Happy Porch Radio

Welcome back to HappyPorch Radio: the circular economy technology podcast!Our hosts are joined by Lucy Wishart, lecturer in Circular Economy and Sustainable Transformations at the University of Edinburgh. In this episode they explore how rental models fit into academic, practical, and social aspects of circularity.From the idea of “consumption work” (and how rental reduces it) to what makes circular systems messy by nature, this conversation is packed with insight.Lucy explains how rental plays a key role in circular economy frameworks like the Nine R's and Product-Service Systems, offering an alternative to ownership-based consumption.The discussion explores both the potential and pitfalls of rental - from shifting consumption habits to labor and logistical challenges. "There's a distinction between circularity and the circular economy. Circularity can be quite small scale and local… but the circular economy requires more than one product, more than one organisation — it's collective. It requires us to work together."This podcast is brought to you by HappyPorch. We specialise in technology and software development for Circular Economy minded purpose-driven businesses. Our podcast focuses mostly on: Circular Economy, Digital Enablers, Technology, Software, Circular Solutions, Fashion & Textiles, Circular Strategies, Digital, Reuse, Circular Design, Circularity, Systems Thinking, Economics, Data, Platforms, Degrowth, Policy & Regulation, Collaboration, Materials, Supply Chain, Biological Cycles, Materials, Food Waste, Biomimicry, Construction, Modular Design, Culture & Language, Zero Waste, Digital Passports, Life Cycle Assessment, Recycling, Reverse Logistics, Materials, Sharing Economy, Manufacturing, Efficiency, Environmental Impact and much more!

Welcome back to HappyPorch Radio: the circular economy technology podcast!In this episode, our hosts Tandi Tuakli and Barry O'Kane had a fascinating conversation with Leah Pollen, a specialist in profitability and circular strategies within the used electronics market, particularly mobile devices. Leah shares deep insights into how the mobile phone industry's leasing and trade-in programs—especially driven by OEMs like Apple and Samsung—created what she calls “accidental circularity.” Leah also explains the business case for phone rental models, including calculations around device depreciation, residual value, repair logistics, and customer return behaviors.One of the biggest barriers Leah identifies is mindset. Many organisations are still entrenched in linear thinking—focusing on sales volume, product obsolescence, and short-term wins. She stresses the importance of redefining what product success looks like in a circular model.Our hosts and Leah draw parallels between mobile phones and other sectors like fashion, luxury goods, and homeware—discussing where circular lessons could be applied and where challenges persist due to differing value chains and consumer behaviors.This podcast is brought to you by HappyPorch. We specialise in technology and software development for Circular Economy minded purpose-driven businesses. Our podcast focuses mostly on: Circular Economy, Digital Enablers, Technology, Software, Circular Solutions, Fashion & Textiles, Circular Strategies, Digital, Reuse, Circular Design, Circularity, Systems Thinking, Economics, Data, Platforms, Degrowth, Policy & Regulation, Collaboration, Materials, Supply Chain, Biological Cycles, Materials, Food Waste, Biomimicry, Construction, Modular Design, Culture & Language, Zero Waste, Digital Passports, Life Cycle Assessment, Recycling, Reverse Logistics, Materials, Sharing Economy, Manufacturing, Efficiency, Environmental Impact and much more!

Welcome back to HappyPorch Radio: the circular economy technology podcast!In this special episode our host Barry O'Kane is joined by Charlotte Morley, CEO of thelittleloop, and Ryan Atkins, CEO of Supercycle, to discuss the ripple effects of - ongoing and very fluid - changes to US tariffs and De Minimis import rules on the circular economy in the UK, EU, and US. The conversation, which originated from a passionate exchange on LinkedIn, explores both the opportunities and challenges these potential policy changes present for circularity-focused businesses. The discussion ranges widely from there, covering everything from policy to the importance of smaller, ethical brands to circularity.We discussed how reduced ease of importing low-cost new goods could boost demand for resale and second-hand markets, potentially benefiting the circular economy. While acknowledging the long-term benefits, our guests explained that many small ethical and sustainable brands are already overwhelmed by rising costs, market saturation from fast-fashion giants like Shein and Temu, and how, potentially, additional pressure from tariffs could undermine the "feedstock" of quality products essential for a thriving circular economy.Both guests stress the importance of empathy and support for brands navigating these tough times. They discuss how circularity enablers like their own companies must make circular business models (like takeback and resale programs) as frictionless and financially viable as possible. They also touch on the slow progress of legislation and the need for government mandates and funding to truly shift the industry toward reuse, not just recycling.The conversation concludes with a call to action for both policy involvement and practical support to ensure circularity is not just a long-term goal, but a near-term strategic advantage for businesses.Tune in to learn about how there is, despite current difficulties, a sense of cautious optimism: more brands are beginning to prioritise circularity, although slowly.This podcast is brought to you by HappyPorch. We specialise in technology and software development for Circular Economy minded purpose-driven businesses. Our podcast focuses mostly on: Circular Economy, Digital Enablers, Technology, Software, Circular Solutions, Fashion & Textiles, Circular Strategies, Digital, Reuse, Circular Design, Circularity, Systems Thinking, Economics, Data, Platforms, Degrowth, Policy & Regulation, Collaboration, Materials, Supply Chain, Biological Cycles, Materials, Food Waste, Biomimicry, Construction, Modular Design, Culture & Language, Zero Waste, Digital Passports, Life Cycle Assessment, Recycling, Reverse Logistics, Materials, Sharing Economy, Manufacturing, Efficiency, Environmental Impact and much more!

Welcome back to HappyPorch Radio: the circular economy technology podcast! In our first episode of the new season, we sit down with Danai Osmond, founder of Refulfil, a rental commerce and operations consultancy. Danai shares his unique journey—from serving as an army officer to working as a data analyst at Bloomberg, and then joining the net-zero laundry startup Oxwash, where he tackled the challenges of scaling a 24/7 operation.Danai also discusses his transition into his current work exploring different rental business models, including event-based rentals, subscription models, and membership-based systems. Along the way, he shares lessons about operational efficiency, profitability, and maximising inventory utility while keeping customer trust and convenience at the core.This conversation weaves together personal reflection, hard-earned operational insights, and broader thinking about systems change, emotional courage, and the real-world application of circular principles.This podcast is brought to you by HappyPorch. We specialise in technology and software development for Circular Economy minded purpose-driven businesses.

Welcome back to HappyPorch Radio: the circular economy technology podcast! We are back with a very exciting new season where our host Barry O'Kane will be joined by two new co-hosts, each bringing unique perspectives and expertise. Jo Weston is a brand builder helping sustainable and circular businesses. Tandi Tuakli is working in fashion and technology and also helping brands create circular business models.This season the focus is on Rental business models & Rental as an approach to circularity. A major theme will be the role of enablers — from tech platforms to logistics providers — that make rental systems viable. We will be talking to various guests and experts on the following topics:Defining Rental, leasing, and subscription-based business models in the circular economy.How Rental can range from short-term rentals to long-term product servitisation.Where are we seeing rental success? (product types, geographies, established products/sectors vs newer approaches, B2C vs B2B)Exploring tech and logistical infrastructure necessary for scaling rental businesses. What are the challenges?What are the future opportunities?And much more!Stay tuned, the first episode is coming out soon!This podcast is brought to you by HappyPorch. We specialise in technology and software development for Circular Economy minded purpose-driven businesses.

Welcome back to HappyPorch Radio! We are delighted to share our special episode which is part of Podcasthon - the world's largest podcast charity initiative that brings together podcasters in over 45 countries and over 1650 podcasts to raise awareness globally for charitable causes. Each participating podcast is dedicating an episode to a cause that truly matters to them, and for us, the choice was clear—the vital role that charities and social enterprises play in the circular economy. In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Michael Cook, CEO of Circular Communities Scotland, an organisation that represents a dynamic network of more than 260 charities and social enterprises dedicated to advancing the circular economy across Scotland. Michael shared invaluable insights into how Circular Communities Scotland supports third-sector organisations in achieving their circularity goals, from facilitating collaboration to advocating for policies that enable sustainable change. He also talked about some of the member organisations, their fascinating projects and initiatives that range from reuse and repair programs to innovative ways of reducing waste and extending the life of products and materials. Michael highlighted the strong connection between environmental and social benefits in the circular economy, explaining how it creates jobs, supports marginalised groups, and helps break down employment barriers.Tune in to learn more about the challenges and opportunities of embedding circular practices into communities across Scotland and how community-led initiatives are creating a more resilient and environmentally responsible society!

Welcome to the highly anticipated finale of our mini-series on Happy Porch Radio - "Exploring Circular Tech: Re-commerce in Fashion." In this compelling Episode 3, your hosts Barry O'Kane and Emily Swaddle, alongside a stellar line-up of guests, continue their exploration into the dynamic world of fashion re-commerce. Get ready to dive deep into the transformative impact of technology on the second-hand market, pushing boundaries and fostering a new era of digital thrift.Join us as we traverse the landscape of re-commerce, shedding light on the myriad opportunities it holds while addressing the inevitable challenges that crop up along the way. We'll talk pricing and quality control, delve into shopping experiences for consumers and sellers alike, and reveal how innovations are shaping a new future for the industry. This episode isn't just about insights - it's an invitation to think differently about fashion, sustainability, and the circular economy.

Welcome to the second episode of our intriguing mini-series on HappyPorch Radio-"Exploring Circular Tech: Re-commerce in Fashion". Your hosts, Barry O'Kane and Emily Swaddle, navigate the fascinating realms of re-commerce in the fashion industry alongside esteemed guests Joe Metcalfe from Thrift+, Jessica Potter from Used and Loved, and Wilson Griffin from Recurate.In this compelling episode, dive into the exploration of different marketplace models, from managed marketplaces like Thrift+ to peer-to-peer platforms like Vinted and eBay. Our hosts and guests untangle the complexities of pricing, underline the critical need for quality control, and shed light on optimising the shopping experience for both buyers and sellers in the re-commerce context.Our guests share their valuable experiences and insights on how technology bolsters re-commerce. Discover the transformative power of software solutions that assist brands in managing resale and creating distinctive listings. Let's also venture into the future landscape of AI, image recognition, and predictive intelligence in the re-commerce sphere.However, our mini-series isn't just about us revealing insights—we want you to shape the final chapter of this narrative with your unique experiences and perspectives on re-commerce. Connect with us at hosts@happyporchradio.com. Your thoughts, questions, and feedback are invaluable, and we aim to include them in the final, third episode, airing this May. We don't want you just to listen; we want you to partake in and influence the unfolding story of re-commerce in the fashion industry.

Behind the Threads: The Interplay of Tech and Circularity in Fashion Re-commerceWelcome to the first episode of a brand-new mini-series on HappyPorch Radio-"Exploring Circular Tech: Re-commerce in Fashion". We delve deep into the transformative effect of re-commerce within the fashion industry, focusing on the role of software and technology, the digital enablers for circularity, in this sustainable solution. Join hosts Emily Swaddle and Barry O'Kane as they probe into the potential of re-commerce in the circular economy. From reducing waste and promoting sustainable consumption to its impact on the excesses of the fashion industry.The episode features insights from industry experts: Cynthia Power, founder of Molte Volte; Andy Ruben, founder of Trove; Gerrard Fisher and Kristina Bull from QSA Partners; and J.R Siegel of Worldly. Together, we discuss and debate the sustainability of re-commerce and its impact on reducing waste. We don't just want you just to listen; we want you to be part of the story. Your thoughts and experiences are crucial to this narrative. Reach out with your perspectives, questions, or feedback (hosts@happyporchradio.com), and we will include them in the final 3rd episode (in May).

We are back with a special season of HappyPorch Radio!Our hosts Barry O'Kane and Emily Swaddle are back and excited to take a deep dive into the role of technology in the dynamic realm of fashion re-commerce. What can you expect from this upcoming 3 episodes special? The role of technology in shaping the second-hand marketplaceUnique challenges and innovative solutions within re-commerceDiverse perspectives on e-commerce's current and potential impact on consumers, brands, and the planetAnd much moreStay tuned, the first episode is coming out in early April.

Welcome to our final, Wrap-Up episode of Season 7! In this episode, we reflect on all the fascinating conversations we've had in season 7. We have spoken to a range of consultants, experts, trainers and advisors who help others transition to circular economy practices. We express our gratitude for the diverse and inspiring guests who have shared their insights and experiences in this field, and pull out our favourite themes from the whole season. One central theme that emerged throughout the season is the idea that circularity cannot exist in isolation and requires systemic change. We discuss the complexity of circularity, it can be both transformational and prone to misdirection.  Embracing complexity and understanding context within the system is crucial. Another prominent theme is the evolution of the circular economy over the past few decades. Guests on the show have witnessed changes in how people engage with and access circular economy concepts. This shift is a turning point in history, with various aspects of life and systems undergoing transformation, offering both challenges and opportunities for those leading the change! Tune in to hear more about our Season 7 “Pioneering Sustainable Solutions for a Circular Future” impressions!  

Welcome to episode 16 of HappyPorch Radio! In this, final episode of Season 7 we have a fascinating conversation with Dr.Lynn Wilson, an expert in circular fashion and sustainable design and CEO at Circular Design Synergy (Circular DS). Dr. Lynn talks about the importance of shifting from linear models to circular ones, emphasising that true sustainability lies not just in materials but also in the entire lifecycle of products. She also explains the role of policy advocacy in promoting circular supply chains and the importance of evidence-based approaches in driving policy change, staggering environmental impact of textile waste and the need for policy measures that incentivize sustainable practices. She shares her thoughts about how important it is to approach policy with the mindset that it is with people and not being done to people.. Further in the conversation we discuss the significance of cross-party collaboration, engaging civil society, NGOs, and government to create a critical mass for change by understanding consumer behaviours and household dynamics. Tune in to hear how important incentives are in circular transitions and how businesses can find practical solutions that benefit their operations while aligning with circular principles!  

Welcome back to HappyPorch radio and our newest episode! In episode 15 we engage in a captivating discussion with Nellie Cohen, the Director of Circular Business Models at Anthesis Group, a leading global sustainability advisory firm and certified B Corp.  Nellie talks about the shift in circularity over the past decade, from merely suggesting the idea to now acknowledging that circular models are happening and businesses need to decide how to engage with them. She also explains the evolutionary moment of synergy between operational providers and technology providers within the Circular Economy. Our conversation describes the shifts from simply recycling to prioritising products with smaller footprints and creating circular systems to maximise product lifespans. We also explore the importance of brands taking an active role in the secondary market experience of their customers and how by ensuring quality and reliability in used products, companies can retain customer loyalty and foster a more sustainable circular ecosystem. Tune on to hear more about valuable insights into circular economy practices, their relevance across industries, and the challenges and opportunities in embracing circular business models!  

Welcome to another episode of HappyPorch Radio! In episode 14 our hosts engage in a very insightful conversation with Cécile van Oppen, who is the Co-Founder of Copper8, a consultancy that helps build the circular economy.  The conversation explores the shift from circularity as a niche topic to a mainstream strategic focus, as well as the emergence of post-growth strategies and the questioning of traditional growth models.  Cécile talks about Copper8's unique business model emphasising their intentional focus on selected projects aligned with their vision and their investment in research for societal transition. She also explains how their Clients explore post-growth strategies and consider the risks and impacts of continued growth and seek stable-state economic well-being while incorporating environmental and social considerations. Tune in to hear more about the importance of the need to balance technical expertise with the social and human aspects of circularity, embracing the complexity of sustainability challenges!  

Welcome back to a new episode of Season 7! In this episode we interview incredible guests Christian van Maaren, founder and CEO of the Excess Materials Exchange and Anne Rademaker, an independent adviser and consultant in the Circular Economy space.  We continue the theme of zooming out to gain a higher perspective on the transition to a Circular Economy. Christian and Anne discuss the passion and personal motivation driving individuals in this field, emphasising the importance of collaboration and collective action. The conversation delves into the work of the Excess Materials Exchange, which uses machine learning to connect buyers and sellers of secondary materials.  The guests express their dedication to the Circular Economy and the challenges they face in making the transition happen. They draw inspiration from the tenacity of visionaries in history and the opportunity to shape the future. Tune in to hear about the passion, challenges, and collaborative efforts involved in transitioning to a Circular Economy and the importance of persistence and tangible actions in making this transformation a reality!

Welcome back to our new episode of Season 7! In episode 12 we interview Iain McKechnie, the Director of Strategic Partnerships at the Advanced Services Group within Aston Business School. The discussion centres around the concepts of Servitization and Advanced Services and their connection to the Circular Economy. Iain describes servitization as a transformation process where businesses move away from solely selling products to offering products and services that involve leveraging the knowledge and value within a business to help customers achieve success. He also explains that Advanced Services, on the other hand, focus on outcome-based activities and provide offerings that assist customers in attaining specific outcomes rather than simply selling products. We also talked about the potential of these concepts and discussed how the shift from ownership to usership aligns with Circular Economy principles, leading to benefits such as reduced waste and environmental impact. Iain also highlights the importance of making this knowledge accessible to businesses of all sizes. Tune into this episode to hear more about net-zero goals and alliances aimed at generating knowledge and creating positive impact!

Welcome back to a new episode of HappyPorch Radio! Episode 11 features an outstanding interview with Ivonne Bojoh, the COO and Digital Director of the Circle Economy Foundation in Amsterdam. The Foundation's mission is to double global circularity to approximately 17% by 2032 to combat climate breakdown.  Ivonne joined Circle Economy and developed a digital strategy to scale their impact, leveraging technology to create platforms and tools for nations, cities, and businesses to adopt circular practices. She emphasises the importance of using existing skills for impactful purposes and calls for more individuals in the tech community to contribute to sustainability.  In addition to the Circularity Gap Report and the digital platform, Circle Economy has also launched a platform that offers open access to data on circularity for over 6000 cities. It provides baseline insights on circularity, job creation, and material usage, along with relevant case studies. The platform aims to empower individuals and organisations on their circular journey by providing them with knowledge and tools. Join us for another exciting episode to hear more about examples of innovative solutions for the transition to a circular economy and the importance of translating talk into action and working decisively to make progress!  

Welcome back to the newest episode of HappyPorch Radio! In episode 10, our hosts interview Fleur Ruckley, a Circular Economy and Resource Management Consultant. Fleur currently works at Topolytics on their analytics platform that uses data analytics, mapping and machine learning to make waste and resource management more transparent, more efficient and more effective commercially and environmentally.  The hosts and Fleur discuss the social aspects of Circular Economy and, as one example,  compare the mindsets between South Africa and the UK regarding environmental management. They stress the importance of taking small steps and seeking external support to bridge the gap between current practices and sustainability objectives and the need to shift from a reactive mindset to a proactive one, fundamentally changing the system. Join us in this episode to hear how Fluer concludes the discussion with hope and expressing optimism in people's willingness to engage with complexity, organisations making changes, and the availability of solid data for informed decision-making!  

Welcome to our new episode of HappyPorch Radio! In episode 9 our host engages in a captivating conversation with Vivian Shi, a Senior Managing Consultant at Oakdene Hollins, a UK-based circular economy consultancy specialising in sustainable practices.  The consultancy, despite being a small team, works with a wide array of private and public clients and sectors and have recently expanded their work to collaborate with trade associations, supporting entire sectors in aligning with sustainability agendas, implementing circularity and achieving net zero emissions.  Vivian discusses her personal journey from a material science and engineering background into sustainability and the circular economy, emphasising the importance of using technical skills to address complex sustainability challenges. She also mentions the increasing focus on biodiversity and planetary boundaries in the context of circular economy.  .Tune into this episode and learn more about how Oakdene Hollins work with clients to assess materials and drive changes in supply chains, product design and other areas!  

Welcome to another episode of HappyPorch Radio. In episode 8, our hosts engage in an insightful conversation with Debbie Ward, the Director of Cirklo Consult. Debbie's expertise in circular economy training, education, and advisory services, as well as her passion for sustainability, make her an inspiring guest. We explore the challenges and possibilities within the circular economy, guided by Debbie's extensive knowledge and unique perspectives. We cover a wide range of topics, including Debbie's diverse roles and contributions, the importance of systemic change, relatable experiences and realistic approaches, and her personal journey and transition into circular economy work. We also discuss the significance of diverse perspectives in environmental conversations, behaviour change at scale, integrating circularity into carbon literacy training, and finding the balance between social value and carbon efficiency.  Our focus turns to the construction industry, exploring circular practices, material reuse, and the mindset changes needed for widespread adoption. Tune in to this episode for valuable insights from Debbie Ward and join the conversation on driving positive change through circular economy practices!  

Welcome back to episode 7 of HappyPorch Radio! In this episode, we are honoured to interview Pieter van Exter, Director of Product at Metabolic Software.  Pieter's background in circular economy and decarbonisation projects with Metabolic Consulting sets the stage for discussing his transition to Metabolic Software and the development of Link, a SaaS product assessing company impacts on nature and biodiversity.  We also explore the complexities of sustainability and systems change and share inspiring examples of Metabolic's work, and discuss the significance of scaling sustainable solutions through Metabolic Software's innovative tools.We also discuss software tool, Link, which aims to provide organisations with insights to improve their environmental impact. Join us for another exciting episode and learn more about Pieter and Metabolic's approach to sustainability through multifaceted solutions.  

Welcome back to episode 6 of Season 7 of HappyPorch Radio! In this episode we are joined by Madison Wright, Circular Economy Specialist from Pentatonic.   According to research conducted by Pentatonic,only a very small percentage of the largest companies in the world are set to hit their net-zero targets. So, for these companies to fulfill their commitments, big changes need to be made. Madison is assisting companies with implementing initiatives and systems that really embody the principles of sustainability. Despite the scary statistics about the direction the world is heading from an environmental perspective, Madison is still optimistic about the future, and she shares some of the reasons why.  From product design to supply chain analysis to lowering consumption levels, tune in today to hear what real sustainable solutions look like!   

Welcome to episode 5 of season 7 of HappyPorch Radio!  In this episode we welcome Elin Bergman, known as the Circular Economy Queen of Sweden. Elin is the CEO of Cradlenet, a network devoted to promoting and implementing a circular economy in Sweden. She is also a Co-founder and Managing Partner of the Nordic Circular Hotspot, a collaboration platform with a mission to accelerate the transition to a circular economy in the Nordic region. Elin shares her perspective on the circular economy's progress and the importance of networks, digital tools, and challenges of consumer perception. She shares examples of circular businesses in Sweden and the level of maturity required for businesses to adopt circular practices. We discussed the opportunities and challenges of transitioning to a circular economy, emphasizing the significance of collaboration and digitalisation in driving this transformation. We also covered the importance of creating demand for circular products and services through policy changes and mandatory reporting by companies.  Tune in now to hear more about Elin and be inspired by her passion for the circular economy.  

Welcome to Episode 4 of Season 7 of HappyPorch Radio.  In this episode, we speak to Paul Foulkes-Arellano, a circularity educator and consultant at Circuthon Consulting.  Paul discusses his work in the circular economy, guiding businesses through the changing legislative environment and helping them embed circularity into their products and operations. He shares his personal story and emphasizes the importance of technology and digital connectivity in circularity.  The interview covers a range of topics, including the evolution of circular economy, the importance of reuse and degrowth, and Paul's perspective on the future of circularity. Join us for another exciting episode!  

Welcome to episode 3 of the HappyPorch Radio Podcast. Join us as we explore the transition to circular business models and the challenges and opportunities that come with it. In today's episode, we have two guests from QSA Partners, a B corporation that helps businesses transition to circularity: Gerrard Fisher and Kristina Bull.  We discuss the importance of reducing consumption, the challenges of implementing circular business models, and the role of various industries  in achieving circularity. Gerrard and Kristina share their experience and insights on how they help companies switch to rental, sharing, or service models and highlight the need for involving everyone in the company in the transition.  They also introduce the concept of circular natives, inspired by the term “digital natives”, and explain how this influences consumer behavior and business practices.  So, if you're interested in circular business models and want to learn more about how to transition to circularity, stay tuned!

Welcome back to HappyPorch Radio and the very beginning of Season 7!  Today we are joined by Fabrice Sorin from Circulab and he helps us unpack the bigger picture of a circular economy and delve into the importance of systems thinking.  Circulab originated as a methodology inspired by biomimicry and design thinking. By employing Circulab's approach, businesses can unlock the potential for transformation that benefits both business operations and the natural systems they depend on. Our conversation discusses what it takes to build and sustain a circular economy, opportunities and challenges, and how to embrace the complexity.  We also look at the different types of circular economies, and what it means to push back against the idea of quick fixes.  Join us today and we look forward to having you around for this exciting season of the podcast!

We are back with Season 7 of HappyPorch Radio! Our hosts Barry O'Kane and Emily Swaddle are excited to explore the intersection of technology and the circular economy even further. They've previously talked about the circular economy from different perspectives in Seasons 5 and 6. In this season they will be talking to people who assist others in implementing circularity. This will include consultants, advisors, and agencies that drive design and innovation. Join us today and we look forward to having you around for this exciting season of the podcast.

Today we are taking this opportunity to wrap up Season 6! We have focused on a variety of different circular economy initiatives and organisations in Africa and have had so many fascinating and illuminating conversations, so we are super excited to look back and pick out some of the highlights and biggest lessons we have learned during these episodes.  From dealing with waste to new ideas about construction and footwear, we really have covered a lot of ground, and feel that our excitement at the start of the season was well-founded! We have explored the trends that are occurring across the African continent, while also seeing the vast differences and multiplicity that make up this huge landmass and its populations. A big message that we heard during our time on the subject was the need for local, African ideas to play a part in creating solutions, and why copy-paste strategies will fall short. So to hear more about fresh new systems, and how they are cropping up in different spaces right now, be sure to listen in with us as we reflect on so many lessons learned!

Welcome back to Season Six of Happy Porch Radio. Today, we are joined by Julia Venn from Foodwise, a social enterprise which fights against food waste, and food insecurity by helping businesses repurpose their own food in order to help people in need. We talk to Julia about the importance of distinguishing between contexts across Africa's diverse countries, and how she came to leave Germany to co-found Foodwise Mauritius, Morocco, Ivory Coast, and Madagascar.  She unpacks the important work that Foodwise does and how it ties in with the circular economy, and shares the powerful insight that we can't talk about Africa in the homogenous way we do about Europe. You'll also hear about her experience navigating cultural differences, and why she believes that there is something to be learned from each culture, even if they don't use the same terminology. We hope you tune in today to hear all this and more!

Welcome back to another episode of Happy Porch Radio! You may already know that, in season six, we are talking about the circular economy across Africa. Today, we are joined by Audrey S-Darko, who is the team lead at Sabon-Sake, a regenerative agricultural startup based in Ghana. During this episode, we take a look at the circular economy from the angle of agriculture and bio waste. You'll hear about Sabon-Sake's dual focus, transforming agricultural waste into value-added products, and changing the mindsets of the rural communities that they work with. The UNCRD has shown that there are over 998 million tons of agricultural waste produced per year, and Sabon-Sake's solution goes beyond compost and the circular economy to prioritize a regenerative approach.  We discuss the carbon capturing system they use, the role of ecotourism, and the biggest obstacles to educating people and putting waste to use. Join us to hear more! 

The construction industry has long functioned on the basis that waste is an inevitable byproduct of doing business. With up to 30 percent of all materials delivered to construction sites ultimately ending up in landfill, there is an incredible opportunity to not only to recycle more construction waste, but to repurpose perfectly good materials to address socioeconomic inequalities. Today, we are joined by Kausar Khan, Carin de Beer, and Jaco Kemp from Arup in South Africa, who are working to do just that. Their DigiYard project is an app-based service connecting unused construction site materials and waste with small-scale builders and traders in the informal sector, aiming to match supply and demand through embedding circular economy practices within the construction sector and provide access to affordable, quality material to low-income communities. In this episode, we discuss the challenges they face and the lessons they have learned as they pilot this project. We touch on how they have used Whatsapp in the pilot phase, their personal motivations for the project, and the scale of the construction waste problem in South Africa, as well as the financial and social responsibility incentives that DigiYard offers companies in various sectors, including the film industry. For all this and so much more, tune in today!

In season six of Happy Porch Radio, we are focusing on the circular economy across the continent of Africa. Today, we are joined by Keiran Smith, Cofounder and CEO of Mr. Green Africa, which is the first recycling company to be a Certified B Corporation on the African continent. Mr. Green Africa leverages business as a force for good to realise sustainable and long-term social, environmental, and economic impact through the collection, conversion, and selling of post consumer plastic waste. Keiran comes from a business and banking background and is now applying his entrepreneurial experience to the waste management sector in Kenya, trading with recyclable materials while achieving tangible impact. We had the pleasure of inviting Keiran to tell us more about how this idea has been solid from day one in terms of its triple bottom line: people, planet, and profit.  We also hear about his huge ambitions for where this company can go in the future, how impactful technology can be when used correctly and in in the right context, and why Keiran believes that the human impact is just as important as the environmental one. Tune in today to learn more from this thoughtful and actionable discussion with Mr. Green Africa CEO, Keiran Smith!

The concept of circularity operates on various spheres of life and business. Today's guest, Fela Buyi, prioritises a number of these with his social enterprise and trendy shoe business in Africa.  He founded Salubata, a company based in Nigeria that makes modular shoes from plastic waste with a mission to invent lifestyle technologies that help people and the planet. You'll hear how this inspiring entrepreneur brings together his interest in environmental toxicology, business, and design, to create aesthetically pleasing shoes that are good for the environment and benefit people. He believes it's important to create sustainable products that can compete with their traditional alternatives, and that good design is at the heart of being an effective player in the circular economy. Salubata uses plastic waste in underserved communities, and works to empower and train women living there to develop a skillset that makes them viable employees for Salubata.  In response to the harrowing fact that the average metropolitan person produces 5kg of plastic waste per day, Fela has designed a modular shoe with detachable uppers with different designs and colors. 70% of the energy required to produce a shoe goes into the sole, and detachable uppers save money, space, and make for far easier cleaning. He tells us why standardization is a bigger problem than lack of funding across Africa, and that building the skill set of the people is more important than investing in better machinery. Next, he introduces us to the closed loop system where nothing escapes the environment, and each item is recycled, and he lets us in on how he sees his impact growing: by scaling what he is already doing. We hope you tune in for another inspiring episode today!

Today's guest, Sarah Karamsi, is a project manager at Hello Tractor, an agricultural technology company that connects small, struggling farmers to labour, equipment, and access to mechanization to rise above the poverty line. Tune in to hear us reflect on the differences between the European and African contexts, with a particular focus on using infrastructure as a tool to reduce poverty in the agriculture community. Sarah introduces us to the Hello Tractor application's two uses, which includes fleet management and farmer books, and how each of these functions are used. We dive into Hello Tractor's relationship to the circular economy in providing an efficient service for demand and supply at a low price before Sarah tells us what Hello Tractor aims to do; to maximize the benefits of owning a tractor through managing fleets in Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Ghana, Tanzania, Pakistan, and Thailand. She introduces us to the device that is fitted to their tractors in order to capture and record data and tells us why she believes that maximizing efficiency is the best way to create value through tech. We also delve into an idea that very much aligns with our thoughts on the circular economy: that the carbon emissions involved in agriculture are a necessary evil to be managed and reduced as far as possible. Finally, we touch on the different need in Africa and Europe, the gender bias in tech, and how Sarah pairs to be a part of global change, as well as how Hello Tractor aims to create greater accessibility for more people in the long term. Tune in today!

In season six of Happy Porch Radio, we are talking about the circular economy across the African continent. Today, we are excited to be joined by Chris Whyte, the co-founder of the African Circular Economy Network (ACEN) where he currently serves as an executive team member. His work examines the developing circular economy applications across Africa, with a particular focus on transitioning to a circular economy where waste is a resource. In our conversation with Chris, we delve into the massive potential for development that the circular economy provides across the African continent and how ACEN is working to implement and support existing circular economies. Tuning in you'll hear examples of their work including the development of compressive blocks that provide an innovative solution to housing in Africa by using plastic waste while also having a massively reduced carbon footprint compared to cement. Chris explains the impact that Eurocentric models and aspirations have had on African infrastructure, including an entrenched cement industry across the continent. Later we discuss the role that education plays in bringing about broader adoption of circular economic models and why different African countries require different solutions and applications. We close off the show by hearing Chris's advice on how Happy Porch Radio can unpack the circular economy in Africa going forward without Eurocentric prejudice. For all this and much more, join us today!

In season six of Happy Porch Radio, we are talking about the circular economy across the African continent. Today, we welcome Joanna Bingham and Deborah Nartey of Footprints Africa to provide us with some really powerful context to set the scene for a new season. Footprints Africa is an organization that supports small and medium-sized businesses to adopt future-friendly practices, address the challenges of growth, and create new jobs, while using supply chains as a tool for development. In this episode, Joanna and Deborah share some insights on the work and research that their team is working on, going on to provide three examples of powerful entrepreneurial projects that embody the circular economy in Africa: Ecodudu, Kaluku Wear, and Pyramid Recycling. We touch on power dynamics, parallel evolution, and the exploitation of Africa's rich resources as an essential framing context. Next, we dive into the role of perception in shaping behavior and how decentralized systems of repair are valued by certain cultures and not by others. We explore the value of perception and mindset, along with the challenges and barriers that these two factors can create. Joanna tells us more about African Footprints's focus and aims and, in closing, Joanna and Deborah share their hopes for the future of Africa's economy with us. We hope you join us for some mindset-shifting insights from this impressive duo today!

This is a little teaser for the next season, which is coming in the next few months. We've had a bit of a break after Season Five, and we're really excited about what's coming next! African entrepreneurship, enthusiasm and innovation can create solutions that work in the local context and cultures. Opportunities that can be harnessed to tackle climate change and reduce environmentally damaging consequences while also improving livelihoods and reducing poverty. In this season we speak to people actively using innovative circular approaches in different African contexts. We share their stories to gain an insight into the Circular Economy across Africa and what we can learn for our own contexts.

Hello everyone, and welcome to the final show of Happy Porch Radio Season 5. Today, we look at this past season, highlighting each of our guests, how they’re changing the world, and some of the pertinent details about them. A few of the main topics and themes we covered in this season were keeping things in use, reuse, and services. One overriding theme, though, was how holistic the circular economy is, and why we need a combination of many solutions to create a better world. To finish off the episode, we talk about some of the biggest takeaways from this season, as well as our hopes for our listeners. See you next season!

Reath is on a mission to build the digital infrastructure required for businesses to shift to the circular economy.  They specialise in the tagging and tracking of reusable assets, and building the “digital passports” they need – think Google Analytics for the circular economy! Co-founders, Claire Rampen and Emily Rogers combined their professional backgrounds in operations and commercial strategy in technology businesses to help other companies adopt  and improve their reuse business models. The Reath platform helps businesses do this while staying compliant, generating insights, creating new revenue opportunities, and identifying savings. Learn from Claire and Emily how they discovered the challenges brands had in reusing their packaging effectively and legally, and how they joined forces to tackle those challenges and become actively involved in the solution. Hear about how the Reath team have had to jump off multiple cliffs, apply for multiple grants, and solve multiple problems, as well as how their collaborative approach contributes to systemic change. The future of the circular economy is never having to throw anything away again. This is Reath’s vision and, by creating a reuse ecosystem using digital products, they are striving to achieve it! Tune in to find out more.

The pandemic has given us the time to redesign our business processes and move us toward a circular economy. As today’s guest, Unusual Rigging Managing Director Tom Harper explains, our industries are having a “Phoenix in the flame moment.” Our conversation with Tom focuses on his passion for the circular economy, how he introduced sustainable innovations into his company, and the challenges and opportunities presented by COVID. Early in the episode, we explore Tom’s career and how he transitioned from being an actor to studying an MBA on the circular economy — and then finally joining Unusual Rigging. After touching on why his MBA was such an incredible program, we dive into how he introduced sustainable practices into Unusual Rigging’s asset tracking procedure. Tom shares specific details on how digitising their products allowed them to offer their products-as-a-service, leading to longer product life cycles and material reusability. We reflect on the power of one-on-one conversations and involving your employees in company changes before Tom highlights the business benefits of embracing the circular economy. Near the end of the episode, we discuss how the pandemic has inspired Tom to create more ethical and circular business structures, including four-day work weeks and electrifying his old fleet. Tom’s story is an ideal model for implementing change within a business. Tune in to hear more of his insights!

Bright colours might be in, but fashion and glamour have a dark side, with textiles and accessories being a major contributor to environmental damage. Today we speak with Aisling Byrne, co-founder of Nuw, a clothes-swapping app built on community ideals. We open the conversation by taking a look at Nuw’s inception, as Aisling details the characteristics of fast fashion and why it’s so important to adopt a new model of fashion. Aisling then rips the sheet off and exposes a problem which hides in many of our cupboards. She goes on to explain the toxic creation process that goes into creating the 100 billion new pieces of fashion and glamour that are made every year, before touching on the broader impacts of this industry. You’ll learn about the production methods behind cotton, silk and polyester, and how each has a consequence on water consumption as well as on chemical and plastic pollution. We then look at the end of fashion and glamour’s lifecycle, as Aisling touches on landfills and supplies us with startling facts about donations and clothing charities. Yet, the future is bright, and it looks fabulous as well! Aisling shares simple solutions to this fashion crisis and forecasts what’s next for Nuw.  To hear more from Aisling, be sure to tune in with us today.

Did you know that 99% of the things we buy are thrown away within 12 months of purchase? When it comes to pollution, the world is in a post-crisis state, and recycling alone won’t be enough to bring us out of it. Yet, Stephen Clarke says that we can start taking achievable and cost-effective measures to reverse our damage. As the Head of Communications at TerraCycle and Loop Europe, Stephen argues that a zero-waste concept is the answer to pollution. In this episode, we talk with Stephen about TerraCycle and how it’s able to recycle virtually anything, as well as its new shopping platform, Loop.  We open the conversation by taking a look at the current pollution problem before diving into detail about Loop’s great effort to not only reduce waste but to eradicate it. You’ll hear about how the Loop ecosystem works, with Stephen touching on big-name companies they’ve partnered up with, what kinds of packaging materials they use, and how their delivery system operates. Stay tuned as Stephen talks about how Loop uses a deposit cycle to keep clients and brands accountable, and why you shouldn’t be shocked if you see plastic in your Loop basket.  To find out about smart bins, how plastic isn’t the villain it’s made out to be, and why you never ask your dentist if his utensils are clean, be sure to tune in to this episode! 

The vast majority of material resources are lost into landfill or leaked into the environment after consumption. Some companies see a real opportunity to bring together the biggest global brands across a variety of industries, using insights and data intelligence to understand the impact of materials throughout their lifecycle and create a more sustainable future. Welcome back to Season 5 of Happy Porch Radio, which is concerned with digital solutions in the circular economy. Today’s guest is Michael Groves, CEO and Founder of Topolytics, a leading data insights business that uses machine learning and geospatial analytics to make the world’s waste visible, verifiable, and valuable. In this episode, Michael addresses why data is a waste problem and the opportunity that Topolytics has seen in the waste industry to use data in a better and more sustainable way in the future. Michael shares how his company plans to do this, from the tools they use to aggregate, clean, and analyse data, to the industries they address to tackle the waste problem, and the types of waste they deal with. He also explains why he doesn’t believe that environmental benefit and profit are mutually exclusive, why the future of waste involves reducing the volume of material that enters the system first, and he shares his vision for the future of Topolytics, and how others can contribute to that vision. All this and more, so make sure to tune in today!

Continuing our exciting exploration of the circular economy, we are joined by Ellekari Klaasse and Mariëlle van Hemert, the brains behind Circular Stories. The organisation is a magazine and online platform for the sharing of inspiring stories of companies and individuals in the circular space. Our guests see their role as connectors in the greater picture of circularity and by promoting these examples, they can help both the brands they work with and others who connect with their content. They have a strong focus on the human aspect of what they do, aiming to show the person behind the story and their work has an emphasis on aiding the entrepreneurs they work with, creating media that can be used for funding or growth in other areas. We have a fascinating chat with Ellekari and Mariëlle, covering their personal backgrounds, perspectives on the circular economy at present, and the lessons they have learned in the time since starting their exciting project. What began as a journey of exploration, two new friends road-tripping across Europe, has evolved into a platform with amazing potential for impact and connection, be sure not to miss this wonderful conversation!

Along with some of the other big problems with the fast fashion industry, the incredibly high volume of textile waste is a major one. These materials end up burned or buried, but there is one company here to rescue them, resurrecting an age-old model to try and solve it in a brand new way. Today’s guest is Stephanie Benedetto, a corporate attorney turned fashion tech and sustainability entrepreneur. Stephanie is the Co-Founder of Queen of Raw, a marketplace to buy and sell unused textiles, keeping them out of landfills, and turning pollution into profit. Prior to starting Queen of Raw, Stephanie worked as a lawyer in the fashion, media and entertainment, startup, and technology industries, and co-founded a sustainable textile manufacturing facility. In this episode, Stephanie describes the two-sided marketplace they use to buy and sell dead stock, and the additional background technology that allows businesses to understand where their waste is and what it is, in real-time. She also talks about the digitisation of inventory management and stock systems to understand that information, sell and to use waste, make sure it stays in circulation, and to actually reduce waste longer term. Stephanie shares her passion for reducing the waste in fast fashion, acknowledging the challenges that businesses face, and the opportunity to be found in that challenge. Tune in to find out more!

In this episode of Happy Porch Radio, we speak with a circular economy pioneer and the co-founder of Circular IQ, Roy Vercoulen. Circular IQ helps their customers to transition towards a restorative and regenerative circular economy through their digital platform and circularity programs. One of their many successes includes having developed the CTI Tool for the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, allowing businesses to measure their circuit performance using a framework that is globally recognised. Roy explains why measuring circularity is imperative and what components they look for in pursuit of this objective, and gives his perspective on the extent to which governments, businesses, and consumers are responsible for sustainability. On the topic of their biggest challenges, Roy talks about the financial implications of circularity, why many companies are still reluctant to transition, and what cultural barriers they have to overcome to get their clients’ buy-in. Listeners will learn more about their consulting processes with clients, the questions they ask them, how they help them to define what success looks like, and how they go about translating theoretical ideas into actionable steps. Tuning in, listeners will also hear what Roy envisions for the future of the circular economy and how measuring circular performance will have to be a globally recognised framework that still accommodates for the unique values of each company.

The impact that the circular economy would have is so broad that no single conversation can quite cover its reach. Today’s conversation with Craig Melson, Program Manager at techUK, touches on many topics, proving an excellent overview of how technology is moving us towards the circular economy. We open by talking about Craig’s role and what techUK is doing to help the tech industry embrace more sustainable practices. Craig then shares examples of innovative tech companies that are driving material reusability, or even basing their entire model on circular economy practices. From data privacy concerns to the dangers of dealing with pollutants, we discuss the biggest challenges blocking our progress to a circular economy. After touching on the Material Focus project, Craig provides insight into how government regulation and Brexit affect circular economy practices. Following this, he expresses his optimism about how companies are heading in the right direction along with his hope that the circular economy will eventually become our default economic model. Near the end of the episode, we touch on the benefits of learning from international perspectives and what techUK is doing to advocate for greater diversity before Craig gives listeners some final advice on what they can do to push for a sustainable economy. Tune in to hear more about tech and the circular economy.

Achieving sustainability requires that companies know what’s in their product, know their suppliers, and understand their direct and indirect environmental impact. By digitising the life cycles of products and supply chains, iPoint is driving industry transparency and empowering business to achieve sustainability. T Today we speak with iPoint CEO Joerg Walden about how digitising processes is a key step towards the circular economy. Early in our conversation, Joerg highlights how expanding knowledge around digitising life cycles can drive new business models. A significant theme this episode, Joerg shares how a mindset shift, and not only tech, is critical in fostering sustainable practices. We then discuss the challenges presented by innovation-based product cycles before diving into the intersectional nature of product design, and how only a shared information system can ensure product compliance. A tricky subject for many organisations, Jorge explains the strategic benefits of becoming more transparent and how this can generate solutions to many issues that plague different sectors. Near the end of the episode, we touch on the opportunities created through digitisation, and how sustainability is affected when companies are responsible for providing a service usage to consumers, instead of selling products. Tune in to hear more about what iPoint is doing to drive transparency through digitisation.

As-a-service business models align the priorities of the vendor and the customer, while also having the potential to drive sustainability and the circular economy.  Today’s guest is Dave Mackerness, Customer Success Lead at Kaer, a firm based in Singapore that sells air conditioning as-a-service throughout Asia. We talk to Dave about how Kaer has shifted to the as-a-service rubric and in so doing has baked sustainability and circularity into their business model while driving their profits higher at the same time! Dave talks about the history of the firm and the different models they have adopted over the decades, and how they decided to put all the data they have gathered to a different use after drawing inspiration from the world of SaaS. Dave discusses what this looks like in real terms, explaining how Kaer installs air cooling systems in the buildings of their clients and sells them cool air, rather than the systems themselves. This approach has allowed Kaer to use data to build more efficient systems, saving them money to invest in technology that further optimizes their infrastructure. It also shifts the burden of sustainability onto Kaer’s shoulders rather than those of the client. This drives higher profit while saving a huge amount of energy too. We also talk to Dave about incorporating data science and machine learning into their cooling systems and the benefits this presents as well as concerns it raises. Another big takeaway is about the possibilities the as-a-service business model presents to companies becoming more disruptive. Tune in for this fascinating conversation about circularity and the world of as-a-service today!

 In circular economy terms, reverse logistics involves the collection of goods, transportation to a given location, and sorting prior to remanufacturing, refurbishing, reusing or recycling or failing that, disposal. Today, we are joined by Paul McSweeney, who is the Founder and CEO of the ZeroNet, an app that allows households to simply and quickly donate unwanted items and have them collected right from their front door. In this episode, Paul shares his long-story-short with us, getting to the point of having launched a pilot in Stirling, Scotland, and an upcoming project in Brighton in the UK. We also discuss what the platform looks like, recycling versus reuse, data recovery when it comes to e-waste, and the surprising householder enthusiasm for a collections service like this, as well as what has kept Paul motivated throughout the development and whether or not he thinks ZeroNet could encourage excess consumption. For all this and more, make sure to tune in today!

When many people think of the word ‘waste,’ something formless and brown springs to mind. Part of the struggle to eliminate waste is that the materials it consists of don’t have an identity. Today we speak with Pablo van den Bosch, the co-founder of Madaster, a company that shows how valuable waste is by identifying its material components in the built environment. After explaining Madaster’s role in advocating for the circular economy, Pablo describes how they catalogue all the materials used to create a new building, giving each material its own ‘digital passport.’ We chat about how his biggest challenge is to get people to recognize the importance of registering their materials and how this benefits both the public and investors. We then ask Pablo about Madaster’s philosophy. His answer highlights his view that Earth is a closed system — it’s up to us to make the most of the resources we have. We discuss Madaster’s data-driven model, why they operate as a platform, and how everyday home-owners can use Madaster to ID the materials in their buildings. A key concept in this episode, Pablo emphasises that we need to shift from the idea of ownership to the idea of usership, where no materials are owned. They’re simply used for the time being. We touch on the limits to this approach, how creativity is critical in selling the idea of the circular economy, and issues surrounding data security and privacy. Near the end of our discussion, we explore more on how Madaster can be used on a day-to-day basis and how it makes material transfers an easy and profitable pursuit. With tools like Madaster, we can start seeing waste as a treasure trove of resources. Tune in to hear how Pablo is helping make this a reality.