The Wild West of sustainability is over | Cool Planet’s Daniel Harper

The Wild West of sustainability is over | Cool Planet’s Daniel Harper

Sustainability has shifted from a “nice to have” to a core business risk conversation. In this episode, Daniel Harper, Director of Cool Planet, unpacks what nearly 20 years of working in climate strategy has taught him about how businesses really move. From the early “wild west” days of carbon offsets to mandatory climate disclosure, supply chain pressure and the pivot from carbon neutral to net zero, this is a grounded look at what’s actually happening in the ESG space.. You’ll hear why regulatory certainty matters more than most people realise, how supplier tiering is reshaping procurement decisions, where carbon offset distrust comes from (including why some carbon credits cost under $2 while others sit closer to $50… and what that gap means for credibility) and why some industries like hospitality are evolving faster than others. If you’re unsure whether to start or scale your sustainability efforts, this episode breaks down the steps and tools to get moving in a way that makes clear business sense. You’ll hear and learn: * Why mandatory climate disclosure reframes sustainability as business risk, not environmental charity * How large organisations are quietly ranking suppliers based on net zero targets and carbon reporting * The real difference between carbon neutral and net zero — and why offset quality matters * Where reputational risk and greenwashing scrutiny are increasing, and how to protect your brand * Why starting early reduces future compliance pressure, protects profit and creates commercial advantage   Founders, sustainability leads, procurement teams and business owners who want clarity on climate reporting, supplier pressure, net zero strategy and how to turn sustainability from a compliance task into a commercial advantage.   MENTIONS: * Cool Planet [https://www.coolplanet.com.au/] * Climate Active [https://www.climateactive.org.au/] * Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) [https://www.dcceew.gov.au/climate-change/emissions-reduction/accu-scheme] * Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) [https://sciencebasedtargets.org/]   LINKS: Learn more about https://www.sustainabilitytracker.com/about/SustainabilityTracker.com [https://www.sustainabilitytracker.com/about/] Learn more about https://www.sustainabilitytracker.com/podcasts/The Sustainable Transformation Podcast [https://www.sustainabilitytracker.com/podcasts/] Follow The Sustainable Choice Group on https://www.linkedin.com/company/sustainablechoice/LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/sustainablechoice/], https://www.instagram.com/sustainabilitytracker/Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sustainabilitytracker/], and https://www.tiktok.com/@sustainabilitytrackerTikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@sustainabilitytracker] Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind-the-scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial   CREDITS: Host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiarne-treacy/Kiarne Treacy [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiarne-treacy/] Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravimandalika/Daniel Harper [https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-harper-43647010/] Guest Company: Cool Planet [https://www.linkedin.com/company/coolplanet/] Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.au Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we produced this podcast, the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation. See https://omnystudio.com/policies/listeneromnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/policies/listener] for privacy information See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

How sustainable is the tuna on your shelf? | Simplot Australia’s Phoebe Dowling

What’s hot right now? Traceability. Transparency. Tinned tuna (seriously). Kiarne sits down with Phoebe Dowling [https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebe-dowling-337b0a6/], Director of Global Food Sustainability at Simplot [https://simplot.com.au/]. The powerhouse behind brands like John West [https://johnwest.com.au/], Bird’s Eye [https://birdseye.com.au/] and Edgell [https://edgell.com.au/] to unpack what sits behind certification, fishing methods and the labels we rely on at the supermarket. Overfishing is a global challenge. A third of global fish stocks are overfished, and demand continues to rise. Phoebe explains what MSC certification is designed to safeguard, why 96% of John West products carry the blue tick, and why the remaining 4% is more complex than it first appears. You’ll hear why species matters, why fishing methods matter just as much and how something that sounds simple can have so much nuance. This conversation moves beyond shelf claims to explore traceability, trade-offs and what responsible sourcing really requires inside a global food business. What you'll hear: * What “FAD-free” actually means * The truth about pole & line fishing, certifications and overfished species like yellowfin * Why traceability is becoming a non-negotiable in food supply chains * Simplot’s practical (and refreshingly honest) approach to balancing sustainability with business viability * What Phoebe wishes every sustainability leader knew about trade-offs, investment and making the financial case for ESG This episode will leave you thinking differently about what ends up on your plate… and what your organisation puts on its labels.   LINKS: Learn more about SustainabilityTracker.com [https://www.sustainabilitytracker.com/about/] Learn more about The Sustainable Transformation Podcast [https://www.sustainabilitytracker.com/podcasts/] Follow The Sustainable Choice Group on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/sustainablechoice/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sustainabilitytracker/], and TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@sustainabilitytracker] Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind-the-scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial   CREDITS: Host: Kiarne Treacy [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiarne-treacy/] Guest: Phoebe Dowling [https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebe-dowling-337b0a6/] Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.au Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we produced this podcast, the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Circularity only works if it pays | Big Bag Recovery’s Stephen Richards

What does it really take to make circular economy systems work at scale — beyond the theory and good intentions? In this episode of The Sustainable Transformation Podcast, Kiarne Treacy sits down with Stephen Richards, Founder and Managing Director of Big Bag Recovery, to unpack the hard, practical work behind building circular infrastructure in Australia. Stephen shares how Big Bag Recovery began in Far North Queensland solving fertiliser bag waste, why circular systems must be commercially viable to survive, and what happens when businesses are willing to pay to solve their own waste problems. The conversation covers traceability, funding realities, why collaboration across competitors is essential, and how Big Bag Recovery built technology from day one to prove outcomes and build trust. They also dig into what went wrong with REDcycle, why single-polymer systems matter, how recycled materials can be turned back into required products, and why environmental sustainability only works when commercial sustainability comes first. This is a practical, no-nonsense look at what real circularity actually requires.   You’ll hear and learn: * Why circular economy systems must be commercially viable to last * How industry-wide collaboration enables circular solutions competitors can’t build alone * Why traceability and data are critical for trust, reporting and scale * What went wrong with multi-polymer recycling systems like REDcycle * How circularity works best when recycled materials replace required products, not novelty items   This episode is a must-listen for sustainability leaders, packaging and procurement teams, and anyone trying to make circular economy solutions work commercially, at scale and in the real world.   MENTIONS: * Circular Communities Australia [https://circularcommunitiesaustralia.com.au/] * Australia Post [https://auspost.com.au/about-us/corporate-responsibility] * APCO [https://apco.org.au/] * Product Stewardship [https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/protection/waste/product-stewardship] * reMADE in Australia [https://www.remade.org.au/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22443550064&gbraid=0AAAAA_KvjOqhdglU-CygwrNNmNcNauRXv&gclid=Cj0KCQiAhaHMBhD2ARIsAPAU_D5LjewWerbF_YpMK5sMaxnjYRbhbf0GSchdoRVwfZZ5UhziwZctNpsaAvOQEALw_wcB] * Big Bag Recovery brand involved [https://www.bigbagrecovery.com.au/#brands] * Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s advice on taking responsibility for our packaging [https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/protection/waste/packaging/taking-responsibility-for-our-packaging#dcceew-main]   LINKS: Learn more about SustainabilityTracker.com [https://www.sustainabilitytracker.com/about/] Learn more about The Sustainable Transformation Podcast [https://www.sustainabilitytracker.com/podcasts/] Follow The Sustainable Choice Group on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/sustainablechoice/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sustainabilitytracker/], and TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@sustainabilitytracker] Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind-the-scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial   CREDITS: Host: Kiarne Treacy [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiarne-treacy/] Guest: Stephen Richards [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-richards-0a33881a5/] Guest Company: Big Bag Recovery [https://www.bigbagrecovery.com.au/] Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.au Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we produced this podcast, the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/policies/listener] for privacy information See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Inside the 1% Model | Kate Williams, 1% for the Planet

What does credible environmental giving look like when it’s built into the way a business operates, year after year? In this episode of the Sustainable Transformation Podcast, Kiarne Treacy is joined by Kate Williams, CEO of 1% for the Planet, to unpack how the 1% model works in practice — and why accountability, choice and long-term commitment sit at the centre of its impact. Kate explains why 1% for the Planet isn’t a foundation, how direct relationships between businesses and environmental partners strengthen trust, and why giving people choice leads to more durable commitments. The conversation also explores why climate philanthropy is stalling in some regions, how confusion and fear of being called out can slow action, and why breaking climate work into tangible, human-centred impact areas helps people move forward. They discuss why progress matters more than perfection, how verification supports credibility, and why engaging more businesses — not pushing existing ones to give more — is key to scaling impact. This is a practical conversation for anyone navigating purpose, credibility and responsibility inside a business.   You’ll hear and learn: * How the 1% for the Planet model actually works, including verification and accountability * Why choice in giving leads to longer-term, more committed impact * How direct partnerships between businesses and nonprofits change engagement * Why climate philanthropy is slowing and what’s causing hesitation * How breaking climate work into human, place-based actions helps people act   This episode is a must listen for business leaders, sustainability professionals, founders and anyone curious about how credible environmental commitments work in practice, and how businesses can turn values into verified, long-term impact.   MENTIONS: * 1% for the Planet [https://www.onepercentfortheplanet.org/] * 1% for the Planet Member Directory [https://directories.onepercentfortheplanet.org/?accountType=business&viewMode=list&__hstc=129216466.94e799f3de59bc2e8999f5f129b3913d.1769058385912.1769058385912.1769058385912.1&__hssc=129216466.3.1769058385912&__hsfp=77000bbf59276eca0ce3f640ca1403d1] * 1% for the Planet - How to become a member [https://www.onepercentfortheplanet.org/membership]   LINKS: Learn more about SustainabilityTracker.com [https://www.sustainabilitytracker.com/about/] Learn more about The Sustainable Transformation Podcast [https://www.sustainabilitytracker.com/podcasts/] Follow The Sustainable Choice Group on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/sustainablechoice/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sustainabilitytracker/], and TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@sustainabilitytracker] Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind-the-scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial   CREDITS: Host: Kiarne Treacy [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiarne-treacy/] Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravimandalika/Kate Williams [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katewilliams87/] Guest Company: 1% for the Planet [https://www.onepercentfortheplanet.org/] Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.au Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we produced this podcast, the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/policies/listener] for privacy information See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

The Clean Up that changed Australia | Clean Up Australia’s Pip Kiernan

What started as one person refusing to look away has become one of Australia’s most enduring community movements. Kiarne Treacy sits down with Pip Kiernan, Chair of Clean Up Australia, to reflect on the legacy of a movement that has mobilised 23 million Australians over 35 years… and why the work is far from done. Pip shares the origin story behind Clean Up Australia, sparked when her father Ian Kiernan encountered severe plastic pollution in the Sargasso Sea and returned home determined to act. After being formally told a community clean-up of Sydney Harbour “couldn’t be done”, he did it anyway. Gathering 40,000 volunteers even before social media existed. The conversation explores how litter has changed over time, what waste tells us about our consumption habits and why prevention is the next frontier. From cigarette butts and vapes to packaging design and regulation, Pip unpacks the systems that keep waste circulating, and what it will take to finally break the cycle. You’ll hear and learn: * How Clean Up Australia began * What 23 million volunteers reveal about Australia’s relationship with waste * How regulation has reduced items like plastic straws, and what remains the most common litter item today * What the growing environmental problems really are in rubbish * How clean-ups change behaviour long after the rubbish is gone * Why waste prevention and product design matter more than end-of-life fixes * Pip’s advice for anyone worried about an issue but unsure where to start   This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in how community action becomes national impact… and what 35 years of clean ups reveal about waste, behaviour and systems change in Australia.   MENTIONS: * Clean Up Australia [https://www.cleanup.org.au/] * Clean Up Australia Day [https://www.cleanup.org.au/clean-up-australia-day/] * Clean Up Australia’s Annual Litter Report [https://www.cleanup.org.au/litter-report/] * Clean Up Australia’s Waste Challenges [https://www.cleanup.org.au/waste-challenges/]   LINKS: Learn more about https://www.sustainabilitytracker.com/about/SustainabilityTracker.com [https://www.sustainabilitytracker.com/about/] Learn more about https://www.sustainabilitytracker.com/podcasts/The Sustainable Transformation Podcast [https://www.sustainabilitytracker.com/podcasts/] Follow The Sustainable Choice Group on https://www.linkedin.com/company/sustainablechoice/LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/sustainablechoice/], https://www.instagram.com/sustainabilitytracker/Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sustainabilitytracker/], and https://www.tiktok.com/@sustainabilitytrackerTikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@sustainabilitytracker] Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind-the-scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial   CREDITS: Host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiarne-treacy/Kiarne Treacy [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiarne-treacy/] Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravimandalika/Pip Kiernan [https://www.linkedin.com/in/pipkiernan/] Guest Company: Clean Up Australia [https://www.cleanup.org.au/] Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.au Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we produced this podcast, the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation. See https://omnystudio.com/policies/listeneromnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/policies/listener] for privacy information See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.