Green Sense in association with Earthology and Phoenix FM

In this inspiring episode, Sarah sits down with Agnese from CIRCULÉIRE to explore how the circular economy is transforming business and the planet. Agnese shares her passion for demystifying risk and enabling businesses to adopt innovative, sustainable practices that keep materials in use longer and reduce waste. What You’ll Learn: The Power of Circular Networks: Discover how the CIRCULÉIRE brings together over 50 diverse companies, from plastics to textiles, to co-create impactful solutions. Creative Circular Practices: Learn about ingenious examples like remanufacturing unused cigarettes into eyewear frames and refurbishing furniture using dead stock fabric. Overcoming Barriers to Circularity: Agnese shares insights on tackling the initial cost challenges and scaling circular innovations for businesses of all sizes. The conversation also delves into the role of the Irish government in promoting circularity, the importance of sustainable materials, and the connection between circular business models and climate action. Agnese’s Top 3 Tips for Climate Action: Think Before You Buy: Reflect on whether you truly need a product before purchasing. Support Circular Businesses: Choose companies that prioritise reuse, repurposing, and sustainable design. Advocate for Change: Encourage businesses and policymakers to adopt circular practices. About Agnese: Agnese Metitieri joined IMR Sustainable Manufacturing team as Circular Economy Innovation Lead and is now the Circular Economy Ventures Lead. In the context of CIRCULÉIRE, the first cross-sectoral industry-led innovation network dedicated to accelerating the net-zero carbon circular economy in Ireland, she is scoping, designing, delivering for CIRCULEIRE’s CE accelerator - from recruitment of ventures to preparation and delivery of webinars, workshops and clinics and post-activity reporting and everything in between. Her role encompasses the provision of advisory support and mentorship to ventures/start-ups and SMEs seeking to scale circular business models or pilot circular innovation - ranging but not limited to input into investor pitch packs, investor readiness, strategy and market placement and communication of circular value proposition. With an academic background in Energy Engineering, she has gained knowledge and expertise in sustainability, circular economy and climate impact, alongside becoming highly skilled in coaching, mentoring and storytelling. Agnese worked for many years as an international freelance consultant moved by a deep commitment to the shift to a more sustainable, just and prosperous future for all." This episode is packed with practical advice and inspiring stories to help you rethink waste and embrace the future of sustainability! Linkedin Profile: https://ie.linkedin.com/in/agnesemetitieri IMR website: Irish Manufacturing Research - Demystify, Derisk and Deliver CIRCULÉIRE website: Homepage | CIRCULÉIRE

Join Sarah as she chats with Johnny Meehan, a Blanchardstown native with a fascinating journey from corporate supply chains to championing sustainability. With a background spanning law, business, and the food industry, Johnny brings a unique perspective on how personal choices and community-driven action can create global impact. What You’ll Discover: From Factory Floors to Farms: Johnny’s career evolution—from Intel to Cadbury’s and Tony’s Chocolonely—revealed the hidden stories behind food supply chains, sparking his passion for sustainability. The Power of Local and Global Action: How diversifying Irish farming, fixing food systems, and engaging communities can lead to healthier lives and a greener planet. Corporate Accountability and Climate Change: Johnny unpacks the sobering truth about corporate pollution and the role of transparency in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) ratings. Johnny’s insights highlight how businesses can deliver profit while protecting the planet, the importance of fostering local integration, and the need to mentor younger generations for sustainable change. Johnny’s Top 3 Climate Action Tips: Seek Inspiration: Learn from environmental icons like Mary Robinson and David Attenborough. Engage Your Community: Collaborate with younger generations and neighbours to foster change. Track Small Wins: Adopt the 1% better rule—small, consistent steps add up to significant impact. Dive into Johnny’s story to find inspiration for your own sustainable journey. Connect with Johnny Meehan on linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnnymeehan/ 

In this episode, Sarah talks to Niall Quirke, a former Amazon and Microsoft software engineer who made a bold leap from big tech to sustainability during the pandemic. Now the founder of Greenpage, Niall shares his journey into climate tech and his mission to revolutionise the way ethical products connect with conscious shoppers. From Tech to Climate Impact: Niall’s inspiring transition from Silicon Valley to sustainability, fueled by a post-grad in sustainability and freelancing in climate tech. The Challenges of Ethical Shopping: Why it’s hard for sustainable brands to cut through the noise and for shoppers to trust what’s behind the label. Greenpage’s Mission: How this platform is reshaping the marketplace by helping sustainable brands tell authentic stories while empowering consumers to support businesses that align with their values. Discover the impact Greenpage is making and explore their Green Christmas Guide 2024, packed with top sustainable Irish gift ideas. Follow Niall and Greenpage: Niall’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/niallquirke Greenpage Website: greenpage.io Greenpage LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/greenpage Green Christmas Guide 2024: Top Sustainable Irish Gift Ideas Join us as we explore how technology and storytelling can help sustainable products thrive. More about Niall: Niall Quirke is an ex-Amazon, ex-Microsoft Software Engineer who left big tech during the pandemic to do a post-grad in sustainability and work on climate tech. While freelancing in the space he came to understand how difficult it was for sustainable brands to communicate above the noise and how difficult it was for ethical shoppers to find them and understand what's going on behind each product. Greenpage is on a mission to bridge that gap and help sustainable products win. On Greenpage brands can tell the story behind each product in a trustworthy and engaging way and shoppers can support the kind of business they believe in.

In this heartwarming episode, Sarah chats with Aoife, the creator of Timeless Celebrations, to explore how festive traditions can align with sustainability. From reusable Christmas crackers to supporting local artisans, Aoife shares her journey as an eco-entrepreneur and her vision for more mindful celebrations. Having studied business and worked for over 10 years in both the food and pharmaceutical industry, specialising in supply chain. Aoife decided in 2016 to explore her creative side and learnt to sew. What started as a hobby, became a business in 2020 while she was living in Switzerland and on her return home to Ireland, set up her own business, Timeless Celebrations Ireland®. Her love for beautiful Christmas decorations has led her to design and create Timeless Crackers®, the first luxury reusable Christmas Crackers of their kind made in Ireland.  With approximately 10 million single use Christmas Crackers pulled in Ireland every year, at Timeless Celebrations Ireland, the mission is to reduce waste and increase thoughtfulness throughout the festive season. Maintaining family traditions, in a sustainable way, is at the heart of Aoife's business.  Revolutionising Holiday Traditions: Aoife introduces her luxury reusable fabric Christmas crackers, designed as a fun, waste-free alternative to traditional ones. She discusses their versatility, from Christmas to Easter celebrations, and her plans to offer refill options for different occasions. Sustainability in Business: Aoife highlights the challenges of running a sustainable business, emphasising the importance of keeping production local, collaborating with Irish businesses, and balancing eco-friendliness with higher costs. Mindful Festivities: Sarah and Aoife reflect on the environmental impact of holiday excess and how reusable crackers promote a simpler, more mindful way of celebrating. They also discuss options for those seeking budget-friendly sustainable solutions. Buy Secondhand: Choose preloved items to reduce waste. Make Small Changes: Start with manageable eco-friendly habits. Support Local: Prioritise products from local businesses. Let’s transform traditions into opportunities for sustainability! LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/aoife-mchugh-723b9549 Instagram: Instagram.com/timelesscelebrationsireland/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timelesscelebrationsireland Website: www.timelesscelebrationsireland.com