In this episode, I review Black Gold by Jeremy Paxman, a fascinating exploration of how coal shaped Britain’s history and economy. From its pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution to its lasting impact on society, this book unpacks the stories behind the rise and fall of coal mining.

Whether it’s understanding how St. Paul’s Cathedral was funded by coal taxes or how mining communities thrived and suffered, this book sheds light on a resource we often overlook.

I share key takeaways about coal’s role in shaping the UK and the lessons we can apply to today’s sustainability challenges. The book also dives into the human cost of the industry—its exploitation and resilience—and why we need to rethink how we approach global energy transitions.

If you’ve ever been curious about the roots of modern industry or wondered how history shapes the future of sustainability, this one’s for you!

Here are the highlights:

(3:10) The Role of Coal in the UK's Development

(6:33) The Dark Side of the Coal Industry

(7:49) The Economic and Social Impact of Coal

(8:49) The Power of Small Groups and Social Movements

(12:48) The Legacy of Coal and Its Impact on Modern Society

(14:46) The Ethical and Economic Responsibility of the UK

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Emma Burlow | LinkedIn

This episode is all about simplifying sustainability with practical tips you can start using today. I’m sharing 13 simple hacks to help reduce your carbon footprint, from switching to a greener electricity tariff to embracing meat-free meals and even repairing your favourite trainers.

These aren’t big, expensive changes, but small, actionable steps that add up over time and fit seamlessly into your daily routine. Plus, most of these are so easy, they’ll barely cost you a thing!

Whether you’re looking to make your home more energy-efficient, get creative with leftovers, or even plant a few trees, there’s something here for everyone. I’m breaking down each tip so it’s quick to understand and easy to implement.

Here are the highlights:

(2:18) Changing Your Bank for Environmental Impact

(4:38) Reducing Food Waste and Composting

(6:09) Energy Efficiency

(10:54) Insulating Homes and Planting Trees

(13:28) Recycling High-Value Items and Repairing Clothes

(15:50) Switching to Renewable Electricity Tariffs

Links:

1

Change your bank

https://bank.green/ and https://www.mymothertree.com/bank-league-table

2

Freeze your leftovers / Reduce Food Waste

https://www.lovefoodhatewaste.com/

3

Compost your food waste

Recycle an Item | Recycle Now

4

Turn the thermostat down 1 degree

Energy Savings Trust

5

Don’t idle your engine - or approach others that do https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/emissions/stop-start-engines-common-myths-busted

https://www.mumsforlungs.org/our-campaigns/idling

6

Write to your MP and see how they voted

WriteToThem - Email your Councillor, MP, MSP, MS, MLA or London Assembly Member www.theyworkforyou.com

7

Choose meat-free options for Xmas; New Year; January

https://veganuary.com/

8

Know your carbon footprint hotspots and plan to reduce it

WWF Footprint Calculator

9

Insulate your home- doors and drafts and windows first

Energy Savings Trust – Quick Tips

10

Plant 9 trees, or more!

www.9trees.org/

11

Recycle at home & work - include WEEE; Textiles; foil and batteries

Recycle an Item | Recycle Now

12

Repair your clothes, shoes...

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

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

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

Here are the highlights:

(1:40) Challenges in Engaging Businesses on Biodiversity

(6:15) Building Bridges Between Industry and Charities

(11:46) Carbon Literacy and Its Impact

(27:28) Lessons Learned and Key Takeaways

(33:16) Making Sustainability Efforts Stick

(45:21)Addressing Common Excuses and Misconceptions

Book a Power Hour with Emma:

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

Connect with Abby:

Abby Chicken | LinkedIn

Home | Surrey Wildlife Trust

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Emma Burlow | LinkedIn

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

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

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

Here are the highlights:

(2:03) Impactful Messaging

(4:44) The Importance of Simplicity

(8:00) Making Messages Stick

(14:03) The Role of Sharing

Links:

BJ Fogg Tiny Habits

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

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

Or try your local library for a copy.

Book an Enquiry Call with Emma

https://calendly.com/emma-lighthouse/enquiry-call

Book a Power Hour (Fee Payable) with Emma

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

Connect with Emma

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Emma Burlow | LinkedIn

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

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

Here are the Highlights:

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

(06:49) Barriers to Circular Business Models

(10:42) Consumer Behavior and Market Trends

(15:33) Mainstreaming Circularity

(19:17) Practical Steps for Implementing Circularity

Helpful Links:

R10 The Circular Economy: The 10R’s Model

CE100 CE100 | Lighthouse Sustainability

145 podcast episodes from circular businesses

Circular Economy Podcast with Catherine Weetman

Book a Power Hour with Emma

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

Connect with Emma

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Emma Burlow | LinkedIn

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

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

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

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

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

Here are the highlights:

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

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

(8:01) Ambition and Realism in Sustainability

(18:35) Connecting Businesses to Nature

(25:40) Innovation and Designing for the Future

(34:40) Encouraging Support and Recognition

Links:

R10 The Circular Economy: The 10R’s Model

CE100 CE100 | Lighthouse Sustainability

145 podcast episodes from circular businesses

Circular Economy Podcast with Catherine Weetman

Book a Power Hour with Emma

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

Connect with Emma

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Email

Emma Burlow | LinkedIn

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

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

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

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

Here are the highlights:

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

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

(9:35) Achievements and Evolution of COP

(14:17) Challenges and Future of COP

Connect with Emma

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Emma Burlow | LinkedIn

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

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

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

Here are the highlights:

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

(3:30) Confessions of a Carbon Literacy Trainer

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

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

(17:34) Conclusion and Next Steps

Carbon Literacy Training for Business | Lighthouse Sustainability

Train the Trainer for Carbon Literacy | Lighthouse Sustainability

Home - The Carbon Literacy Project

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Emma Burlow | LinkedIn