Ethical Hour Podcast

Brooks & Sharpe is an online platform that curates the very best in independent, eco friendly luxury fashion brands. They're on a mission to prove that eco friendly fashion is not boring and unfashionable, but simply the way fashion should be done. Founder Pam comes from an entrepreneurial background and worked in the fashion industry for a number of years before she began selling clothes on eBay and Asos marketplace. Realising that the fast fashion model wasn't for her, Pam decided to pivot and create a brand with products she believed in and an ethos she could proudly shout about. Today, Brooks & Sharpe curate brands that are passionate about their craft and desire to do better in the fashion industry. We talk about the challenges involved in building a brand from the ground up, fighting against fast fashion and changing the face of the industry through the power of shopping small and supporting each other. Find out more and follow Brooks & Sharpe's journey on their website: https://brooksandsharpe.com/ Today's episode is brought to you by Brooks & Sharpe.   Brooks & Sharpe is an online platform that curates the very best in independent, eco friendly luxury fashion brands. They curate brands that are passionate about their craft and desire to do better in the fashion industry. Although these brands are small and sometimes new to the industry, they are producing fashion in a way that empowers communities, pays everyone involved in the production cycle a fair wage, responsibly sourcing fabrics, produce fashion in limited quantities and make high quality clothes that last. All of the styles you’ll see on Brooks & Sharpe's site are limited editions, specialist collections, and even one-off pieces, so you can be sure you’ll find something unique to you. Brooks & Sharpe never promote brands or designers who use real fur in any of their collections for Brooks & Sharpe – or for anybody else. They're animal lovers and stand against animal exploitation. They'll wear the prints, but never the pelts. Find out more and shop the collections now on Brooks & Sharpe's website: https://brooksandsharpe.com/   If you're interested in starting or growing a business with purpose, you can access tailored training, advice and support inside the #EthicalHour community: ethicalhour.co.uk/our-community/  

Eco-Stylist is an online marketplace for eco-conscious and ethically made men's clothing. Menswear is often unrepresented in the sector, but Founder Garik Himebaugh is committed to bringing stylish and sustainable clothing to the mainstream. Finding sustainably and ethically made clothes can be hard work, but Eco-Stylist believe it shouldn't be. In today's episode we discuss start-up life, building an ethical brand, the complexities of the ethical fashion industry, and how Garik is giving back through 1% For The Planet. Find out more and follow Eco-Stylist's journey on their website: https://www.eco-stylist.com/ Today's episode is brought to you by Green Gathering - a festival ‘beyond hedonism’ powered by wind, sun and people. Four days of low impact living in an area of outstanding beauty... every nook and corner bursting with music, comedy, creativity, campaigns and natural abundance. Intimate solar stages showcase up-and-coming acts, legendary festival favourites, DJs, poets, activist comedians and spellbinding raconteurs. Share wisdom and skills; find friends old and new; weave, weld and tell stories. Have a party... then wake up and put the world to rights! Take the festival spirit home with you. 1st-4th August 2019 in wooded splendour on the Welsh border just 18 miles from Bristol. Be inspired. Make change. Go to greengathering.org.uk If you're interested in starting or growing a business with purpose, you can access tailored training, advice and support inside the #EthicalHour community: ethicalhour.co.uk/our-community/

Today we're talking all about how creating change requires community action. Cllr Shane Collins is one of the directors of The Green Gathering - a community interest company and the only festival in the UK powered by renewable energy. Shane is also a long time green activist, district councillor and leader of the Green Party group on Mendip DC. Today we discuss how we can do more as consumers, citizens and activists to bring about positive change within the current political system. Today's episode is brought to you by Green Gathering - a festival ‘beyond hedonism’ powered by wind, sun and people. Four days of low impact living in an area of outstanding beauty... every nook and corner bursting with music, comedy, creativity, campaigns and natural abundance. Intimate solar stages showcase up-and-coming acts, legendary festival favourites, DJs, poets, activist comedians and spellbinding raconteurs. Share wisdom and skills; find friends old and new; weave, weld and tell stories. Have a party... then wake up and put the world to rights! Take the festival spirit home with you. 1st-4th August 2019 in wooded splendour on the Welsh border just 18 miles from Bristol. Be inspired. Make change. Go to greengathering.org.uk If you're interested in starting or growing a business with purpose, you can access tailored training, advice and support inside the #EthicalHour community: ethicalhour.co.uk/our-community/

Secret Projects are empowering women in India. Founder Fritha was inspired to start the business when she realised that microfinance programmes had increased skills and production, but hadn't created a market for women to sell their products - which was keeping them stuck in a poverty cycle. She already had a product that was selling well in the UK market, so by shifting ethical production to India, she could solve this problem and tackle social issues too. Secret Projects now partner with NGOs and provide support on a grassroots level to empower women and their communities. Their Prevention Through Production programme supports women who are survivors, or at risk, of human trafficking. By producing Secret Sari Dresses women and girls gain access to an income generating activity in an area where there are little or no such opportunities and are thereby prevented from being trafficked or re-trafficked. Today Fritha joins me on the Ethical Hour podcast to share her story, the highs and lows of running an ethical business and why she will never stop thinking commercially about social problems. This is a must listen if you're interested in ethical fashion, conscious consumerism or starting a business to make a difference. Find out more about Secret Projects and shop the collection on their website: https://www.secretprojects.org And don't forget to follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secret.projects/   If you're interested in starting or growing a business with purpose, you can access tailored training, advice and support inside the #EthicalHour community: https://ethicalhour.co.uk/our-community/   Today's episode is brought to you by Green Gathering - a festival ‘beyond hedonism’ powered by wind, sun and people. Four days of low impact living in an area of outstanding beauty... every nook and corner bursting with music, comedy, creativity, campaigns and natural abundance. Intimate solar stages showcase up-and-coming acts, legendary festival favourites, DJs, poets, activist comedians and spellbinding raconteurs. Share wisdom and skills; find friends old and new; weave, weld and tell stories. Have a party... then wake up and put the world to rights! Take the festival spirit home with you. 1st-4th August 2019 in wooded splendour on the Welsh border just 18 miles from Bristol. Be inspired. Make change. Go to greengathering.org.uk

CoGo began life as a grassroots scheme in New Zealand where cafes and shops could put stickers in their window to show their allegiance to different ethical causes. Today the app helps customers shop in line with their values, and uses big data to provide a business case to encourage corporations to become more ethical and sustainable. Every business and consumer has their own set of ethical priorities - CoGo brings everyone’s views together to paint a picture of the most pressing issues and what consumers and businesses are doing about them. Using the app can help you find more businesses that align to your values and use your voice for change through your everyday spending. In today’s episode, Ben Gleisner, CEO of CoGo, joins me to discuss ethical consumerism, the attitude/behaviour gap and how we can create change on a bigger scale. Find out more and download CoGo in the App Store or Google Play: https://cogo.co/ If you're interested in starting or growing a business with purpose, you can access tailored training, advice and support inside the #EthicalHour community: https://ethicalhour.co.uk/our-community/ Today's episode is brought to you by Green Gathering - a festival ‘beyond hedonism’ powered by wind, sun and people. Four days of low impact living in an area of outstanding beauty... every nook and corner bursting with music, comedy, creativity, campaigns and natural abundance. Intimate solar stages showcase up-and-coming acts, legendary festival favourites, DJs, poets, activist comedians and spellbinding raconteurs. Share wisdom and skills; find friends old and new; weave, weld and tell stories. Have a party... then wake up and put the world to rights! Take the festival spirit home with you. Be inspired. Make change. Go to greengathering.org.uk

Today's guest is social entrepreneur Joshua Schukman, co-founder of Impact Business Base, founder of Social Change Nation and host of the Dollar and a Difference show. Josh has worked with social entrepreneurs all around the world on a whole range of causes for over a decade. He has so much advice to share about the social impact start-up life. He's also a digital nomad, living full time on the road in an airstream caravan! In this episode we talk about the shift to the "new normal" in business - a world where all businesses have a triple bottom line of people, planet and profit. We discuss lean startup methodology and how social entrepreneurs can get their ideas off the ground to help the causes they care about most. Find out more about Impact Business Base: https://www.impactbusinessbase.com/ If you're interested in starting or growing a business with purpose, you can access tailored training, advice and support inside the #EthicalHour community: https://ethicalhour.co.uk/our-community/ Today's episode is brought to you by Too Good To Go - an app that lets everyone do their bit to reduce waste, while also getting delicious food and supporting local businesses. The businesses get to reduce their waste and also have potential new customers try out their food. Both contribute to a better environment. Win-Win-Win! Find out more and join the food waste revolution! https://toogoodtogo.co.uk Download Too Good To Go on the App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/too-good-to-go/id1060683933?mt=8 Get the App on Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.tgtg&hl=en Follow Too Good To Go on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toogoodtogoUKInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/toogoodtogo.uk/Twitter: https://twitter.com/toogoodtogo_uk

Maria and Charlotte have been friends since they were 16 years old, when they met on an exchange programme at school. Now they run an award winning ethical accessories business across International borders as Charlotte is in the UK and Maria is in Brazil! From Belo are committed to feeding kindness into the world - giving opportunities to Brazilian artisans, creating beautiful accessories with waste materials and using their profits to support an organisation that helps those in need. In today's episode we discuss how stylish ethical fashion can be, the importance of kindness and how to start a social impact business. Find out more about From Belo on their website: https://www.frombelo.com/ Today's episode is brought to you by Too Good To Go - an app that lets everyone do their bit to reduce waste, while also getting delicious food and supporting local businesses. The businesses get to reduce their waste and also have potential new customers try out their food. Both contribute to a better environment. Win-Win-Win! Find out more and join the food waste revolution! https://toogoodtogo.co.uk Download Too Good To Go on the App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/too-good-to-go/id1060683933?mt=8 Get the App on Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.tgtg&hl=en Follow Too Good To Go on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toogoodtogoUKInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/toogoodtogo.uk/Twitter: https://twitter.com/toogoodtogo_uk If you're interested in starting or growing a business with purpose, you can access tailored training, advice and support inside the #EthicalHour community: https://ethicalhour.co.uk/our-community/

The food industry has a massive impact on people, the planet and animals. Through the Food Heroes Podcast, Katie Jones shine a light on the good guys going down the more difficult road of ethical sourcing and production to show that ethical food production can be done! We don't always talk about where our food comes from or how it's made, but there are so many issues from labour rights, to climate change, packaging, animal welfare and more. Katie has talked to everybody from Fairtrade producers through to animal welfare certified farmers. She aims to highlight the wide range of food problems and potential solutions - including the potential future of food production, such as eating insects! Food is such a part of everyday life and community. Analysing it might mean a difficult change in our habits or giving up the food we love, so Katie promotes small changes towards sustainability. In today's episode we discuss the importance of food in our everyday lives, the range of ethical concerns in food systems, convenience culture and more. Find out more and tune into the Food Heroes Podcast: https://foodheroespodcast.com/ Today's episode is brought to you by Too Good To Go - an app that lets everyone do their bit to reduce waste, while also getting delicious food and supporting local businesses. The businesses get to reduce their waste and also have potential new customers try out their food. Both contribute to a better environment. Win-Win-Win! Find out more and join the food waste revolution! https://toogoodtogo.co.uk Download Too Good To Go on the App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/too-good-to-go/id1060683933?mt=8 Get the App on Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.tgtg&hl=en Follow Too Good To Go on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toogoodtogoUKInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/toogoodtogo.uk/Twitter: https://twitter.com/toogoodtogo_uk If you're interested in starting or growing a business with purpose, you can access tailored training, advice and support inside the #EthicalHour community: https://ethicalhour.co.uk/our-community/

Today's convenience driven world has changed the way food is produced and consumed - often at a cost to the planet. Did you know that if food waste was a country, it would be the third largest emitter of greenhouse gases after the USA and China? Each year, over 10 million tonnes of food is thrown away, that’s the weight of 190 Titanics! This waste is estimated to be worth £17 billion a year. That's £700 per family per year spent on food that ultimately just ends up in the bin. One third of all food produced goes to waste, making food waste responsible for 8% of all global greenhouse gas emissions, which is bad news for the environment! Too Good To Go are on a mission to rescue meals that would otherwise go to waste. They connect consumers with restaurants, cafes and food outlets, to create 'magic bags' full of all the delicious, perfectly edible food that stores and restaurants have to throw out at the end of the day. When you become a 'Waste Warrior' through Too Good To Go, you can rescue a meal that would otherwise go to waste. You get a tasty surprise and get to do good for the environment too. In today's episode we discuss the fight against food waste, how to engage more consumers with ethics and sustainability and the power of tech for good. Today's episode is brought to you by Too Good To Go - an app that lets everyone do their bit to reduce waste, while also getting delicious food and supporting local businesses. The businesses get to reduce their waste and also have potential new customers try out their food. Both contribute to a better environment. Win-Win-Win! Find out more and join the food waste revolution! https://toogoodtogo.co.uk Download Too Good To Go on the App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/too-good-to-go/id1060683933?mt=8 Get the App on Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.tgtg&hl=en Follow Too Good To Go on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toogoodtogoUKInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/toogoodtogo.uk/Twitter: https://twitter.com/toogoodtogo_uk Join our free Ethical Hour Facebook community to connect with like-minded people and learn more: www.facebook.com/groups/1807868079472084/ If you love the Ethical Hour podcast and want to help us tell even more inspiring stories of social impact, you can now become a patron! Find out more and support us here: https://www.patreon.com/Ethicalhour

Palm oil is a complicated issue which has dominated recent headlines. This week on the podcast I'm joined by Ruth Strange from Ethical Consumer to unpick the issues involved. Ethical Consumer is an independent, not-for-profit, multi-stakeholder co-operative with open membership, founded in 1989 and based in Manchester. For over 25 years they have been the hub of the ethical consumer movement, helping consumers to shop ethically, campaigners to challenge corporate power and businesses to improve their supply chain. Their mission is to make global businesses more sustainable through consumer pressure. Each day we all make choices according to our personal ethics. Ethical Consumer provides the tools and resources you need to make these choices simple, informed and effective. They've developed the world's most sophisticated and simple to use, personal ethical rating system to give you the information you need, based on detailed research of over 40,000 companies, brands and products.Consumers can access this data via their unique product guides, on their website and in a bi-monthly magazine.   In today's episode we discuss what makes the palm oil issues so complex, whether you should boycott or buy responsibly sourced, and how you as a consumer can have a voice against exploitation and deforestation.   Find out more about Ethical Consumer here: https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/ Find their resources on palm oil here: https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/food-drink/palm-oil-and-consumers Read my thoughts about the Iceland Christmas palm oil campaign here: https://ethicalhour.co.uk/icelands-orangutan-do-we-really-need-a-cuddly-toy-to-remind-us-to-care/ Sabine from From Scratch shares her advice on how to challenge brands effectively using social media here: https://ethicalhour.co.uk/how-to-challenge-brands-on-their-use-of-plastic/   If you're interested in starting or growing a business with purpose, you can access tailored training, advice and support inside the #EthicalHour community: https://ethicalhour.co.uk/our-community/  

This week I'm joined by vintage expert Kate Beavis who went from a career in corporate marketing to turning a vintage blog into a successful business and starting two other ventures too! As a vegan vintage lover, Kate is passionate about living ethically, and like many of us in the #EthicalHour community she's turned her passion and hobby into a full time business. Now, based on her own PR success, Kate also runs The Indie Practice - providing PR and marketing support to small, independent creative businesses to get them seen in the media. Kate and I first met at Facebook's HQ in London at an exclusive event for community builders, and we hit it off right away discussing ethical marketing - so I felt it was time to get her on the podcast so you could listen in! In today's episode Kate shares her business journey, we talk about confidence, fighting comparison and, of course, Christmas ads and the ethics behind them!   Find out more about Kate here: http://katebeavis.com/ Follow The Indie Practice here: http://theindiepractice.com/   This episode is brought to you by Ethical Holiday. Looking for a life changing holiday? EthicalHoliday.com is a new online directory of ethical places to stay, matched with short term volunteering opportunities. Each and every listing has been handpicked for their ethical values, from paying fair wages and reinvesting into communities to caring for the environment and helping conservation efforts, so you can rest assured you’re changing lives for the better just by having a great time. There’s something to suit every interest and budget with award winning glamping breaks, cultural homestays, luxury safari camps, jungle cabins or beachside hotels. And if there’s an opportunity for you to get involved during your stay ethical holiday will suggest optional volunteering nearby, so you can experience new cultures, learn new skills and reconnect with nature. Join the ethical holiday community today to get exclusive special offers, gifts and even your own blog space to share your life changing experiences. Just head to ethicalholiday.com and Join The Community! If you're interested in starting or growing a business with purpose, you can access tailored training, advice and support inside the #EthicalHour community: https://ethicalhour.co.uk/our-community/

This week on the podcast I'm joined by Jade Hicks. Jade built a successful career as a photographer before turning her attention to the world of blogging, where she now runs The Stand Out Club - a programme designed to help bloggers own their personal brand, recognise their unique brilliance and turn their blog into a successful business. Jade is really passionate about empowering people and living ethically - some strong values she shares with Ethical Hour! In today's episode we talk all about money mindset, social media and how to show up authentically in your life, business and for your cause.   Find out more about Jade here: https://www.standoutclub.comFollow her on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/standoutclub/   This episode is brought to you by Ethical Holiday. Looking for a life changing holiday? EthicalHoliday.com is a new online directory of ethical places to stay, matched with short term volunteering opportunities. Each and every listing has been handpicked for their ethical values, from paying fair wages and reinvesting into communities to caring for the environment and helping conservation efforts, so you can rest assured you’re changing lives for the better just by having a great time. There’s something to suit every interest and budget with award winning glamping breaks, cultural homestays, luxury safari camps, jungle cabins or beachside hotels. And if there’s an opportunity for you to get involved during your stay ethical holiday will suggest optional volunteering nearby, so you can experience new cultures, learn new skills and reconnect with nature. Join the ethical holiday community today to get exclusive special offers, gifts and even your own blog space to share your life changing experiences. Just head to ethicalholiday.com and Join The Community! If you're interested in starting or growing a business with purpose, you can access tailored training, advice and support inside the #EthicalHour community: https://ethicalhour.co.uk/our-community/

Today on the Ethical Hour Podcast I speak to Impact Strategist and Business Coach Kat Luckock about how social enterprises and impact businesses can start to measure and communicate their impact. As consumers demand more from the brands they buy from, businesses and social enterprises need to cut through the greenwashing and demonstrate their impact. Telling your impact story can be a powerful marketing tool, as well as an opportunity to attract more stakeholders and even investors. Kat Luckock is a successful social entrepreneur who works with impact driven brands to measure and communicate their impact. Today she shares her advice on how to measure and use your impact as a business and marketing tool. In this episode you will learn: How to set targets and goals for your impact How to communicate your impact story to attract customers Where to start when it feels overwhelming and you wonder if you're doing enough How to create your first impact report How to use your impact to attract stakeholders and grow your business   Find out more about Kat on her website: https://shareimpact.org/   This year we're encouraging people to #ShopEthicalInstead as an alternative to Black Friday. This is a crucial time of year for small businesses and we can vote with our wallet by purchasing gifts that do good for people and the planet. Please help us spread the word and join the #ShopEthicalInstead campaign by sharing what you're doing using the hashtag!   The Be The Change Awards are now open for entries! Tell you impact story and get the recognition you deserve. Enter now! http://bethechangeawards.org/ This episode is brought to you by Ethical Holiday. Looking for a life changing holiday? EthicalHoliday.com is a new online directory of ethical places to stay, matched with short term volunteering opportunities. Each and every listing has been handpicked for their ethical values, from paying fair wages and reinvesting into communities to caring for the environment and helping conservation efforts, so you can rest assured you’re changing lives for the better just by having a great time. There’s something to suit every interest and budget with award winning glamping breaks, cultural homestays, luxury safari camps, jungle cabins or beachside hotels. And if there’s an opportunity for you to get involved during your stay ethical holiday will suggest optional volunteering nearby, so you can experience new cultures, learn new skills and reconnect with nature. Join the ethical holiday community today to get exclusive special offers, gifts and even your own blog space to share your life changing experiences. Just head to ethicalholiday.com and Join The Community! If you're interested in starting or growing a business with purpose, you can access tailored training, advice and support inside the #EthicalHour community: https://ethicalhour.co.uk/our-community/

Today on the podcast I speak to Jess Lohmann, owner of Ethical Brand Marketing, voice talent and author who has dedicated her life’s work to speaking for Mother Nature. As an advocate for animals, the environment and ethical marketing, Jess has so much value to share with us today!I first met Jess online through the #EthicalHour community, but we had the pleasure of meeting in person in May 2018 at a workshop by Liz Gilbert run in London, all about her book Big Magic (check it out if you’re interested in creativity and personal development! https://amzn.to/2QA20Oz *) Since then, we’ve formed a mastermind of women working in ethical marketing where we support each other to run and grow our businesses. We’ve worked together to grow Jessica’s Instagram presence and we’ve become friends as well as colleagues. Today we talk about finding your purpose, ethical marketing and why you need a strategy, and what it means to connect with Mother Nature and be a voice for the planet and its creatures. Find out more about Jess and her work on her websites: https://ethicalbrandmarketing.com/ https://jesslohmann.com/ Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesslohmann/ In this episode we also discuss Trash Talk’s campaign to encourage people to “strip naked in the supermarket”! Find out more about it here: https://citygirlnetwork.com/trashtalk/   This episode is brought to you by Ethical Holiday. Looking for a life changing holiday? EthicalHoliday.com is a new online directory of ethical places to stay, matched with short term volunteering opportunities. Each and every listing has been handpicked for their ethical values, from paying fair wages and reinvesting into communities to caring for the environment and helping conservation efforts, so you can rest assured you’re changing lives for the better just by having a great time. There’s something to suit every interest and budget with award winning glamping breaks, cultural homestays, luxury safari camps, jungle cabins or beachside hotels. And if there’s an opportunity for you to get involved during your stay ethical holiday will suggest optional volunteering nearby, so you can experience new cultures, learn new skills and reconnect with nature. Join the ethical holiday community today to get exclusive special offers, gifts and even your own blog space to share your life changing experiences. Just head to ethicalholiday.com and Join The Community! If you're interested in starting or growing a business with purpose, you can access tailored training, advice and support inside the #EthicalHour community: https://ethicalhour.co.uk/our-community/ *Please note, this is an affiliate link. We earn a small amount of money if you purchase through our link.

In today's episode I chat to Rosie Cook, Founder of transformational swimwear company Deakin and Blue, who were the recent winners of the Blue Patch Awards in the Sustainable Innovation category. Deakin and Blue was started when Rosie struggled to find a swimsuit that she felt great in on the high street. It's a struggle many women face, and it's actually putting them off getting in the water. 500,000 women have given up swimming in the last 10 years because of body image concerns, and 1 in 2 mums have stopped taking their child to learn to swim because of the thought of putting on a swimsuit. Deakin and Blue are on a mission to change this, and to help women, whatever their shape or size, feel great in a swimsuit. As a brand they have removed single use plastic from every stage of their supply chain, and they use a regenerated yarn to create their swimsuits - a yarn made from regenerated post-consumer waste, such as spent fishing nets. Today we talk about body positivity, how women are portrayed in advertising and the media, sustainability, plastic free and circular economy.   Find out more about Deakin and Blue and shop the collection on their website: https://www.deakinandblue.com/   The Be The Change Awards are now open for entries! Tell you impact story and get the recognition you deserve. Enter now! http://bethechangeawards.org/     This episode is brought to you by Droppoint.DropPoint provides a range of parcel postage services to charities and ethical retailers. For sending packages to your customers or stockists, or receiving back returns, you can use their fully tracked services for parcels weighing up to 15KGs. Proceeds go to support their gift in kind donation service which helps charities across the UK collect item donations from the public through their platform DropPoint.org, where you can find hundreds of items being requested. DropPoint also supports businesses and charities with their corporate social responsibility programmes wishing to collect item donations for redistribution to those in need. you can contact them via email contact@droppoint.org and find out more on their website: https://droppoint.org/ If you're interested in starting or growing a business with purpose, you can access tailored training, advice and support inside the #EthicalHour community: https://ethicalhour.co.uk/our-community/

Today on the Ethical Hour podcast, I interview Kim - founder of Plastic Free Pantry, to discuss how she first made the move to a plastic free lifestyle and felt inspired to help others do the same. There's been so much press coverage about plastic pollution this year and everyone wants to do their bit, but what difference can we really make and how can we cut out single use plastic? Kim shares some tips to get started and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Find out more about Plastic Free Pantry here: https://plasticfreepantry.co.uk/ Follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plasticfreepantryuk/   If you're interested in starting or growing a business with purpose, you can access tailored training, advice and support inside the #EthicalHour community: https://ethicalhour.co.uk/our-community/

What can we do about climate change? Recent reports paint a worrying picture about the state of the planet, with scientists warning us that we have just 12 years left to turn things around - yet globally carbon emissions are still on the rise. Many of us are feeling upset and overwhelmed - an emotional combination that often leads us to feeling like there's no point doing anything. But we'll only solve these global problems with everyone on board. In today's episode, I interview Angela Terry, an Environmental Scientist with over 18 years' experience in renewable, clean energy, including on-shore wind, hydro, solar and biomass schemes. She is one of the original pioneers of community renewables, has worked in sustainable forestry as Head of Wood Fuel for the Forestry Commission and contributed to the development of the UK Renewable Energy Strategy, as well as working as a carbon scientist in New Zealand. Angela has reported on climate change for the BBC and is also the Founder of One Home, a new website that promotes actions we can all take to reduce our impact on the planet, one step at a time. Angela's strong belief is that our changing climate is the biggest and yet, at the same time, the most understated issue we face as a society. Today she joins the Ethical Hour podcast to discuss this big issue in an easily digestible way, and to share the small swaps and changes we can all adopt to help tackle climate change.   Find out more about One Home here: https://onehome.org.uk/ Follow Angela on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ANGETERRY Switch to Bulb renewable energy and get £50 off with this referral link: bulb.co.uk/refer/sianc4916 Listen to Vicky Smith talk about sustainable travel and the impact of flying on our carbon footprint: https://ethicalhour.co.uk/sustainable-tourism-the-sdgs-and-how-storytelling-can-change-the-world/ Find out if your home is at risk of flooding: https://flood-map-for-planning.service.gov.uk/   If you're interested in starting or growing a business with purpose, you can access tailored training, advice and support inside the #EthicalHour community: ethicalhour.co.uk/our-community/

REstart Refugees is the world's first local crowdfunding platform for asylum seekers and refugees who want to activate their skills and make a living in their new communities. For more than 10 years, Founder Alexis Rhyner has worked with NGOs and non-profits, including leading international human rights projects and campaigns, and searching for creative solutions to some of the world’s biggest challenges. She has a deep understanding of the social enterprise space and is now bringing her experience and expertise to establish a platform that empowers displaced entrepreneurs and works to change the narrative about how we think of refugees. Many refugees have valuable education and experience, but remain stuck in menial jobs, isolated from mainstream society and the economy. The greatest barrier to entrepreneurship is lack of access to traditional business funding, which is not available when you're under refugee status. REstart are working to change that by involving local communities and inviting them to invest, financially and emotionally, in empowering refugees and displaced entrepreneurs to start new ventures. In this episode we talk about the power of social enterprise, the amazing changes that occur when communities empower people and the damaging media portrayal of refugees and how we can challenge and change the narrative. Find out more about REstart Refugees here: https://restartrefugees.com/ If you're interested in starting or growing a business with purpose, you can access tailored training, advice and support inside the #EthicalHour community: https://ethicalhour.co.uk/our-community/

Annie Moon is a Virtual Assistant for changemakers, with experience in CSR, philanthropy and social enterprise. She has worked across the charity, not-for-profit and community development sector on a wide range of projects, and she's now bringing her experience and insights to a new online conference, When Good Stuff Happens. When Good Stuff Happens will share interviews and insights from leaders in the philanthropy and CSR sector. In this episode, Annie gives us a sneak peek of some of the big insights learnt from When Good Stuff Happens, as well as sharing tips for how ethical and social entrepreneurs can improve their business systems and work smarter. Plus she shares what it's like to work with a virtual assistant and how it can help us grow our ethical businesses! Find out more about Annie and the services she provides here: https://www.bethedifferenceva.com/ Register for When Good Stuff Happens here: https://www.bethedifferenceva.com/when-good-stuff-happens If you're interested in starting or growing a business with purpose, you can access tailored training, advice and support inside the #EthicalHour community: https://ethicalhour.co.uk/our-community/

Jo Salter is the Founder of Where Does It Come From? An ethical fashion brand that can tell you exactly who made your clothes, where to cotton came from and how it was made at every stage of the supply chain. Jo has been on the podcast before talking about her transparent supply chains in India and how she built them - and we collaborated together to run the Ethical Brands For Fashion Revolution Event in London in April 2018. Now Jo is working on establishing ethical supply chains in Africa to bring a range of ethical African tunics to the UK. In this episode she joins us to talk about the process of setting up a new supply chain, why ethical fashion is important and what ethical considerations you need to think about when you buy cotton - and so much more! Their new range uses rain-fed cotton as a more sustainable choice of materials and the supply chain has been built to give back to the community as much as possible. Find out more about the African tunic project and support the Crowdfund campaign here: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/african-tunics Find out more about Where Does It Come From? here: https://www.wheredoesitcomefrom.co.uk/     Today's episode is brought to you by The Ethical Marketing Club, our brand new community that helps you make more money to maximise your impact. Ethical Hour have launched our marketing membership community, and we want you to be part of it. Every month you'll get exclusive resources, training, group coaching and support from Sian Conway, an ethical marketing expert, to help you develop your marketing strategy, engage your ideal customers and sell your products and services so you can make a positive impact. If you're ready to work on your marketing strategy and one-to-one consultancy isn't in your budget right now, then The Ethical Marketing Club is going to give you all the benefits of working with an ethical marketing consultant for a low cost monthly subscription of $29.99 USD - with no long term contract. This is exclusively for members of our free community, The #EthicalHour Growth Network - so make sure you're a member there first (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1807868079472084/) Once you're in, head to this post and hit the 'Join Now' Button: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1807868079472084/permalink/2153237228268499 If you're interested in starting or growing a business with purpose, you can access tailored training, advice and support inside the #EthicalHour community: https://ethicalhour.co.uk/our-community/

Rachelle Strauss is the founder of Zero Waste Week - a global campaign designed to raise awareness of waste and encourage people to send less stuff to landfill. Starting on 3rd September, Zero Waste Week 2018 will be all about reducing single use plastics. As China have announced they will no longer accept imported recycling and Blue Planet II raised mass awareness, the plastic pollution problem has inspired people all around the world to take action. The waste issue and it's environmental impact is no longer "out of sight, out of mind" This Zero Waste Week, if you want to get involved, the best thing to do is start by taking an audit of your current household waste so you know what your current situation is. Rachelle shares tips for how to do this and what to do next. In today's episode we talk all about how to get started with zero waste, how sustainable living can reconnect you to your local community and accessibility in the ethical space. Today's episode is all about approaching Zero Waste without getting overwhelmed. If you want to find out more about what can be recycled in your local area, check the website https://www.recyclenow.com/ Find out more about Zero Waste Week here: https://www.zerowasteweek.co.uk/   Our Zero Waste Week campaign is kindly sponsored by: Oddbox, Be For Change, The Berry Berry, Gone For Good, Zero Waste Market, The Green Edition, REGIFTWRAP™, Unwrpd, The Crop Club and Plastic Free Party Bags. Tune into the #EthicalHour Twitter Chat to discuss all things Zero Waste on Monday 3rd September 8pm UK time to meet our sponsors and learn more. If you're interested in starting or growing a business with purpose, you can access tailored training, advice and support inside the #EthicalHour community: https://ethicalhour.co.uk/our-community/

In today's episode I'm joined by Vicky Smith from Earth Changers, a site dedicated to promoting the best ethical and sustainable travel options the world has to offer. Vicky tells us how she found her purpose through travel and why she's committed to helping people find the best opportunities to change the world as they explore. We discuss a whole range of topics from the Sustainable Development Goals to finding your purpose and even how 'dark tourism' can help to change your perspective and even the course of history. Plus we swap a few travel stories of our own too! Find out more about Earth Changers and check out their amazing destinations here: https://www.earth-changers.com/ Read Sian's article on travel and ethical business in the August edition of Natural Mumma Magazine on page 16/17: https://naturalmumma.com/2018/08/03/read-the-latest-edition-it-takes-a-village-aug-18/ If you're interested in ethical travel, you may also like to listen to our episode with Don Desmond from Critically Endangered Socks, to hear how he was inspired by his time in Borneo and witnessing the destruction of the rainforest: https://ethicalhour.co.uk/saving-species-one-step-at-a-time/ Find out more about the Sustainable Development Goals here: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/   If you're interested in starting or growing a business with purpose, you can access tailored training, advice and support inside the #EthicalHour community: https://ethicalhour.co.uk/our-community/

We all want to tackle plastic pollution, and many people embraced the highs and lows of Plastic Free July recently - but sometimes it's impossible to avoid. Plastic is everywhere! When you're trying to cut down on plastic, it can be frustrating when supermarkets wrap everything in it or you order something online and have no control over the packaging. You may want to reach out to the brand and tell them you'd like them to change - but what's the best way to start that conversation? Back in April the ethical consumer community marked Fashion Revolution by challenging brands to tell them "Who made my clothes?" and communications expert Sabine Harnau wrote a really insightful article about how brands can respond in a meaningful and productive way. Read that piece here. During a recent #EthicalHour Twitter chat we talked about how to engage brands in the war on plastic, so I was really pleased when Sabine agreed to come onto the podcast and chat all about how we can communicate effectively and fight plastic pollution together. In today's episode Sabine shares some valuable advice on how to engage brands, show the demand for plastic free and break down communication walls to bring together a community against pointless plastic. If you'd like to know more about Sabine and her work, visit her website. If you're interested in starting or growing a business with purpose, you can access tailored training, advice and support inside the #EthicalHour community: https://ethicalhour.co.uk/our-community/

Crowdfunding is an exciting and innovative way to raise funds and bring new products to market. But with the UK success rate for crowdfunding sitting at just 20%, how can you know if it's right for you, and what's the secret to a successful campaign? Jes Bailey is a crowdfunding consultant who has worked with organisations all over the world. She helps ethical, purpose-driven businesses and social enterprises succeed at crowdfunding and has an impressive 80% success rate. In today's episode, Jes shares her top tips and strategies for crowdfunding success and shows us how we can tell our story, market our cause and raise investment. To find out more and book a free 20 minute consultation with Jes, go to: https://www.crowdfund-360.com If you're interested in starting or growing a business with purpose, you can access tailored training, advice and support inside the #EthicalHour community: https://ethicalhour.co.uk/our-community/

Marketing: Love it or loathe it, business relies on it. Today's guest is a fellow marketer, Ethical Hour member and close friend of mine, Lucy Dowson, AKA Lucy With A Why. Lucy is a straight-talking, purpose driven direct marketer who isn't afraid to speak her truth to attract her tribe. She works with businesses that have a purpose stronger than just profit and helps people find their brand voice so they can communicate effectively, market what they do and stand out from the crowd! In today's conversation we talk all about the power of owning and telling your story in your own authentic voice. We discuss how to overcome the fears of a negative backlash and share some tips for making waves on social media.   To join Lucy's 'Lucy With A Wine' newsletter, you can subscribe here: http://bit.ly/lucywithawine In her own words: "It'll be straight-up, sweary in parts, but overall written with integrity from someone who's learning every single day and not shy to show her flaws. You're not going to make a million with this email, but you will learn some stuff that, if you decide to implement, could mean you buy me a drink one day to say thanks." To find out more about Lucy, visit: http://lucywithawhy.com/ If you're interested in starting or growing a business with purpose, you can access tailored training, advice and support inside the #EthicalHour community: https://ethicalhour.co.uk/our-community/

Today's guest is on a mission to save some of the most endangered animals on the planet one step at a time...literally. Inspired by his time in Borneo, Dom Desmond started Critically Endangered Socks - a social enterprise that partners with animal charities to make a difference. Dom witnessed first hand the devastation and destruction that palm oil is causing to the rainforest and the animals that live there, and this has inspired him into action. Critically Endangered socks now help 5 different endangered animals and have just purchased their first piece of rainforest to protect it. In this inspiring interview we discuss the power of travel, sustainable palm oil and how education is key to saving these amazing animals.   Find out more about Critically Endangered Socks here: https://www.criticallyendangeredsocks.com/ Follow them on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/criticallyendangeredsocks/   Today's episode is brought to you by the Leesa Mattress: a better place to sleep. You can receive £80 off a Leesa mattress with the code ETHICALHOUR Go to https://www.leesa.co.uk/ and enter this code to receive £80 off your purchase. If you're interested in starting or growing a business with purpose, you can access tailored training, advice and support inside the #EthicalHour community: https://ethicalhour.co.uk/our-community/

Charlotte Holroyd left the corporate agency world to start an indie design agency in line with her own ethical values and inspired by the principles behind the minimalist lifestyle. In today's episode she joins me to discuss branding, finding your values and so much more - from supporting small businesses to overcoming entrepreneurial loneliness and smashing the myths behind success. She shows us that it's possible to redefine success and start living on your own terms, and in today's episode she shares practical tips to show us how. Find out more about Creative Wilderness here: https://www.creativewilderness.co.uk/   Today's episode is brought to you by the Leesa Mattress: a better place to sleep. You can receive £80 off a Leesa mattress with the code ETHICALHOUR Go to https://www.leesa.co.uk/ and enter this code to receive £80 off your purchase.   Join our free Facebook community to connect with like-minded people and learn more: www.facebook.com/groups/1807868079472084/

“Being Ethical for me, means proactively thinking about the impact my behaviour has on other people. It’s not always easy to do the ‘right’ thing but having clear values acts as my moral compass and it helps guide me towards making better decisions. “ - Roberta Lee   Today we talk all things ethical fashion, living your values and escaping the fast fashion trap with our guest Roberta Lee, founder of Roberta Style Lee and the Ethical Brand Directory. In 2015 Roberta made the conscious decision to step away from full-time corporate contracting and set up her own business. Roberta Style Lee is more than just speaking, coaching and styling. It’s about inspiring true confidence and empowering you to be the best version of yourself from the inside out – and doing it in a responsible way. It’s where ethics, sustainability, conscious consumerism, confidence and personal style all come together! Roberta has made the journey herself from fast fashion addict to sustainable living and in 2018 she organised the Going Green 2018 Online Summit to encourage people to make small swaps in their everyday lives to live greener. She believes it is possible to live life and do business ethically and sustainably without causing harm to other people, animals or the planet and today she shares her story. To take your Going Green in 2018 pledge and meet like-minded conscious consumers, you can join Roberta's Facebook community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ConsciousConsumersClub/ Find out more about Roberta and work with her here: https://robertastylelee.co.uk/ You can register for tickets to the Ethical Brand Directory First Birthday Party here: http://ethicalbranddirectory.com/events/ebds-1st-birthday-party-collab-futureplanet/ There is also a discount for all members of the Ethical Brand Directory mailing list or facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ConsciousConsumersClub/   Sign up for alerts and discounts here: http://ethicalbranddirectory.com/alerts/   Today's episode is brought to you by the Leesa Mattress: a better place to sleep. You can receive £80 off a Leesa mattress with the code ETHICALHOUR Go to https://www.leesa.co.uk/ and enter this code to receive £80 off your purchase. If you're interested in starting or growing a business with purpose, you can access tailored training, advice and support inside the #EthicalHour community: https://ethicalhour.co.uk/our-community/

In this episode, Sian welcomes Richard Tucker to the podcast. Richard is Managing Director at Leesa, an innovative US company that is revolutionising sleep and social impact. The Leesa Mattress is available exclusively online and is delivered to your door, compressed in a box. With a 100 night risk free trial, Leesa is designed to eliminate the awkward, time consuming bed shopping experiences. As a company they are driven by a strong social mission to tackle homelessness. For every 10 mattresses sold 1 is donated to charity and they recently hit a major donation milestone. Leesa are a certified BCorp organisation committed to the triple bottom line of People, Planet and Profit. Richard joins us to discuss what BCorp status means and how businesses can build impact into their DNA from the beginning, as well as the struggles involved when balancing profit and purpose. To find out more about Leesa, visit their website. You can find out more about the BCorp movement here. If you're interested in starting or growing a business with purpose, you can access tailored training, advice and support inside the #EthicalHour community: https://ethicalhour.co.uk/our-community/

Welcome back to the #EthicalHour Podcast! You might have noticed that some of our old episodes have disappeared - we've had a little break but we're back with a fresh new look. The #EthicalHour podcast will now be bringing you expert interviews, advice and support to help you live and work more ethically every day, plus exclusive minisodes full of practical tips! In today's introduction, our Founder Sian Conway explains how she first got into ethical living and what inspired her to start the #EthicalHour network back in 2016. If you're interested in starting or growing a business with purpose, you can access tailored training, advice and support inside the #EthicalHour community: ethicalhour.co.uk/our-community/