Book of Leaves

@tryingtobegreensince2016 is an Instagram account run by teacher Ide. She constantly shares the most thoughtful eco alternatives for absolutely everything. Like me, she's no expert on environmentalism, but you don't have to be to make a difference! She has generated so much advice over the years, I'm only delighted to have her share some insights and tips on Book of Leaves. Have a listen![03:20] Ide introduces herself[06:05] What it was like to buy nothing for a year[09:20] Sourcing furniture second hand[13:20] Green hacks for getting food and reducing food waste[17:35] Dumpster diving in Ireland[21:10] How to scope out dumpsters for diving[22:40] Ide’s sustainable fashion tips, including a capsule wardrobe[26:10] How Ide nourishes her mental health[31:05] What it’s like trying to be zero waste in Ide’s work setting of teaching[34:20] Sustainable socks and underwear[40:00] Ide’s Fairphone – a modular phone that you can repair[42:00] Eco travel tips[45:20] Ide’s favourite thing about the future & final tipsAlso Mentioned:DepopOlioAdvertsDonedealPatagoniaDedolesRockay Running sport socksAs always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend xPatreon / Buy Me A Coffee

‘Save the paper!’ is something we hear so often, but every email, every website loaded and attachment sent, has a carbon footprint. This waste is often tucked away in data centres and thus out of sight, out of mind. Gerry McGovern has been working with the internet since the 90s and is here to remind us that digital is very much physical. From waste produced by our electronic goods to what needs to change systemically to reduce our data use, Gerry is an absolute wealth of knowledge. Make sure to get a copy of his latest book World Wide Waste, or check out his podcast of the same name.[02:00] Gerry introduces himself[04:30] E-waste and data waste explained[09:30] Why tech devices are not made to be recycled[17:00] How companies and groups can stop contributing to child labour and e-waste[21:00] What’s the story with data centres?[29:30] Measures we can take to reduce our data use and energy consumption[34:25] When Ceara met a group of data centre staff from Meta.[41:00] Ireland as a mining friendly countryAlso mentioned:Right to RepairYes to Life, No to MiningFairphone eco-friendly modular phone companyFramework – modular design computerCAIM Anti mining groupAs always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend xPatreon / Buy Me A Coffee

I only came across the amazing work of Sea Shepherd Ireland recently, despite them being around for years and doing absolutely amazing work! I hope you enjoy hearing country director Emma Tuite's beautiful story in how her love for the sea and its creatures developed, alongside the importance of Ireland in protecting our marine areas. Sea Shepherd are always on the look for volunteers, so get in touch with them if you'd like to know more! You can stay up to date with their campaigns on Instagram @seashepherdireland, Twitter @seashepherd_ie and Facebook. [04:30] How Emma fell in love with the sea and all its inhabitants[11:20] Crossing paths with Sea Shepherd for the first time[13:45] The Cove documentary[16:15] What Sea Shepherd do[24:45] Ireland’s responsibility as an island, and the species in our waters[31:20] Problems facing the ocean, particularly super trawlers & MPAs (Marine Protected Areas)[34:55] How Sea Shepherd intervene unethical fishing & whaling practices works[40:30] How to get involved & support Sea Shepherd[49:55] Emma’s favourite thing about the futureClick here for an article about the campaign to stop the trade of shark fins in Europe. We'll find out by July 11th 2023 what the outcome will be. Resources mentioned:Watch The Cove documentaryWhale WarsBlackfishRachel Brooks artChasing The ThunderFaroe Islands CampaignFair Seas IrelandIrish Wildlife TrustPodcasts: Ecolution & Birdwatch IrelandAs always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend xPatreon / Buy Me A Coffee

Book of Leaves is baaaack! How I've missed ye. Have a listen to episode 80 to hear about what I'm up to, and some travel diaries for you. Having visited Asia for the first time a few weeks ago, I gathered a few travel tips as leaves you can add to to your book. In two weeks, I'll be back with our usual interview format. In the meantime, here's all the topics I cover: [04:45] Upcoming event at Cúirt International Literature Festival[06:30] Eco travel tips #1 Don’t underestimate the SIZE of Southeast Asia[10:00] Offsetting travel (Onsets.org)[11:15] Sleeper buses and trains ARE THE BEST![13:50] Water – avoiding plastic, not getting sick and mental health[17:00] Eating plant based (is not as hard as you think)[27:20] Singapore reaction Links for you:VitaOnsets.orgHappyCowWwoofClimate Alarm ClockClimate Ambassador Programme & PodcastAs always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend xPatreon / Buy Me A Coffee

If you haven't heard of forest bathing before, well you're in for a treat! And no, you can keep your kit on and leave the bathrobe at home. Forest bathing is about bathing your senses in the surrounds of a forest. The mental and physical health benefits of this are astonishing and of course, it strengthens your relationship and awareness of nature. As we head into 2023, I thought there's no nicer leaf to finish out the season on than to spend more time in nature, so I asked the woman who brought me on one of my first forest bathing trips: Cat from Forest Bathing Wicklow! I hope you enjoyed this chat as much as I did. You can follow Cat on Instagram @forestbathingwicklow. We chatted about:[05:40] How the landscape differs between The Netherlands and Ireland.[07:20] What is forest bathing?[14:30] Other elements involved such as poetry and tea ceremonies.[19:00] Optimal time spent forest bathing & health benefits.[24:35] The pace of forest bathing.[28:30] How certification to be a forest bathing guide works.[30:50] Some of Cat's favourite moments that have happened on her forest bathing journey.[38:20] Other eco tips from Cat[43:40] Random questions!Also mentioned: Shinrin-Yoku book by Dr. Qing LiNadúr for forest bathing training & eventsBecky Helmsley poet - Breathe poemThe Hidden Life of Trees by Peter WohllebenUnpacked zero waste shop in KildareClimate Love IrelandAs always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend xPatreon / Buy Me A Coffee

When I put the call out for suggestions of who I should interview on the podcast, Laragh McCann recommended interviewing her old school friend Fiona Byrne Ryan, who packed up her house and job to live in a tent in North Minnesota with her husband and son. How could I not! Fiona and her husband Brandon have been documenting their journey of what it's like to just be on and with the earth. They're about to start documenting the stories of indigenous communities too, so make sure you stay up to date with them on Instagram @wearebradonandfiona and YouTube, and keep an eye on UnHeardEarth.org for when that project takes off![05:40] The transition to living in a tent.[14:30] Sharing indigenous stories.[21:35] What was surprised or challenged them when the first embarked on a nomadic lifestyle.[26:00] Could you live in a tent in Ireland?[29:35] Tips for people looking to live more nomadically off the land.[32:25] Unheard Earth - documenting indigenous communities.[37:05] Random Questions! Also Mentioned:A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle Anam Cara - Spiritual Wisdom from the Celtic World by John O'DonohueAs always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend xPatreon / Buy Me A Coffee  

Just when I think I know all the essential information around Ireland’s woodlands, I learn that we have rainforests! Eoghan Daltun is on a mission to re-wild a neglected farm and lucky for us, he wrote about about the journey so far, so that we can have in on his learnings. Make sure to follow own on Twitter or Instagram @IrishRainforest for more facts and leaves to add to your book![02:45] Introduction from Eoghan & the farm he is rewilding.[07:30] “Invasive species” & how he managed them.[09:00] Reintroducing wolves or lynx back into Ireland.[17:45] What Ireland’s landscape looked like before agriculture.[21:30] How people can support Irish woodlands.[24:00] Favourite forest facts.[33:15] The misconception with Ivy.Also mentioned:The Native Woodland SchemeThe Irish Wildlife TrustNative Woodland TrustAs always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend xPatreon / Buy Me A Coffee

The wellness industry can be very hypocritical. On one hand it encourages it to be good to ourselves, while on the other it perpetuates harmful beauty standards or uses materials that exploit animals and the planet. Stefanie from Glow Circle is an amazing example of how you can break tradition and use the power of plants to create eco friendly, vegan products, and promote a wellness culture that doesn't exploit anyone. Check out www.glowcircle.ie or follow them on Instagram @glowcirlce_[04:40] Stefanie's introduction.[07:20] Keeping a sense of wonder[11:15] How Glow Circle came about. – Stefanie’s powerful birth story. [16:40] Skincare begins.[19:20] How the wellness industry is often not eco friendly. [24:05] Using self care to build resilience for the climate movement.[28:50] Examples of what various ailments plants are brilliant for.[34:25] How candles can be unsustainable.[42:20] Other markets Stef has coming up: RDS Gifted [44:50] The future, & random questions!Also mentioned:Kale & CocoGifted RDSSeaspiracyAs always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend xPatreon / Buy Me A Coffee

Only this year did I get to meet and work with Maeve for the first time, on a youth led climate project called Rising Tide (which is definitely worth checking out). Having known of her brilliant human rights and environmental activism through art for a long time, I'm only DElighted to finally have her on the show. You can check out her website here, where there's also a contact page, or follow her on Twitter @maevestone.[06:30] How Maeve went down a path of activism.[09:40] Change of Address & Direct Provision.[14:30] Defining artivism and her favourite examples.[20:40] Ireland’s role as storytellers in the climate movement.[24:35] Maeve’s suggestions on how we can be more inclusive.[30:40] 'How Do We Start?' book, and curiosity.[33:40] Stone Circle Jewellery.[45:10] Sustainable tips.[51:40] Random question: teleportation & fast travelAlso mentioned:Waking the FeministsIce Watch artivism exampleAN GHAEILGE AGUS AN ÉICEOLAÍOCHT (IRISH AND ECOLOGY) book by Michael Cronin32 Words for Field by Manchán MaganThe Accidental Activist show by Diane O'Connor& Time To Act protest this Friday 11/11/22 at 12pm, leaving from Trinity College!As always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend xPatreon / Buy Me A Coffee