So Circular Radio Show/Podcast
So Circular is a radio show/podcast by Remix Plastic that discusses sustainability and circular economy*. We provide individuals ways they can make a positive change in the world and give local examples of
Ōhanga Āmiomio, circular economy in action.
When: Aired throughout 2020
Where: Originally aired Plains FM 96.9
Now available on YouTube - links for each episode below.
Brought to you by Plains FM with sponsorship from The Rubbish Whisperer.
Supported with funding from NZ on Air
*What is a Circular Economy?
Looking beyond the current take-make-waste extractive industrial model, a circular economy aims to redefine growth, focusing on positive society-wide benefits. It entails gradually decoupling economic activity from the consumption of finite resources, and designing waste out of the system. Underpinned by a transition to renewable energy sources, the circular model builds economic, natural, and social capital.
It is based on three principles:
- Design out waste and pollution
- Keep products and materials in use
- Regenerate natural systems
Ellen MacArthur Foundation
Third Industrial Revolution (Jeremy Rifkin)
Doughnut Economics (Kate Raworth)
Climate Lab – University of California
The Century of the Self Documentary Series (Adam Curtis)
The Circular Economy - WEA presentation I gave in 2019
How to Save the World Podcast - Waveney Warth and Tim Bat
Glossary
Listen: Plains FM Link
Link: Remix Plastic YouTube
Aired: 13th Nov 2019, 9.30am, Plains FM
Resources:
Again Again cup lending system
Container Deposit Scheme (as part of the Product Stewardship Scheme)
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation is a charity registered in the UK registered charity which aims to inspire a generation to re-think, re-design & build a positive future through the framework of a circular economy.
The (Pātaka Kai) Open Street Pantry Movement - community pantries around NZ
Link: Remix Plastic YouTube
Aired: 11th Dec 2019, 9.30am, Plains FM
Resources: 
Zero Carbon Bill Passed!
Happy Cow Milk Company (reached their crowdfunding goal in less than 24 hours!)
Global Rich List
Fabric Wrapping Tutorials
Wrappers Delight reusable wrap
Aired: 8th Jan 2020, Plains FM
Link: Remix Plastic YouTube
Resources:
NZ Government's proposed changes to the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS)
The Rubbish Trip's Zero Waste in New Zealand in 2019: Year in Review
Zero Waste in NZ! Facebook Group - great for discussing and celebrating waste reduction
Food Stuff's electric vehicle delivery fleet
Use your own container at supermarkets
Send us your sustainability wins or any questions - anthea@clevergreen.co.nz
Aired: Feb 2020 Plains FM
Link: Remix Plastic YouTube
Resources:
China ban on single use plastics
Climate Change education resource in New Zealand schools (news article and resources)
Face Your Waste campaign in Perth
University of California's Climate Lab
Mike Joy communicates freshwater quality issues to the government and the NZ public
Aired: March 2020 Plains FM
Link: Remix Plastic YouTube
Resources:
New KiwiSaver rules to ban investing in fossil fuels and illegal weapons
Colmar Brunton Better Futures Report
Commercial Composting Resource One Planet
Waste MINZ Compostable Packaging Guide
WasteMINZ Map of composting facilities that accept packaging
Pet Poo - Little Green Dog
Again Again cup lending system
Link: Remix Plastic YouTube
Aired: 8th Apr, 9.30am, Plains FM
Resources:
Accompanying blog post: How a Circular Economy can build resilient communities
Manufacturing face masks - ramping up production
Manufacturing face masks - retooling
EU Right to Repair legislation
3D printing healthcare equipment
Collaborative Coronavirus research
Ethical and sustainable businesses fare better in downturns
Ethical and sustainable investments fare better in downturns
Waste in the news:
Auckland's paper no longer sent to recyclers
Christchurch City Council sending recycling to landfills
Timaru District Council sending all waste to landfills
Mindful Money -
CareSaver - responsible KiwiSaver Scheme
350 org. - Fossil Free Banks
Link: Remix Plastic YouTube
Aired: May 2020 Plains FM
Resources:
Support a Green Covid Response Greenpeace Petition
New Zealand Made Products Facebook Group
Fast Fashion and Textile Waste blog post
A New Textiles Economy: Redesigning fashion’s future - Ellen MacArthur Foundation
Fashion and the Circular Economy - Ellen MacArthur Foundation
Treasure Hunting - Second hand shop database
Ethically Kate - NZ ethical fashion advocate
Holly McQuillan - Zero Waste Fashion Design
Aired: June 2020, Plains FM
Link: Remix Plastic YouTube
Resources:
Plastic-free business booms despite Covid-19 lockdown a week after opening
Sustain Aotearoa - an incorporated society of independent zero waste grocers across New Zealand
Global carbon emissions dropped an unprecedented 17% during the coronavirus lockdown
Himalayas Visible From 100 Miles Away as Air Quality Improves During Coronavirus Lockdowns
Coronavirus: 'Lockdown is opportunity of a lifetime for bike lanes'
The world is on lockdown. So where are all the carbon emissions coming from?
Coronavirus: Will bikes replace cars as Kiwis leave lockdown?
Boom time for New Zealand's rats as lockdown gives them free rein in cities
Are female leaders more successful at managing the coronavirus crisis?
Aired: July 2020, Plains FM
Link: Remix Plastic YouTube
Resources:
Plastic Free July (Official Page)
Waste MINZ (host Plastic Free July Aotearoa)
Organise a Plastic Free July Aotearoa Challenge in your workplace
Plastic Free July Aotearoa Facebook Page
Untested Assumptions and Unanswered Questions in the Plastics Boom
Plastics Top of Mind for Kiwis
Plastic in the World video (Helen's Do One Challenge)
One Planet waste reduction resource (Anthea's Do One Challenge)
Simple Swaps from Plastic Free July Aotearoa (including a bathroom tour video from us!)
Aired: August 12th 2020, Plains FM
Link: Remix Plastic YouTube
Resources:
Govt’s Product Stewardship Announcement A Turning Point In Waste Policy
Coal pulled from The Warehouse shelves and website
What Products Contain Palm Oil? - Orangutan Alliance
Palm Oil in New Zealand FB Group
Auckland Zoo Palm Oil resource
Alternative Names for Palm Oil
What can we use instead of palm oil?
What is wrong with palm kernel?
'Palm oil is God's gift,' claims Malaysia as it fights criticism with new slogan
The Final Countdown: Now or never to reform the palm oil industry
Aired: September 9th 2020, Plains FM
Link: Remix Plastic YouTube
Resources:
Government announces plan to tackle problem plastics and seven single-use plastic items
The Rubbish Trip: Resources to help you submit on govt’s proposal to ban some hard-to-recycle and single-use plastic items
Mutu - sharing economy app
War on Waste: Craig Reucassel reveals the shocking truth about our bananas
Demand for perfect fruit is ending in environmental waste
The (Pātaka Kai) Open Street Pantry Movement
We highly recommend the food waste episode of UCLA's Climate Lab series
Love Food Hate Waste - what we waste and reducing food waste
Aired: October 14th 2020 Plains FM
Link: Remix Plastic YouTube
Resources:
Free to use Environmental Business Assessment
Mutu sharing economy app
How Video Meetings Are Helping Reduce Environmental Impact
Foodprint food waste app
CoGo Carbon footprint calculator app
Third Industrial Revolution - Jeremy Rifkin documentary
The Story of Plastic - documentary about plastic waste
Internet of things and logistics
Electric vehicle driving efficiency
Sensibel - IoT cycling project
Distributed manufacturing: a new form of localised production?
Fairphone - modular smart phones
Other interesting links:
Calm the Farm - Regenerative Agriculture
"[So Circular] seems to me to be a nice way of talking normally about a subject that loads of people seem to think is only relevant for hippies and alternative people - its not so threatening or preachy this way"