ALL WALKS OF LIFE who are taking action, and creating change.

Wayne & Koda

After his dad passed away leaving him Koda, a Northern Inuit dog, Wayne decided it was time to follow his long dream to walk the coast of Britain. Despite living on an income of only £50/week, he set off on in February 2016 and is picking up every single piece of litter he walks past along the way!

Wayne & Koda

Eco-Anxiety

There is a long intro from me on this episode as I include some advice on dealing with eco-anxiety.  It felt poignent, partly as it is a hot topic right now, but also because Wayne talks at length about the mental health issues he has faced and also that his father experienced.  Eco-Anxiety is a normal response to the current threats but allowing the anxiety to take hold doesnt put us in a mindset where we can take action.

I have set up a support group th deal with this as part of the solution is to find your tribe and create a suppport network.

I explain this in more detain in the episode but essentially it comes down to ACTS.

Acknowlede and Accept

Create Plans

Think about your impact

Support group

Another key is getting outside, reconnecting with nature and that is exactly what has saved Wayne and helped him to gain the clarity and mindset he needed to take action.

Wayne & Koda

Wayne & Koda

I was privileged to catch up with Wayne & Koda back in July 2019 when his walk brought him into Brighton and Hove.

If the story resonates with you then please support his campaign to raise money for the mental health charity Mind.  He has already raised a third of his £30k target!

Mind Fundraiser

Wayne and Koda Facebook page

Twitter

Instagram

More about Wayne’s journey here:

Keep Britain Tidy

You Tube Short

You Tube Clip

This podcast was edited by Wee Bird Design and Clare Talks!

Clare Talks Rubbish is a podcast brought to you by Clare Talks, a Coach and Ocean Advocate.  We are on a mission to inspire you to break outside the status quo, to create a wave of change.  We want to inspire and help change makers, leaders and every day heroes.  We love supporting and connecting people so do get in touch if you think we can be of assistance.

Join the Eco-Anxiety Support Group Here

Helping you to clear out the rubbish and create space for boundless opportunities!

 

Podcast available on Stitcher, Spotify, Podbean and Apple Podcast.

 

Join the Eco-Anxiety Support Group

Your guide out of eco-anxiety into ACTion.  A support group of fellow concerned citizens, change makers and businesses.  YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

Oceans 8 Brighton New Year Resolutions 2020 Eco-tips

Oceans 8 Brighton New Year Resolutions 2020 Eco-tips

The Oceans 8 Brighton team got together for this Christmas special to give their top eco tips and advice for New Year Resolutions 2020.

Who are Oceans 8 Brighton?

Oceans 8 Brighton is a co-operative consultancy partnership of Brighton and Hove based women who are leading the way for ocean plastic solutions.  We have over 100 years of experience in waste solutions and are available for consultancy, media expertise, corporate events and public speaking.  You may have already heard about the massive ‘Rubbish Heist’ we pulled off in the Summer after Brighton Pride, if not you can read about it here.  2 tonnes were collected in a few hours by a huge team of disco dancing volunteers.  It was an amazing feat of community spirit.

Six of the Ocean’s 8 Brighton team got together for our Christmas drinks and I thought it was too good an opportunity to miss getting their shared knowledge out there for my podcast listeners.  Sadly Amy Gibson and Louise McCurdy couldnt make it and were missed.

We share top tips on New Year resolutions 2020 and ways that you can resolve to help the planet in 2020. We also discuss how you can change habits and reframe your mindset. Amid the prosecco and nibbles it is an incredibly positive conversation which I personally found helpfully uplifting!

Some New Year Resolutions 2020 tips:

  • Be careful where you keep and how you spend your money (Claire Potter)
  • Get your energy from a company that genuinely provides renewable energy (Atlanta Cook)
  • Think about what is important to you and what motivates you so that you can find your why.  Then start tiny and build new habits up one by one. (Clare Osborn)
  • Slow down, consume less and share more (Melanie Rees)
  • Join a community that is putting pressure on policy makers (Mala Nathan)
  • Embrace Reuse and sharing – if you need a new thing can you get pre-loved or perhaps borrow it? (Cat Fletcher)

We mention:

Atomic Habits – James Clear

Triodos

Co-Op Bank

Ecotricity

Too Good To Go

Ethical Consumer Magazine

Laundromat Film (on Netflix)

Doughnut Economics – Kate Raworth

Podcast available on Stitcher, Spotify, Podbean and Apple Podcast.

 

All photos by the amazing Alex Bamford.

This podcast was edited by Chloe Aust and marketing contributions by Megan Youngs. More about the team here.

Clare Talks Rubbish is a podcast brought to you by Clare Talks, a Coach and Ocean Advocate.  We are on a mission to inspire you to break outside the status quo, to create a wave of change.  We want to inspire and help change makers, leaders and every day heroes.  We love supporting and connecting people so do get in touch if you think we can be of assistance.

 

Helping you to clear out the rubbish and create space for boundless opportunities!
The Modern Milkman

The Modern Milkman

The Modern Milkman: Can technology save the planet?

After watching the Blue Planet 2 episode with the sperm whale baby eating the plastic bucket, Paul White and three of his friends decided that they needed to be a part of the solution.  

With a background in farming and agriculture and a desire to change the face of grocery shopping The Modern Milkman was born.  

After some trial and error involving freezing cold dark mornings in a truck with a broken window.  Then traipsing around with a notepad and pen in the rain following up deliveries, the four friends realised they needed a new approach.  

the modern milkman

The Modern Milkman embraces technology to manage customers demands an map out the most economical route and they have big ambitions to become the most sustainable grocery delivery service in the UK.  But it isn’t all about profit margins and business, they have recognised that there is a need to support local producers and local farmers to be sustainable and cost effective.  And they want to prove the model works so that it can be replicated elsewhere and create a ripple effect of positive change.  

It seems they are well on their way to that goal as they have expanded rapidly from one small round of 100 customers to over 6000 and now cover a large swathe of Lancashire and Greater Manchester.

the modern milkman

They are aiming to cater for everyone too and have oat milk in glass bottles, bakery goods, including vegan items, local muesli’s AND washing up liquid all in reusable containers. The range is constantly expanding too.

the modern milkman

I really enjoyed this conversation with Paul White, one of the founders of The Modern Milkman and you might also hear his dog wondering around in the background.  

Another fantastic example of how passionate individuals can lead the way to a circular economy future.  Paul gives his tips and advice to other eco-entrepreneurs thinking about setting up their own enterprise. And explains how the Modern Milkman plans to support the community far beyond being a grocery delivery service.

I am excited to follow their journey and know you will love this episode.

To find out more and if you are in their catchment area check out their app:

The Modern Milkman Website

Get the App on Apple

Get the App on Android

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

The Modern milkman

This podcast was edited by Chloe Aust and marketing contributions by Megan Youngs. More about the team here.

Clare Talks Rubbish is a podcast brought to you by Clare Talks, a Coach and Ocean Advocate.  We are on a mission to inspire you to break outside the status quo, to create a wave of change.  We want to inspire and help change makers, leaders and every day heroes.  We love supporting and connecting people so do get in touch if you think we can be of assistance.

 

Helping you to clear out the rubbish and create space for boundless opportunities!
glass bottle milk

 milk delivery

Podcast available on Stitcher, Spotify, Podbean and Apple Podcast.

 

For more tips and advice check out 7 Ways to Reduce Plastic Waste

Turning Your Passion into a Sustainable Business: Rob Thompson

Turning Your Passion into a Sustainable Business: Rob Thompson

Season Two of the Clare Talks Rubbish Podcast Launches today. Episode 1 is with innovator an award winning Rob Thompson of Odyssey Innovation. Rob has created the world’s first ever marine recycled kayak and is moving on to make even more products with his new marine recovered material.

Scuba Diver turned Innovator

Rob was managing estates in Cornwall a few years ago and is a prime example of how following your passion can create endless opportunities. Rob is now the proud owner of a sustainable eco business and talks about his journey in this episode.

A great conversation for anyone out there who has any doubt that you can make a career from your passion. He is challenging the business status quo and setting an example for a circular economy future.  

Rob is a scuba diver who was fed up with finding idyllic coves in Cornwall full of plastic rubbish so decided to do something about it.

Fathoms Free

After rallying friends together, diving remote spots and debriefing on a cliff top around a camp fire, Fathoms Free was born.  Regular dives against debris ensued but Rob was still not satisfied as the rubbish they collected was still going into landfill.

World First Marine Recycled Kayak

Most people would have stopped at that point but after years of research, networking and hard graft, Rob has created the world’s first ever marine recycled kayaks from a new material he calls Gyre 2.

Rob had no background in materials, product development or indeed business and he shares his journey and advice on following your passion to create a sustainable business.

You can find more about the Marine Recycled Kayaks, Handplanes and other products on the Odyssey Innovation website.  There you will also find information about the Paddle For Plastic Campaign and the Ocean Recovery net collection campaign.

Other mentions:

Project Aware

Neptune’s Army of Rubbish Cleaners

Sea Shepherd Ghost Net Campaign

Global Ghost Gear Initiative

Paddle For Plastic Facebook Group

Paddle Cleanup Toolkit

This podcast was edited by Chloe Aust and marketing contributions by Megan Youngs. More about the team here.

Clare Talks Rubbish is a podcast brought to you by Clare Talks, a Coach and Ocean Advocate.  We are on a mission to inspire you to break outside the status quo, to create a wave of change.  We want to inspire and help change makers, leaders and every day heroes.  We love supporting and connecting people so do get in touch if you think we can be of assistance.

 

Helping you to clear out the rubbish and create space for boundless opportunities!

 

Podcast available on Stitcher, Spotify, Podbean and Apple Podcast.

 

How to Inspire the Next Generation of Ocean Superheroes by Treading Lighter

How to Inspire the Next Generation of Ocean Superheroes by Treading Lighter

How to inspire the next ocean superhero – ya know, the ones who have to pick up the pieces of our mistakes!

A conversation with ocean superhero Libby Bowles aka Tread Lighter Lib. 

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead

The quote by Margaret Mead is one of Libby’s favourites so it seems fitting to start with it.  If that isnt a reason to start your ocean superhero today then I dont know what is!

This episode is for you if:

  • You want to inspire the next generation of ocean super heroes.
  • You have children, are a teacher or just want to inspire them to become guardians of their own future planet.
  • You love Manta Rays or Whalesharks of diving or the Ocean
  • You like cycle touring
  • You are interested in bamboo bikes
  • You like hearing stories from ordinary people who have decided to do something positive to change the world

tread lighter 

Who is Tread Lighter Lib?

I met Libby on the very first #PaddleCleanup expedition that I took part in.  We instantly connected over our passion for the oceans creatures, diving and rubbish.  We spent the rest of our week  paddling together canoodling in the ‘dumpster’ canoe and planning world rubbish domination.

It was just before Libby took off on her bike made of grass to cycle the length of New Zealand.  Then accross Africa (on a different bike)! We could have done a whole other podcast about Sunny her amazing bamboo bike and her cycle touring trips! 

ocean superheroes

Treading Lighter

Libby is a primary school teacher by profession although she quit her teaching job after one of her students set her a challenge to walk her talk.  She is a walking example of how following your passions creates opportunitites that you otherwise might not have seen.

Since she quit her teaching job in October 2017 she has spoken to over 9,000 school children and 2,000 adults, cleaned more than a few beaches, got better at cycling up hills and met some of my own conservation heroes along the way!  Including oceanography legend Dr Sylvia Earle, South African freediver Hanli Prinsloo, Jack Johnson, Ingrid Visser the orca scientist (just a litttle bit envious of this one!), Marcus and Anna from the 5Gyres Institute, and environmental campaigner Natalie Fee, founder of City To Sea.

She is based in Bristol and available to talk at your school or event so do get in touch if you have a collective of next generation ambassadors waiting to happen!

 

ocean superhero

She mentions:

Global Vision International

Dr Andrea Marshall

Dr Simon Pierce

Bamboo Bicycle Club 

Jane Goodall

Roots and Shoots

Wonder by R J Palacio: 

Eco-Anxiety

Libby also talks about Eco-Anxiety which is a term that keeps coming up in the circles I spend my time in.  It is touch to stay positive in the face of so much environmental crisis sometimes, however as the Margaret Mead quote suggests change is possible and we are the people who can facilitate that change.  One of the best ways to overcmoe overwhelm or procrastination is to break down the issues and set smaller realistic goals for yourself, your business or project.  I can help you to overcome eco-anxiety and please get in touch via my coaching pages for a free chat to see how I can help you.  You never know, maybe you will become the next ocean superhero!

ocean superhero

Find Libby:

Tread Lighter Website

Facebook

Instagram

Libby doesnt mention her own mini super hero Pip the Wonder Pup but you can follow him here.

Podcast edited by the wonderful Chloe Aust

Please do comment and review as it helps to spread the word of positive change.

Thank you!

Podcast available on Stitcher, Spotify, Podbean and Apple Podcast.

 

 

bamboo bike 

ocean superhero

ocean superhero

Make Eco-Anxiety a thing of the past

By breaking down the issues that you are facing in your own life and in the greater world, I can help you navigate onto a better path.  We need to invest in ourselves to be able to step up and do what is needed to protect our natural world.  Clarity on your values and clear steps forward help to clear the overwhelm and the procrastination! Get in touch to see how I can help you.

E9: Atlanta Cook: How To Be An Effective Ocean Activist

E9: Atlanta Cook: How To Be An Effective Ocean Activist

How to be an effective ocean activist – a question on many people’s mind at the moment.  

Surfers Against Sewage

Atlanta Cook has been campaigning for the ocean for a very long time and has not only set up several grass roots projects herself, she was also there at the start of Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) and is the only Honorary Life Member of SAS.

ocean activist

Atlanta is a surfer, a boogie boarder and has some very beautiful things to say about the ocean.  We talk about how its majesty and power get under your skin and bring tears to your eyes when you befriend it as much as surfers do.

Mermaid

Atlanta first came under my radar when Incredible Oceans Event Manager, Grace Walker and I two handedly pulled off a huge outdoor event with mermaids, sea shanties and a giant inflatable Orca.  Atlanta is a regular at the same Brighton Annual March of the Mermaids, usually accompanied by her daughter.  I’m sure Atlanta is part mermaid for real!

Global Activist

Atlanta has worked on ocean issues at a global level with the Seas At Risk Federation and was able to give Surfers Against Sewage a voice on an international stage.  But it all started with raves at the Zap in Brighton and boogie boarding with world class boogie boarder Jago Eliot who has now sadly passed away.

ocean activist

Ocean Activist

Back in the early 90s while surfing in Cornwall, Atlanta became aware of the water quality issues and joined forces with SAS bringing their first outpost to Brighton in 1991.  Spurred on by the death of 8 year old Heather Preen they successfully campaigned to improve water quality and prevent as much raw effluent being discharged into our seas.  The Safer Seas programme is the legacy of that campaign.

Not happy with that, Atlanta took over a local community centre and campaigned to prevent a local nature reserve from becoming a commercial enterprise and has now secured a chunk of funding to turn that into a community classroom that will enable her team and others to run workshops for school groups, working alongside Living Coasts.

I learnt so much from this conversation, about so many different environmental issues that I only knew about from a surface level..  If you want to know more about how to campaign effectively using simple messaging then you will love listening to Atlanta’s story.  Her determination is totally awe inspiring.

Learn More:

Atlanta Cook Marine Environment Consultancy Website

Facebook

Support the Beacon Hub Crowd Fund

Photo by Mi Elverson for Ruby Moon Swimwear

More from Atlanta on this Q&A Blog

From Atlanta:

Correction: I’m not the only Honorary Life Member of @surfersagainstsewage there are other former directors, campaign executives and strategists that are lucky enough to have had this wonderful title bestowed on them. I wear this hat with respect and honour for the Cornish surfing families that launched the Surfers Against Sewage Campaign For Clean Seas in 1990.

Correction: I was a bit nervous and mistakenly said that HIV can live for up to 100 days in the marine environment, it’s actually Hepatitis A that can do that.

Podcast edited by the wonderful Chloe Aust

Please do comment and review as it helps to spread the word of positive change.

Thank you!

oceans 8 ocean activist

Podcast available on Stitcher, Spotify, Podbean and Apple Podcast.

 

Follow socials to get the next episode as it is released.