Happy Porch Radio

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 Econ

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 o

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 organisati

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 th

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

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 t

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 mandat

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 liste

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 th

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

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 metropo

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 s