In this episode, I chat with Abby Chicken, Head of Sustainability at Openreach and Vice Chair of the Surrey Wildlife Trust, about how businesses can truly embrace sustainability beyond the token gestures.

Abby shares how companies can partner with conservation organisations, engage employees meaningfully, and make biodiversity a core part of their strategy—even if you're running a warehouse or an office. We also dig into how nature connection boosts mental health, employee retention, and even financial performance.

Whether you're an executive, an employee looking to spark change, or just someone wanting to make your workplace greener, this episode is full of actionable ideas to bring sustainability to life, one small (but impactful) step at a time. Don't miss Abby's tips on making changes that stick!

Here are the highlights:

(1:40) Challenges in Engaging Businesses on Biodiversity

(6:15) Building Bridges Between Industry and Charities

(11:46) Carbon Literacy and Its Impact

(27:28) Lessons Learned and Key Takeaways

(33:16) Making Sustainability Efforts Stick

(45:21)Addressing Common Excuses and Misconceptions

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Connect with Abby:

Abby Chicken | LinkedIn

Home | Surrey Wildlife Trust

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Emma Burlow | LinkedIn

In this episode, I unpack the power of simplifying your message to create real impact. It’s not about bombarding people with information but boiling things down to what truly matters—making your message simple, sticky, and shared.

I’ll walk you through why complicated messages fail and how cutting out the noise helps your ideas land (and stick). We also explore how small, meaningful actions can lead to big shifts when done intentionally.

From behaviour nudges to celebrating outcomes, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you share your work more effectively and amplify its impact. Let’s make sustainability stick.

Here are the highlights:

(2:03) Impactful Messaging

(4:44) The Importance of Simplicity

(8:00) Making Messages Stick

(14:03) The Role of Sharing

Links:

BJ Fogg Tiny Habits

https://youtu.be/jsbF9z6adAo?si=3IjiZGyEU8ZddEuU&t=26

Book Tiny Habits By Bj Fogg | New | 9780753553244 | World of Books

Or try your local library for a copy.

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Emma Burlow | LinkedIn

In this episode of "Straight Talking Sustainability," we tackle one of the biggest puzzles in modern business—why is circularity so challenging to implement? From rethinking ownership to reusing, repairing, and recycling, we explore the many loops that make up a circular economy and why so few businesses get it right. You’ll hear real-world examples of success and struggle, from pioneering companies embracing change to the systemic barriers holding others back.

We’ll also share actionable advice on how businesses can shift from wasteful, linear models to thriving circular systems that create value and build customer loyalty. Whether you're curious about circular design or wondering how to make reuse the default in your own business, this episode is packed with insights to inspire and motivate.

Here are the Highlights:

(02:55) The 10 R Strategies and Their Importance

(06:49) Barriers to Circular Business Models

(10:42) Consumer Behavior and Market Trends

(15:33) Mainstreaming Circularity

(19:17) Practical Steps for Implementing Circularity

Helpful Links:

R10 The Circular Economy: The 10R’s Model

CE100 CE100 | Lighthouse Sustainability

145 podcast episodes from circular businesses

Circular Economy Podcast with Catherine Weetman

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Emma Burlow | LinkedIn

In this episode, I sit down with Andy Middleton, an innovative leader in sustainability and a true advocate for long-term thinking.

From his roots in the rugged coastlines of Wales to his transformative work with businesses, Andy shares why embracing nature and systemic change is crucial for creating a better future.

We unpack his compelling concept of ambitious leadership—being “the most realistic person in the room” by focusing on what truly matters for future generations.

Andy also offers practical advice on how to bring nature into the conversation with businesses, even those struggling to see the connection.

Whether it’s shifting mindsets, building resilience, or finding the courage to push boundaries, this episode is packed with actionable insights to inspire change at any level.

Here are the highlights:

(1:12) Andy Middleton's Career and Perspective

(4:33) Time Scales and Long-Term Thinking

(8:01) Ambition and Realism in Sustainability

(18:35) Connecting Businesses to Nature

(25:40) Innovation and Designing for the Future

(34:40) Encouraging Support and Recognition

Links:

R10 The Circular Economy: The 10R’s Model

CE100 CE100 | Lighthouse Sustainability

145 podcast episodes from circular businesses

Circular Economy Podcast with Catherine Weetman

Book a Power Hour with Emma

https://calendly.com/emma-lighthouse/power-hour

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Emma Burlow | LinkedIn

In this episode, I tackle the ongoing debate surrounding COP conferences—are they a productive force for climate action or an outdated exercise in bureaucracy?

We'll look at key criticisms, like the influence of fossil fuel companies and the perceived inefficiency of the process and explore why these meetings might still be one of the most critical tools we have for global change.

We'll discuss why change is often slow, why foundations matter more than grand gestures, and how businesses can align their strategies with global targets.

Whether you're a seasoned sustainability advocate or just trying to make sense of the headlines, this episode is about finding clarity in the chaos.

Here are the highlights:

(1:03) COP 26 and COP 27: Context and Controversies

(3:40) Historical Context and Hosting of COP Conferences

(9:35) Achievements and Evolution of COP

(14:17) Challenges and Future of COP

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Emma Burlow | LinkedIn

In this episode, I’m opening the door to the behind-the-scenes world of carbon literacy training. Over the years, I’ve trained more than a thousand people, and today, I’m sharing the confessions, challenges, and joys that come with equipping individuals and businesses with the knowledge to confidently discuss and act on climate change.

From tackling misinformation to breaking down intimidating topics like Net Zero and Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, we’re covering it all—plus the transformative power of peer learning and small but meaningful steps toward change.

Whether you’re a seasoned sustainability advocate or just dipping your toes into the world of carbon literacy, this episode is packed with real-world insights, unexpected outcomes, and strategies to create lasting impact

Here are the highlights:

(2:22) Structure and Content of Carbon Literacy Training

(3:30) Confessions of a Carbon Literacy Trainer

(10:50) Addressing Emotional Responses and Pacing the Training

(13:53) The Role of Trainers and Creating a Stable Platform

(17:34) Conclusion and Next Steps

Carbon Literacy Training for Business | Lighthouse Sustainability

Train the Trainer for Carbon Literacy | Lighthouse Sustainability

Home - The Carbon Literacy Project

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Emma Burlow | LinkedIn

In this episode, I’m joined by Jen Gale, a sustainability advocate who knows what it’s like to navigate the everyday challenges of green living.

From starting her journey with a year of “buying nothing new” to founding the online community Sustainable-ish, Jen shares how she found her passion for making eco-conscious choices feel accessible (and a bit less intimidating) for all of us.

Together, we explore ways to nudge sustainable choices into the mainstream—without the guilt trip. Jen offers insights into the power of small actions, the value of imperfect efforts, and why we don’t all need to be experts to make a difference.

If you’re curious about making sustainability a part of your life without overhauling it overnight, this episode is for you.

Here are the highlights:

(3:06) Jen's Career Path and Challenges

(14:23) Sustainability in the Veterinary Field

(29:04) Engaging Businesses and Communities

(46:16) Personal Reflections and Mantras

More about Jen:

Sustainable(ish) – The home of easy, everyday sustainability for the #imperfectlygreen

Vet Sustain

Let's Go Zero

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Emma Burlow | LinkedIn

Welcome to the very first episode of Straight Talking Sustainability

Today, we're tackling one of the most overlooked tools in your sustainability arsenal: your personal influence. Ever feel like you're “too small to make a difference”? You’re not alone—but the reality is, your influence is more powerful than you think.

I’m breaking down five strategies to amplify your impact, whether you're leading a team, managing a business, or inspiring your local community. From harnessing peer influence to creating a ripple effect through everyday conversations, these tips are designed to help you spark real change.

We’ll cover how to find sustainability allies, leverage the “contagion effect,” and create a supportive network that makes sustainable choices the norm rather than the exception. If you’ve been itching to amplify your sustainability efforts, this episode is packed with practical ways to turn your influence into your superpower.

Here are the highlights:

(3:49) The Contagion Effect and Role Modelling

(6:15) Finding and Utilising Allies

(11:53) The Role of Leaders and Supporters

(15:24) Magnifying Impact through Everyday Conversations

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Emma Burlow | LinkedIn